This Black Model Being Shunned By Hairstylists Backstage Is A Cry For Inclusivity
Despite the #BlackGirlMagic that occurred during New York Fashion Week thanks to stars like Teyana Taylor, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Leslie Jones, it seems like overseas brown girls are still fighting to be appreciated — and acknowledged.
Over the weekend, Londone Myers posted time-lapse video on her Instagram while backstage at a Paris Fashion Week show. It doesn't sound groundbreaking, but the catch was that Londone was completely ignored by the show's hairstylists due to her thick hair texture.
See for yourself below:
Her IG caption was even more eye-opening to the lack of detail and knowledge of Black women's hair within the fashion industry:
"I don't need special treatment from anyone. What I need is for hairstylists to learn how to do black hair. I'm so tired of people avoiding doing my hair at shows. How dare you try to send me down the runway with a linty busted afro. We all know if you tried that on a white model you'd be #canceled. If one doesn't stand we all fall. If it isn't my fro it'll probably be yours."
#Message. We find this post so important because it brings awareness to the lack of knowledge of different hair textures, especially when it comes to Black beauty. We've heard time and time again about how models like Jourdan Dunn, Naomi Campbell, Leomie Anderson and more have been forced to do their own hair and makeup on major campaigns.
Hopefully this gains the attention of hairstylists, designers, producers, etc., because knowing how to style Black hair shouldn't be considered a "specialty," it should be a requirement.