15 Black Celebs Who Refused to Let Studios Straighten Their Hair

For decades, Black actors in Hollywood have faced pressure to change their appearance to meet traditional, European beauty standards. This was especially true with hair, where studios often insisted on straightening or using wigs for prominent roles. However, things are changing. More and more performers are now confidently demanding that their natural hair textures be respected and properly cared for, fighting for the freedom to showcase their authentic selves both on screen and at public events.

Viola Davis

In a memorable scene from ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, Viola Davis made a powerful statement by removing her wig. She wanted to portray a vulnerable, private moment for her character as her true self, without relying on hair styling to hide. Davis has also consistently worn her natural afro on red carpets, pushing back against typical Hollywood beauty expectations. This choice has empowered women to embrace their natural hair and feel confident in their own skin.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o is a strong voice for showing natural afro-textured hair in movies and photos. She spoke out when a magazine altered a picture of her to hide her natural ponytail, because it didn’t fit their idea of beauty. Nyong’o only works with hair stylists who appreciate and know how to style textured hair. Her unique and bold hairstyles on the red carpet are changing what’s considered fashionable.

Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman shared that the headbands her character, Taylor McKessie, wore in ‘High School Musical’ weren’t a fashion choice, but a solution to a problem: the crew didn’t have experience styling Black hair. Coleman suggested the headbands herself to avoid potential damage from stylists who lacked the necessary skills. This ultimately became Taylor’s trademark look throughout the movies, and it shed light on the limited diversity and training within Hollywood’s hair and makeup teams at that time.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union experienced discrimination while judging ‘America’s Got Talent’ because of her hair. She was reportedly told her hairstyles, particularly braids and other natural looks, weren’t suitable for the show’s audience. Despite this pressure, she continued to wear the styles she chose. Since then, Union has become a powerful advocate for equality and hair freedom in the workplace.

Trina Parks

Trina Parks was the first Black actress to play a Bond girl, appearing in ‘Diamonds Are Forever.’ She famously refused to wear the wigs the studio offered, choosing instead to style her hair in her natural braids. The filmmakers eventually agreed, and her look became a memorable part of movie history. Parks’ decision helped open the door for other actresses to ask for more genuine and authentic portrayals of their characters.

Zendaya

Zendaya spoke out after a TV host made insensitive remarks about her hairstyle at the Oscars – she wore faux locs. She used the opportunity to explain the cultural importance of the style. She also makes sure her contracts give her final say over how she looks, especially her hair, in her projects. Because of her actions, people started talking more about inclusivity and respect for different cultures when it comes to fashion and appearances.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has long been known for pushing back against traditional beauty standards, starting with her work in ‘The Hunger Games’. She often discusses the challenges Black people face regarding their hair, particularly the expectation to chemically straighten it for professional opportunities. Stenberg regularly chooses to wear her hair in natural styles like afros and braids, aiming to make these looks more common and accepted in media. Through her advocacy, she inspires young people to be proud of who they are, even when society tries to dictate otherwise.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross used to style her hair with heat, but eventually decided to celebrate her natural curls. Recognizing a gap in the beauty industry, she created her own haircare line specifically for textured hair. While filming ‘Black-ish,’ she made a point of wearing her hair naturally to portray a relatable, modern mom. Today, she remains a prominent voice in the natural hair community.

Sonequa Martin-Green

Sonequa Martin-Green has been a champion for natural hair in science fiction, notably on ‘Star Trek: Discovery’. She collaborated with the show’s creators to feature her character with diverse natural hairstyles, proving that natural hair is just as fitting for futuristic worlds. This representation has been important in challenging outdated ideas about what constitutes a professional appearance and breaking down stereotypes surrounding textured hair.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae’s show, ‘Insecure,’ was groundbreaking for its realistic portrayal of Black hair. She intentionally featured a variety of natural hairstyles, something rarely seen on TV, to reflect how Black women often switch up their looks. The show’s creators focused on keeping hair healthy and versatile, rather than forcing it to conform to typical, straightened styles often preferred by television studios. This dedication to authenticity completely changed the way Black hair is shown and styled on screen.

Cicely Tyson

Cicely Tyson made history as the first Black woman to wear cornrows on TV, in the series ‘East Side/West Side’. Despite facing strong pressure to change her appearance to fit 1960s beauty standards, she bravely refused to straighten her hair. This decision ignited a national discussion and encouraged many women to embrace their natural hair. Throughout her remarkable career, Tyson continued to advocate for Black beauty and pride.

Yara Shahidi

Yara Shahidi includes a special requirement in her work agreements to ensure her natural hair isn’t damaged by heat or poor styling. She prefers stylists who understand and can work with her unique curl type. Shahidi also uses her public voice to highlight the importance and empowerment that comes with embracing natural hair, and her character on ‘Grown-ish’ consistently showcases authentic, untreated hairstyles.

Zazie Beetz

Zazie Beetz is well-known for her large, natural afro, which she often sports in her movie roles. She insisted on keeping her hair’s natural texture when playing Domino in ‘Deadpool 2’ to provide authentic representation. Beetz feels it’s important for action films to showcase voluminous natural hair, and her style breaks the stereotype that female superheroes need straight or sleek hair.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris embraced her natural hair while working as an actress in Hollywood and decided to stop using chemical relaxers. She first covered her hair with a headwrap in the film ‘Dear White People,’ and then proudly showed off her natural curls in major Marvel movies. Parris is a strong advocate for celebrating Black hair’s versatility and believes it shouldn’t be hidden with wigs, instead encouraging styles that highlight its natural texture.

Susan Kelechi Watson

Susan Kelechi Watson worked closely with the hair team on ‘This Is Us’ to make sure her character, Beth, had a variety of hairstyles. She wanted to show that Black women put effort into their hair and don’t just naturally have perfect looks, challenging the common stereotype of Black characters always having the same hairstyle. This commitment led to some of the most talked-about hair moments on network TV.

Tell us which of these celebrity hair moments inspired you the most in the comments.

2025-12-08 15:15