Black Actresses Who Were Forced To Change Their Hair

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For years, Hollywood has had limited ideas of what’s considered beautiful, and this has often affected how Black women are shown in movies and TV. Many actresses have said they were forced to chemically straighten their hair or hide its natural texture to get certain roles. This was often because there weren’t enough hair stylists on set who knew how to work with natural Black hair. Over time, actresses have fought for the right to wear their hair naturally in major roles. This change shows the continuing discussion about hair discrimination and the need for better representation in Hollywood.

Viola Davis

The actress spent years feeling she had to wear wigs to meet Hollywood’s beauty expectations. She’s described these wigs as feeling like a disguise early in her career. While filming ‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ she made a bold decision to remove her wig during an important scene. This moment was groundbreaking for television, challenging traditional ideas about how Black women and their hair are portrayed. She continues to speak out and promote genuine representation in the entertainment world.

Gabrielle Union

Throughout her career, the actress frequently faced pressure to alter her natural hair for professional roles. She shared stories of stylists struggling with her hair texture, often requiring her to wear wigs or extensions. While working on ‘Being Mary Jane,’ she made a point of showcasing realistic Black hairstyles for her character. These experiences inspired her to create her own hair care line for textured hair, and she continues to speak out about the need for more diversity in Hollywood’s hair and makeup teams.

Monique Coleman

During the ‘High School Musical’ movies, the actress often wore headbands to hide the fact that the hair stylists didn’t know how to properly care for her natural hair. The production crew lacked experience with her hair type, so headbands were a quick solution. This became a well-known example of the difficulties Black actors sometimes face on film sets. Even though it was a behind-the-scenes fix, her character, Taylor McKessie, became famous for her headband style.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

While starring in the show ‘Sister, Sister,’ the actress frequently had to straighten her hair to fit a certain look. As she and her twin sister got older, the pressure to meet conventional beauty expectations grew. She ultimately chose to wear her natural curls and share that change with the public, which was a big moment for her fans. She documented this process on social media and during interviews, and has since become a role model for others wanting to embrace their natural hair.

Tracee Ellis Ross

While acting on the popular show ‘Girlfriends,’ the actress made a point of showcasing her character’s natural hair. She’s spoken about how, earlier in her career, she frequently faced pressure to straighten her curls or use damaging heat styling. By staying true to her natural hair texture, she helped shift beauty standards on television. Later, she launched a hair care line specifically for people with curly and coily hair. She continues to advocate for Black women in the public eye to have control over their own hair and beauty choices.

Lupita Nyong’o

Even though she’s won an Academy Award, the actress has sometimes had her hair digitally changed in photos. She’s criticized magazines for straightening her naturally textured hair to match European beauty standards. When filming, she works closely with hair stylists to make sure her hair is showcased as it is, not altered. She’s known for wearing elaborate and unique natural hairstyles on the red carpet. She continues to be a strong voice for celebrating the beauty of natural African hair in media around the world.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae, the creator and star of ‘Insecure,’ intentionally showcased the beauty and flexibility of natural hair throughout her show. Early in her career, she faced pressure to conform to industry standards that implied wearing natural hairstyles could restrict her roles. Rae defied those expectations, making natural hair a key part of her characters’ identity. Her work has been crucial in demonstrating that natural hair textures are perfectly acceptable for leading actresses in any type of story. She remains committed to fostering more inclusive and diverse work environments on all her projects.

Taraji P. Henson

The actress recalls having to style her own hair at the beginning of her career because productions often didn’t employ stylists experienced with Black hair, which frequently caused damage. She’s spoken openly about the financial and emotional strain this puts on Black actresses. While working on ‘Empire,’ she embraced diverse hairstyles but always remembered the industry’s challenges. These experiences inspired her to develop a line of hair and scalp care products.

Halle Berry

When the actress first started out, she was frequently advised to keep her hair long and straight if she wanted to land major roles. She famously went against this advice, choosing a short, pixie cut that became her trademark. Although it was a personal decision, her agents and casting directors were initially hesitant. Ultimately, her success showed that unique styles could still become popular with a wide audience. Throughout her career, she’s experimented with different looks, always aware of what the industry expected.

Zendaya

The actress became a strong voice for celebrating all hair types after she received negative feedback for wearing locs at a public event. This led to a worldwide discussion about respecting different cultures and ending discrimination based on hair. Since then, she’s intentionally showcased a variety of natural and healthy hairstyles in her acting roles. While filming ‘K.C. Undercover,’ she made sure she had creative control over her appearance to stay true to herself. Because of her, many young performers now feel more comfortable and confident embracing their natural looks.

Keke Palmer

Growing up as a public figure, the actress has dealt with changing expectations for her hair. She’s spoken about how frequent styling for TV roles caused a lot of damage and hair loss. To protect her hair, she started using wigs and weaves to achieve the looks required for her work. She’s been open with her fans about the challenges the entertainment industry poses for Black hair health. Now, she strives to balance her professional commitments with keeping her natural hair healthy.

Marsai Martin

The young actress from ‘Black-ish’ has built her career as expectations around hair have been changing. She’s been open about needing hair stylists who know how to work with her natural hair texture, and she actively chooses to wear braids and other natural styles both on screen and in public. This is important because it shows young Black girls that their natural hair is beautiful and acceptable. Her production company also makes sure to hire a diverse team of people.

Yara Shahidi

The actress, known for her role in ‘Grown-ish,’ has often been able to showcase her natural curls in her work. However, she points out that the entertainment industry as a whole still needs to improve its understanding of diverse hair types. She partners with skilled stylists who specialize in curly hair to keep her hair healthy during long shoots. By consistently wearing her natural hair, she’s become an inspiration in fashion and beauty, and she continues to use her voice to champion social justice and better representation.

Meagan Good

Throughout her career, the actress felt pressured to conform to a specific look – typically long, straight hair – to land romantic lead roles, as that’s what Hollywood traditionally considered beautiful. Lately, she’s been choosing styles that protect her natural hair, like goddess faux locs, and has used these looks in several projects. She’s observed that the entertainment industry is now more open to a wider range of hair textures than it used to be. This change in her style choices shows how she’s grown as a person and become more confident.

Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington usually wore her hair straight while playing Olivia Pope on ‘Scandal’. She’s talked about working closely with her hairstylist to keep her hair healthy despite the frequent use of heat styling. The straight look was chosen for the character, but it also reflected how professional women were often portrayed on TV. Now, she often wears her hair in its natural texture, both in her personal life and in new acting roles. She continues to be a strong advocate for greater diversity and representation in the beauty world.

Naomie Harris

The actress has talked about how she used to feel pressure to style her hair a certain way when she first started working in the film industry. When she became part of the James Bond films, she collaborated with the team to create hairstyles that suited her character. She believes hair stylists on big movie sets need more training, and she’s proud that appearing in major films with her natural hair is helping others see more diverse representation. She’s committed to taking on roles where she can be her true self.

Thandiwe Newton

The actress has often discussed the pressure she faced to change her appearance to meet Hollywood’s standards. She remembers times when her natural hair was seen as something that needed fixing, instead of being appreciated. Working on ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ was different – she was finally able to wear her hair in a way that felt true to herself. This was a welcome change from earlier in her career, when she felt she had less control over how she presented herself. She continues to be a strong voice for Black actors and their right to be treated with respect.

Amandla Stenberg

The actress became well-known through her role in ‘The Hunger Games,’ but also faced a lot of attention and judgment about how she looked. She’s spoken openly about how hair is a political issue for Black women, especially in the media. Throughout her career, she’s tried out many different natural hairstyles, from short afros to braids. She frequently uses her platform to question conventional beauty standards and encourage people to embrace themselves. Her work continues to spark important discussions about identity and seeing diverse representation.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw

This actress frequently appears in historical dramas that demand historically accurate hairstyles. Despite these requirements, she’s always prioritized keeping her natural curls healthy. For example, in films like ‘Belle’, her hair was styled to showcase its texture while still being appropriate for the period. She emphasizes how crucial it is to work with a hair team that understands and respects the unique needs of textured hair. Her work proves that natural hair can be beautifully incorporated into all kinds of stories.

Teyonah Parris

The actress, famous for her work in ‘Mad Men’ and ‘WandaVision’, has long been a strong advocate for embracing natural hair. Early in her career, she gained attention for wearing her hair naturally on the red carpet, at a time when it wasn’t as widely accepted. She often styles her own hair, or collaborates with a few trusted stylists, to make sure it looks just right. This dedication to her curls has made her a role model for the natural hair community, and she consistently demonstrates that natural hair can be both versatile and elegant in any setting.

Nicole Ari Parker

As a film buff, I’ve been really impressed with this actress’s openness about the struggles of keeping hair healthy on set – especially the constant heat styling and chemical treatments that often get expected of Black actresses. It’s amazing she’s not just talked about it, but actually done something, creating her own hair accessories to protect styles, even while working out! And you can see it on ‘And Just Like That’ – her character’s polished looks really reflect her status, but it’s clear she’s also prioritizing hair health. She’s become a real advocate for finding workable solutions for Black hair care, which I really admire.

Vanessa Williams

Being the first Black Miss America meant Vanessa Williams faced a lot of pressure to fit a certain image of beauty. During her acting career, she often styled her hair straight, which was typical for TV and movies at the time. She’s talked about how the entertainment industry has changed, and now Black women have more choices when it comes to how they present themselves. While she still experiments with different looks, she’s happy to see more acceptance and celebration of natural hair textures. Ultimately, her work has opened doors for many other Black women in the industry.

Holly Robinson Peete

This actress has worked in the film industry for many years and has witnessed how hair trends have changed over time. She’s spoken about the need to protect her hair from the damage caused by frequent styling for roles. Early in her career, her hairstyles followed popular trends. Now, she shares her knowledge to guide new actresses. She’s still a well-respected voice who promotes health and wellness within the Black community.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Janelle James, known for her role in ‘Abbott Elementary,’ has worked in the entertainment industry for years and has witnessed how attitudes toward Black hair have evolved. She frequently discusses the importance of staying true to yourself in Hollywood and has always prioritized excellent hair styling. James is a strong supporter of the CROWN Act, which aims to prevent discrimination based on hair texture and style. Her work on television continues to empower and inspire viewers.

Aja Naomi King

During her time on ‘How to Get Away with Murder,’ the actress’s hairstyles were carefully chosen to fit her character. She’s spoken about why it’s important to see natural hair represented in media and the positive effect it can have on audiences. Off-screen, she often wears her hair naturally and shares her hair care process with her fans. She’s also emphasized how helpful it is to work with a skilled hair team on set. As a quickly rising star, she consistently prioritizes being genuine and true to herself.

Logan Browning

The lead actress from ‘Dear White People’ has used her platform to discuss what it means to be Black, particularly focusing on hair. She’s openly shared her journey of embracing her natural curls after years of straightening and relaxing her hair. The show often highlighted the importance of hair, which connected with many people watching. She’s also spoken out about the need for better training in the beauty world so stylists can work with all different hair textures. Her honesty has created a strong connection with her fans and built a supportive community.

Zazie Beetz

The actress is famous for showcasing her natural hair – often styled in afros and other textured looks – in her movies. She’s shared that she frequently needs to request that her hair not be altered for roles. Her character, Domino, in ‘Deadpool 2’, was particularly celebrated for its authentic, natural appearance. She feels it’s crucial for audiences to see natural hair represented in action films, and she actively seeks out projects that allow her to express her personal style.

Danai Gurira

The actress, famous for her roles in ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Black Panther’, is well-known for her short hairstyles, sometimes even shaving her head. While these looks often suited her characters, they also challenged typical beauty standards. She’s talked about how freeing it feels to choose a style that isn’t based on having long or straight hair. Her work has broadened the image of a strong woman in film, and she continues to champion African stories and better representation in media.

Lashana Lynch

The actress made a significant impact on the James Bond series by proudly displaying her natural hair. She collaborated with the filmmakers to ensure her hairstyle honored both her background and the character she played, and she’s spoken about how important it was to remain true to herself for the role. Her work in ‘The Woman King’ further celebrated the beauty and power of natural African hairstyles. She’s a true pioneer, paving the way for Black women in action films.

Letitia Wright

The actress, a well-known face in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, frequently chooses braids and other protective hairstyles. She’s explained that these styles are not only convenient while filming, but also important to her cultural identity. She appreciates being able to showcase her heritage to a worldwide audience through her hair. Her on-screen characters often have a contemporary, tech-focused look that incorporates natural hair. She continues to be a role model for young people globally.

Jurnee Smollett

This actress began her career as a child and has seen how hairstyles in Hollywood have changed over the years. She recently embraced her natural curls after years of using heat to style her hair for different roles. While working on ‘Lovecraft Country,’ her hair was styled to fit the time period, but still showcased its natural texture. She’s spoken about how powerful it feels to wear her hair naturally. She remains a talented and versatile actress who celebrates her natural beauty.

Uzo Aduba

The actress first became well-known for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ where she wore bantu knots as her character. This hairstyle became instantly recognizable and led to important conversations about natural hair representation on TV. Since then, she’s been able to experiment with different hairstyles – both natural and straightened – in her other projects. While she acknowledges the entertainment industry is becoming more accepting, she believes continued effort is needed to promote inclusivity. Her skill and distinctive appearance have established her as a prominent figure in the industry.

Erika Alexander

Queen Latifah is well-known for her role in ‘Living Single,’ and she was a pioneer on television for frequently wearing braids and other natural hairstyles when they weren’t as widely seen. She’s long championed the importance of showing Black women’s diversity on screen and has always stayed true to herself in how she presents her appearance. Still working as an actress and producer today, her early work continues to inspire those who appreciate seeing natural hair represented.

Kim Fields

The actress began her career as a young performer and has always dealt with the pressures of being in the public eye. She’s talked about how her hairstyles were constantly changed to fit different roles throughout her career. Later, when she became a director and producer, she gained more control over how she and others were presented. She’s been very vocal about the importance of taking care of your hair and practicing self-care, and her long career has given her a special understanding of these topics.

Raven-Symoné

Growing up in the public eye, the actress has tried out countless hairstyles. She’s talked openly about feeling pressured to look a certain way when she was on the Disney Channel. Over time, she’s rocked everything from her natural curls to bold colors and even shaved parts of her head. Her ever-changing style shows how she’s grown as a person and expresses her creativity. She continues to be a strong voice speaking about who we are and what the media expects of us.

Regina Hall

This actress has thrived in both funny and serious roles, and her work has often required her to change her hairstyle. For many years, she frequently straightened her hair for film roles to fit the classic image of a leading actress. Lately, she’s been speaking out about how important it is to take care of her natural hair while working. She’s also happy to see that Hollywood is slowly gaining more hairstylists who are experienced with diverse hair types. Her talent for comedy and her ability to pull off many different looks have made her a well-known and reliable presence in the entertainment industry.

Tasha Smith

This actress and director is known for being outspoken and frequently changes her look for different roles. She’s a strong advocate for Black actresses taking control of their hair and makeup choices, and she consistently stresses the importance of having experienced hair and makeup teams on set who understand diverse hair textures. She also enjoys mentoring up-and-coming performers, helping them understand the technical side of the entertainment industry. With each new project, she’s proving herself as a leader in her field and continuing to thrive.

Angela Bassett

This celebrated actress is known for her consistently graceful and powerful on-screen presence. She’s transformed her look many times for different roles, experimenting with everything from short, natural hairstyles to elaborate wigs, especially when portraying real-life figures. She’s noted that changing her hair is often a key part of becoming a character. Throughout her long career, she’s always maintained exceptionally high standards for her overall style and hair health. She remains a shining example of poise and professionalism in Hollywood.

Octavia Spencer

The award-winning actress frequently takes on roles that demand historically accurate hairstyles. She’s talked about the effort involved in creating these looks while also keeping her own hair healthy. Often, her characters sport classic styles that fit the time period and the woman’s personality. She’s also pointed out that the film industry could do more to offer a wider range of hair care products for diverse hair types. Because of her success, she now has more control over how she appears on screen.

Cynthia Erivo

This actress is famous for her daring and inventive hairstyles, frequently sporting short cuts or vibrant colors. She confidently shows off her natural hair texture, creating a look that’s both contemporary and individual. For the film ‘Harriet,’ she chose a historically appropriate hairstyle that mirrored her character’s experiences. She consistently uses her hair to express herself, whether on the red carpet or in her roles. Her bold and confident style has cemented her status as a fashion icon in the entertainment industry.

Janelle Monáe

The singer and actress is known for her carefully chosen and unique hairstyles. She frequently showcases natural styles that are beautifully shaped and artistic, making them a key part of her public image. When working on films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight,’ her hair was styled to suit each character while still feeling genuine. She’s also been a strong voice for celebrating the beauty of Black hair in all its variety, and her work continues to challenge norms and promote better representation in fashion.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel, the writer and lead actress of ‘I May Destroy You,’ is known for her short hair or shaved head – it’s become her trademark style. She’s discussed how liberating it feels to reject typical beauty standards for hair. This choice reflects the themes of identity and self-exploration that are central to her work, including how we see ourselves physically. Critics have celebrated her genuine nature and her unwillingness to conform to traditional Hollywood expectations. She’s become a significant influence in both television and fashion.

Jodie Turner-Smith

The actress is well-known for her striking looks on the red carpet and her choice to wear short, natural hairstyles. She’s spoken about how important it is to demonstrate that short hair can be both beautiful and feminine. Her confidence and distinctive style shine through in her acting roles. She loves the freedom and flexibility that come with her natural hair texture. As a rising star, she’s increasingly challenging traditional ideas of beauty.

Dominique Fishback

The actress carefully selects roles and how she portrays characters, prioritizing authenticity. She’s a strong advocate for her characters wearing natural hairstyles that feel true to life. For example, in ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’ her character’s hair played a key role in representing her identity and the historical period. She sees natural hair as a meaningful way to tell stories and ensure better representation. This dedication to authenticity has earned her praise from critics and a loyal fanbase.

Rutina Wesley

The actress gained recognition for her role in ‘True Blood,’ often sporting natural or braided hairstyles. She’s talked about how important it is to see representation on TV, and she’s consistently stayed true to her personal style throughout her career. Her hair remained a key part of her character’s look on ‘Queen Sugar.’ She’s a highly respected actress who prioritizes authenticity in her roles.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

This acclaimed actress is known for playing strong, complex characters throughout her long career. She’s adapted to countless hairstyles for both historical and modern roles. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, she’s spoken out about the need for better representation in hair and makeup within the film industry. Critics consistently praise the depth and realism of her performances, and she remains a dedicated champion for Black actors in Hollywood.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks, known for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ is a strong voice for body acceptance and seeing natural hair celebrated. She’s openly talked about the challenges she’s faced as a dark-skinned woman with natural hair in the entertainment world. Over the years, she’s confidently worn various hairstyles, from afros to intricate braids. She frequently uses her public platform to inspire self-love and acceptance in others. Her achievements in both Broadway and television have made her a well-known and influential figure.

Samira Wiley

The actress is well-known for her roles in popular shows like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ and ‘Orange Is the New Black,’ often sporting short, natural hairstyles. She’s talked about how embracing her natural look boosted her confidence. Her characters feel real and genuine, and her hair often enhances that quality. She finds it very rewarding to be able to present her authentic self in her work. She’s become a role model for many, especially within the LGBTQ and Black communities.

Lovie Simone

The rising actress has gained recognition for her work in shows like ‘Greenleaf’ and the film ‘Selah and the Spades’. She’s known for confidently showcasing her natural hair in diverse and beautiful ways. She’s also been vocal about the importance of actresses having control over their own image. Her work embodies a shift in the industry, where embracing natural hair is becoming more common. She consistently chooses roles that allow her to demonstrate her skills and personal style.

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2026-02-19 12:21