Black Actresses Who Spoke Out About the Lack of Proper Hair and Makeup Artists on Set

For years, people have pointed out that the entertainment industry doesn’t always do a good job with hair and makeup for Black actors. Many actresses have shared stories of having to do their own hair and makeup, bringing their own products to set, just to make sure they look presentable. This shows there’s a widespread problem with stylists not knowing how to work with different hair types and skin tones in Hollywood. Because of this, there’s growing pressure to hire more diverse beauty professionals and require training for everyone working in film and TV makeup and hair departments.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle revealed she had to do her own hair styling for ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’ because the show’s hair department didn’t have the expertise to work with her natural hair texture. This meant she spent a lot of her own time making sure her character’s look stayed consistent, and it showed how a lack of experience with natural hair care is a problem for many in the entertainment industry.

Halle Bailey

You know, I was really fascinated to hear Halle Bailey talk about her experience filming ‘The Little Mermaid.’ She was determined to keep her locs natural throughout the whole process, and that meant working with a really skilled hair team. She was so grateful they understood how to work with her hair, and make it fit Ariel’s look. Honestly, it felt like a really important moment – seeing that level of care and representation on a big Disney set was just awesome.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry has shared how difficult it was for her and her sister to get their hair done while filming ‘Sister, Sister’. Back then, the show didn’t have stylists who understood how to care for curly hair, which often left their hair frizzy or damaged. Now, Tia is working to raise awareness about the need for more education on different hair types in the beauty world.

Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman shared that the headbands her character wore in ‘High School Musical’ were often used to cover up the fact that her hair wasn’t being styled well on set. The stylists lacked experience with her hair type, so she suggested the headbands as a quick fix. Her story became a popular example of the hidden challenges Black actresses sometimes face with hair and makeup in the film industry.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has spoken out frequently about the challenges Black actors face with hair and makeup in Hollywood. She’s often had to do her own makeup or hire her own stylists to make sure she looks her best for roles. Union points out that Black performers often have to work harder to achieve the same professional results as others. She’s pushing for changes within the unions that oversee hair and makeup artists to address this issue and create a more inclusive system.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has spoken about the challenges she encountered while working on films like ‘Hidden Figures’. She often had to provide her own hair products and stylist because sets frequently don’t have the resources or budget to properly care for Black hair. These experiences have led her to be more careful about choosing future projects.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has discussed the challenges she faced early in her career finding makeup artists who could accurately match her skin tone. She explained that using the wrong foundation often made her appear gray or lifeless on camera. Davis emphasized the importance of both lighting and makeup working together to properly showcase Black skin. Her experiences have brought attention to the often-overlooked technical difficulties of filming movies and TV shows with diverse casts.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross has often talked about the difficulties of getting her hair styled on TV shows like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She felt she needed to personally oversee her hair to avoid damage from heat and rough handling. This experience inspired her to create her own hair care line for curly and textured hair. She also continues to use her voice to teach the beauty industry about the importance of healthy natural hair.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has often spoken about how Black hair is depicted in movies and magazines. She once criticized a magazine for using digital editing to straighten her hair, making it conform to a European standard of beauty. On movie sets, she pushes for hair stylists who are skilled at working with natural, textured hair. By taking a stand, she’s helping to promote a more genuine and accurate portrayal of Black beauty in media.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin has highlighted how crucial it is for TV and movie sets to have stylists who are skilled with Black hair, especially for young actors. She’s grateful she grew up in a supportive environment that allowed her to confidently embrace her natural hair. However, she knows many other young performers don’t have the same experience. As a producer, Martin makes sure the sets she works on are welcoming and well-equipped to handle all hair types.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown frequently speaks out about the costs and effort Black actresses face when preparing for roles. She’s shared that she often does her own hair and makeup before arriving on set to avoid potential issues with stylists who may not be experienced with her hair and skin. She believes Black performers should be compensated for this additional work.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton shared her experiences with hair and makeup on the show ‘Power,’ explaining that it was often challenging to achieve authentic looks for her character. She believes a lack of diversity among the behind-the-scenes crew impacts what viewers see on screen and is advocating for more Black hair and makeup artists in leadership positions.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer prefers doing her own makeup for work because she wants to be sure she loves the final look. Throughout her career, she’s often found that makeup artists haven’t quite understood her skin tone. Doing her own glam gives her more confidence and helps her feel ready for photos and filming. Many other young performers have connected with her honesty about this issue.

Zendaya

Zendaya often does her own makeup for big events because she had frustrating experiences with makeup artists early in her career. She felt they sometimes didn’t capture her look well, using colors or techniques that made her unrecognizable. This led her to teach herself makeup so she could consistently achieve the look she wants and maintain her personal brand. Ultimately, she decided to rely on herself due to inconsistencies in the skills of professional makeup artists.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good recently shared her experiences from the beginning of her career, recalling the challenges of hair care on shows like ‘Cousin Skeeter.’ She often had to do her own hair or rely on family to get it ready for filming. While the situation has gotten a little better, she believes the industry still needs to improve, especially by providing more training in beauty schools about how to work with different hair and skin types.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley has had similar experiences to her sister when it comes to hair care on set early in their careers. They were frequently responsible for styling their own curly hair, which caused a lot of frustrating trial and error as young actresses. Now, she’s vocal about the importance of having better hair and makeup support for diverse hair types.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph is a veteran actress who has witnessed how beauty standards in hair and makeup have changed over the years. She’s shared stories about having to push for proper lighting and makeup during her Broadway and film work, often needing to advocate for herself to look her best. With a career spanning decades, she offers a unique insight into how slowly things are changing in Hollywood.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams has spoken about the specific difficulties she’s faced as a Black actress with lighter skin and a different hair type. She’s explained that hair and makeup stylists often made incorrect assumptions about her needs. Finding a beauty team that truly understands the complexities of Black hair and beauty has been a challenge, but she values those who do. Williams continues to push for better training and understanding within the beauty industry.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley shared her experiences with hair care while filming ‘Glee’. Because the show moved so quickly, her hair didn’t always get the attention it needed. This prompted her to start styling it herself to keep it healthy. She’s also been speaking out about the importance of providing better hair care resources for all actors on set.

Danielle Brooks

I’ve been so impressed listening to Danielle Brooks talk about her time on ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She’s explained that even though the show was great at representing diversity, the hair and makeup team really had to learn as they went. What really struck me is how important it is to her to actually look like herself while she’s performing – it clearly boosts her confidence and helps her connect with the role. And I admire her dedication to pushing for more Black artists to get opportunities in the beauty and entertainment industries – it’s something we all need to see more of!

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba emphasizes the value of seeing genuine representation in hair and makeup. She notes that her time on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ allowed for a more natural beauty look, but still required skilled professionals. Aduba believes a diverse glam team is beneficial for everyone involved in a production, and she especially appreciates artists who take the time to understand her unique skin and hair needs.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris has long championed the visibility of natural hair in movies and television, starting with her work on ‘Mad Men’. She often found herself as the sole voice requesting styles that celebrated her natural hair texture, especially while working on historical projects. Parris has said it’s tiring to constantly explain her hair needs to stylists and hopes her growing success will open doors for more natural hairstyles in all kinds of films and shows.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning, known for her role in ‘Dear White People’, has talked about the importance of proper hair care for her character. While the show prioritized getting hair right, she hasn’t always been so lucky on other sets. Browning has often had to educate stylists about how to work with her hair and the right tools to use. She feels that all professional hair stylists should be required to receive specialized training.

Candice Patton

Candice Patton, who played a lead role on ‘The Flash’, has openly discussed the challenges she faced as a Black actress on set. For several seasons, she advocated for the inclusion of a Black hairstylist to properly care for her hair, as the lack of one caused damage and stress. Eventually, her efforts were successful, improving conditions not only for herself but for other performers of color on the show.

Javicia Leslie

Javicia Leslie discussed how important her hair was when she became Batwoman. She collaborated with the show’s team to make sure her character’s hair looked natural and real. Leslie emphasized that having a team who supported her vision greatly improved her time on set, and she continues to advocate for more diversity in hair and beauty styling within superhero shows and movies.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham has revealed she frequently had to style her own hair or wear wigs while filming ‘The Vampire Diaries.’ This was because the on-set hair stylists weren’t always sure how to work with her hair texture, especially with the long shooting days. This made her feel insecure about how she looked on screen. Now, she’s speaking out about the need for more training and diversity among hair and makeup professionals.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel has discussed how important it was to maintain her natural curls during filming of ‘Game of Thrones.’ She was lucky to work with a team who understood and respected her hair texture, but she knows this isn’t always the case for others. Emmanuel often needs to clearly communicate her preferences for how her hair is styled and treated on set. She feels strongly that natural hair should be appreciated and well cared for in all film and television productions.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie has spoken about the difficulties she faced with hair and makeup while working on ‘Sleepy Hollow’. She explained that the show’s environment didn’t always support the needs of a Black actress in a leading role. Beharie has stressed that providing appropriate hair and makeup styling is a basic sign of respect and fairness in the workplace. These experiences have motivated her to advocate for improvements in the television industry.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji has commended the ‘Insecure’ team for their skill in styling Black hair and applying makeup. She explained that working with a crew who shared her background and understood her hair and makeup needs greatly improved her experience. This was a welcome change from other jobs where she felt she constantly had to oversee the process herself. Orji hopes the high standard set by ‘Insecure’ becomes standard practice throughout Hollywood.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae has consistently advocated for better representation of Black hair and makeup in the entertainment industry. While creating and starring in ‘Insecure,’ she prioritized hiring stylists and makeup artists who understood and catered to Black beauty needs. She’s openly discussed the challenges of working on sets where those needs were often overlooked. Because of her efforts, television sets are becoming more inclusive for Black actors and professionals.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid revealed she’s sometimes had to style her own hair for roles because the hair stylists on set weren’t equipped to work with her hair type. She explained that as a young actress, it was challenging to realize she couldn’t always depend on the professionals provided. Reid hopes to see more diverse hair and makeup teams in the industry, capable of handling all hair textures. She’s optimistic about the industry becoming more inclusive.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson, who started acting as a child, has experienced a lot when it comes to hair and makeup on set. She’s shared how important it was to have her mother there to make sure her hair was styled correctly, especially while working on Disney shows. She points out that not all young actors have that support or someone who knows how to properly care for their hair. She’s now working to create safer and more professional environments for all young performers.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny recently talked about the special hair and makeup demands of filming the show ‘Star’. Because of the energetic performances, her looks needed to be long-lasting and precise. She explained that it’s often hard to find stylists who can create those looks without harming her hair or skin, and she really appreciates professionals who understand her unique skin tone and hair type.

Regina King

Regina King has discussed how the way hair and makeup unions are structured creates obstacles for artists from diverse backgrounds, making it harder for them to find work. She explained that this also impacts Black actors and actresses, affecting the quality of hair and makeup they receive on set. King has been actively working to change this by hiring more diverse teams on her own projects, believing that new leadership within the unions is essential to fixing these ongoing issues.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais, a veteran model and actress, has talked about the challenges she faced throughout her career regarding hair and makeup. Early on, she was frequently told her skin tone was too dark or that her hair was hard to work with. Beauvais is glad more people are now discussing these problems and continues to use her voice to push for better treatment and more opportunities for Black women in the entertainment industry.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has talked about how important hair is when she creates her characters, especially in films like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She emphasized that it was crucial to work with a hairstylist who understood the history and cultural significance of Black hair. Fishback has also said she feels more confident and respected when her natural hair is celebrated on set, and she thinks the film industry is gradually recognizing the importance of having experts in areas like hair styling.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has spoken out about the film industry’s lack of knowledge when it comes to Black skin and hair. She’s described feeling like an issue to be fixed in the makeup and hair trailer, instead of a valued performer. These experiences, she says, can be isolating and make it hard to concentrate on her work. Newton is calling for more understanding and sensitivity when it comes to styling hair and makeup.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch discussed how carefully her appearance in ‘No Time to Die’ was planned. She collaborated with the filmmakers to make sure her hair and makeup represented both her background and her character’s position. Lynch emphasized the importance of these discussions to prevent repeating past errors, and she feels actors shouldn’t be responsible for teaching beauty teams about inclusive representation.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King has spoken about how important good lighting and makeup are when filming ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She explained that she felt much more at ease when the makeup team understood her skin tone. Early in her career, she often had to bring her own makeup, just in case. Now, she’s encouraging the entertainment industry to make sure all actors receive the same level of professional care.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone highlighted the importance of natural hair representation in her role in ‘Selah and the Spades’. She appreciated that her character’s look felt genuine and contemporary, reflecting her own experiences. Simone emphasizes that she prefers working on projects that care for the health of her hair, and she’d like to see more stories showcase natural hair textures simply as a part of a character, rather than making it a central focus of the plot.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons has talked about how difficult it is to take care of her hair when filming movies. Changing hairstyles frequently can cause damage unless a professional handles it. Clemons says she often needs to advocate for herself to make sure the correct hair products are used, and she’s working to get major film studios to take more responsibility for hair care on set.

DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise highly commended the hair and makeup artists on ‘She’s Gotta Have It,’ praising their skill and creativity. She emphasized how valuable it is to have a team that truly understands and appreciates Black hair, something she hasn’t always experienced in her career. Wise feels it’s important for the entertainment industry to acknowledge and celebrate the talent of Black beauty professionals.

Porscha Coleman

Porscha Coleman posted a video showing the damage to her hair after getting it professionally styled for a job. The video quickly spread online, and she used it to point out how often performers of color are not properly cared for on set. Coleman explained that the stylist wasn’t prepared to work with her hair type, which she found both unprofessional and upsetting. Her experience opened many eyes within the entertainment industry.

Retta

Retta often jokes about doing her own makeup, explaining she prefers it because she wasn’t confident others would do it exactly how she liked. During her time on ‘Good Girls,’ she made sure the makeup artists understood her preferences so she’d look her best on screen. She’s said it’s a common situation for Black women in comedy to handle their own hair and makeup. Retta believes hiring more diverse makeup artists would relieve this pressure on performers.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley has discussed the hair care required for her roles, such as in ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She explained that even basic hairstyles need expertise and attention, which isn’t always available on set. Wiley feels much better supported when a diverse crew is working on a show and thinks the entertainment industry should aim for high standards across all areas.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has spoken about how important hair is when portraying historical characters, and how few people in the film industry have the expertise to do it correctly. She’s observed that many movies and TV shows set in the past don’t accurately depict Black women’s hairstyles due to this lack of knowledge. Often, she ends up researching and pushing for accurate hair designs herself. Ellis-Taylor feels the entertainment industry should prioritize historical accuracy and respect in all its portrayals.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has discussed how she works with stylists and makeup artists on films like ‘The Holdovers’. She emphasized that a collaborative and supportive team helps her feel confident and truly become her character. Randolph appreciates artists who are open to understanding her individual needs, and she feels that respect is essential for a strong working relationship between a performer and their creative team.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson, the creator of ‘Abbott Elementary,’ has made it a priority to create a welcoming environment for all hair types on set. She’s expressed how reassuring it is to not have to stress about her own hair and makeup, knowing the team is skilled and capable. Brunson believes this level of inclusivity should be the norm for all Hollywood productions, and she continues to advocate for more inclusive beauty standards.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga has emphasized how crucial it is for makeup artists to be skilled at working with all skin tones. She recalled having to frequently adjust foundation shades early in her career to avoid looking pale or washed out. Negga feels that makeup artists should receive specific training in this area, and she’s bringing attention to the larger need for more diversity and inclusion in the beauty teams on movie sets.

Please share your thoughts on these industry changes in the comments.

2026-02-23 06:50