Black actresses are urging Hollywood to hire stylists who know how to work on black hair and skin
From size inclusivity to diversity in advertising, many industries are recognizing that representation is non-negotiable. However, one major industry is being called out for not taking the same approach in its hiring practices. On March 11th, a number of black actresses took to Twitter to speak out against Hollywood productions that hire stylists who can’t cater to the needs of black cast members. Using hashtags such as #actingwhileblack, some of our favorite faces in Hollywood opened up about their struggle working with hair stylists and makeup artists who only know how to meet the needs of white people.
As a woman of color, I know firsthand how it feels to go to an “expert” for hair and makeup only to be disappointed. It’s precisely the reason I learned to do my own—it helped me avoid frustration and dollars wasted. And because—according to the Twitter thread—most union jobs don’t allow actresses to bring along stylists who they’re comfortable working with, many end up lugging their own wigs, foundations, and other beauty tools to set. While these additional expenses may be tax deductible somewhere down the line, it’s still a discriminatory practice that the industry has let slide for way too long.
Actresses Yvette Nicole Brown, Gabrielle Union, and Gabby Sidibe were just a few of the Hollywood actresses who are pleading with Hollywood to hire more black stylists.
Most black actresses come to a new set w/ their hair done (me) or bring their wigs & clip-ins w/them. It’s either that or take a chance that you will look crazy on screen. Many of us also bring our own foundation. One too many times seeing no shade that matches you will learn ya! https://t.co/mGAzpuoKtb
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 11, 2019
Honey I have brought my whole glam kit, flat irons, pink lotion, Shea butter at times during a new set.. I’m tired of looking grey with red lips😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/sP8fEmGKcS
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) March 11, 2019
Omigosh! Anytime hair and makeup is provided, I bring my own everything so I’m ready for the inevitable look of panic when I walk in the door.
— Melinda Doolittle (@mdoolittle) March 11, 2019
Important Thread! 👇🏾 What alot of non-industry folks don't realize is that u can't just use ur normal hairstylists/barbers/makeup artists on a union job (most jobs are union) Those artists HAVE to be IN THE UNION & getting them in has NEVER been easy or smooth. Ever. Like never. https://t.co/vBMFla2cQ2
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) March 11, 2019
If they don’t have the budget to hire a black hairstylist for me, or won’t, I just get the director to agree that my character should have box braids or senegalese twist.
— Gabby Sidibe (@GabbySidibe) March 11, 2019
According to the tweets, the problem stems from black stylists not being hired for union jobs in Hollywood (period), in addition to many stylists just not having the proper skill set to work on all ethnicities. The #actingwhileblack thread stemmed from Olivia Anakwe calling out the same type of discriminatory practices in the modeling industry.
This goes to show that while we’re seeing more inclusivity in mainstream media, there’s so much work to be done behind the scenes.
