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

The entertainment industry has long faced criticism for its failure to provide adequate hair and makeup services for Black performers. Many actresses have revealed that they often arrive on set with their hair already styled or carry their own makeup kits to ensure they look their best. These stories highlight a systemic lack of training and resources for diverse textures and skin tones in Hollywood styling departments. This ongoing conversation has led to calls for more inclusive hiring practices and mandatory education for all beauty professionals working in film and television.

Tati Gabrielle

Tati Gabrielle shared that she had to style her own hair for her role in ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’. She explained that the hair department was not equipped to handle the specific needs of her hair texture. This situation required her to spend significant personal time ensuring her look was consistent for her character. Her experience highlighted the gap in technical skills among many industry professionals regarding natural hair care.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey spoke about her hair journey during the production of ‘The Little Mermaid’. She noted that keeping her natural locs was a priority that required a specialized and knowledgeable team. The actress expressed appreciation for the stylists who understood how to incorporate her natural hair into the character of Ariel. This experience was a significant moment for representation and professional care on a major film set.

Tia Mowry

Tia Mowry has opened up about the struggles she and her sister faced during their time on ‘Sister, Sister’. She recalled that there were no stylists on set who knew how to work with their curly hair textures. This often led to their hair looking frizzy or damaged due to improper techniques and products. The actress has since become a vocal advocate for better education regarding diverse hair types in the beauty industry.

Monique Coleman

Monique Coleman revealed that her character in ‘High School Musical’ frequently wore headbands because the stylists could not properly manage her hair. She suggested the accessory as a way to hide the fact that her hair had not been styled correctly for the screen. This decision was a practical response to the lack of expertise available on the set of the popular film. Her story became a viral example of the subtle ways Black actresses have had to accommodate themselves.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has been a prominent voice regarding the lack of inclusivity in Hollywood glam departments. She has shared numerous stories of having to redo her own makeup or find outside stylists to ensure she looked professional. The actress emphasized that the industry often expects Black performers to do more work for the same results as their peers. Her advocacy focuses on creating systemic change within the unions that govern hair and makeup artists.

Taraji P. Henson

Taraji P. Henson has discussed the difficulties she faced while filming ‘Hidden Figures’ and other major projects. She recalled having to bring her own hair products and even her own stylist to ensure her hair was protected. The actress pointed out that many sets do not budget for the specialized care that Black hair requires. Her experiences have pushed her to be more selective about the productions she joins.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has spoken about the struggle of finding makeup artists who can properly match her skin tone. She noted that early in her career she often looked gray or ashen on screen because of incorrect foundation choices. The actress highlighted that lighting and makeup must work together to showcase Black skin beautifully. Her insights have shed light on the technical aspects of filming diverse casts that are often overlooked.

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross has frequently mentioned the challenges of managing her hair on television sets like ‘Girlfriends’ and ‘Black-ish’. She often felt the need to take full control over her styling to prevent damage from heat and improper handling. This lived experience eventually led her to launch her own hair care brand specifically for curls and coils. She continues to use her platform to educate the industry on the importance of natural hair health.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has been vocal about how her hair is portrayed in both films and editorial shoots. She once called out a magazine for digitally smoothing her hair to fit a more Eurocentric beauty standard. On film sets she advocates for the use of specialized stylists who understand the versatility of kinky and coily hair. Her stance encourages a more authentic representation of Black beauty across all media.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin has spoken about the importance of having stylists who understand young Black hair on the set of ‘Black-ish’. She noted that having a supportive environment allowed her to embrace her natural texture from a young age. However she also acknowledged that many of her peers in the industry do not have the same positive experience. The actress uses her role as a producer to ensure that the sets she runs are inclusive and prepared.

Yvette Nicole Brown

Yvette Nicole Brown is known for being very outspoken about the kit fees and preparation required for Black actresses. She has shared on social media that she often arrives to work with her hair and makeup already done. This is done to avoid the stress of working with someone who might not know how to handle her features. She advocates for the industry to pay Black performers for the extra work they do to prepare for roles.

Naturi Naughton

Naturi Naughton discussed the hair and makeup issues she encountered while filming the series ‘Power’. She mentioned that it was often a battle to get the looks right for her character in a way that felt authentic. The actress has emphasized that the lack of diversity behind the camera affects the final product on screen. She continues to push for more Black hair and makeup professionals to be hired in leadership roles.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has shared that she often does her own makeup for professional appearances to ensure she is happy with the result. She noted that throughout her career she has encountered many artists who did not understand her undertones. By taking control of her own glam she feels more confident and prepared for the camera. Her transparency has resonated with many other young performers facing similar issues.

Zendaya

Zendaya has famously done her own makeup for major red carpets and events after having bad experiences with professional artists. She has stated that early in her career some artists made her look unrecognizable or used the wrong colors. This prompted her to learn the skill of makeup application herself to maintain her personal brand and look. Her self-reliance is a direct result of the lack of consistent expertise in the industry.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good has reflected on her early career days on shows like ‘Cousin Skeeter’ where hair care was a constant struggle. She mentioned that she often had to rely on herself or family members to get her hair ready for filming. The actress noted that while things have improved slightly there is still a long way to go for the industry. She advocates for more education in beauty schools regarding diverse skin and hair types.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley has shared similar stories to her sister regarding the lack of hair care on their early television sets. She recalled that they were often left to their own devices when it came to styling their curls. This led to a lot of trial and error that was often stressful for the young actresses. She now speaks openly about the need for better representation in the glam trailer.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph has been in the industry for decades and has seen the evolution of hair and makeup standards. She has spoken about the times she had to fight for the right lighting and makeup on Broadway and in film. The actress has noted that she often had to be her own advocate to ensure she was presented in the best light. Her long career provides a valuable perspective on the slow pace of change in Hollywood.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams has discussed the unique challenges of being a Black actress with a lighter skin tone and different hair texture. She noted that stylists often made assumptions about her needs that were not always correct. The actress has shared that finding a team that truly understands the nuances of Black beauty is a rare and valuable thing. She continues to advocate for excellence and education in the beauty departments.

Amber Riley

Amber Riley spoke about the hair struggles she faced while filming the hit series ‘Glee’. She mentioned that the fast-paced nature of the show often meant her hair was not given the proper care it needed. This led her to take more control over her styling to ensure her natural hair remained healthy. She has been vocal about the need for sets to be better equipped for all performers.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks has shared her experiences with hair and makeup on the set of ‘Orange Is the New Black’. She noted that while the show was diverse the beauty department still had a learning curve. The actress has emphasized that looking like herself on screen is vital for her performance and confidence. She continues to advocate for more Black artists to be hired in the industry.

Uzo Aduba

Uzo Aduba has spoken about the importance of authentic representation when it comes to her hair and makeup. She has shared that working on ‘Orange Is the New Black’ allowed for a more natural look but still required expert knowledge. The actress has pointed out that when the glam team is diverse the entire production benefits. She values the artists who take the time to learn the specific needs of her skin and hair.

Teyonah Parris

Teyonah Parris has been a vocal advocate for natural hair on screen since her time on ‘Mad Men’. She shared that she was often the only person advocating for her natural texture in a period piece. The actress has noted that it can be exhausting to have to educate the professionals hired to style her. She hopes that her success will lead to more opportunities for natural hair in all genres of film.

Logan Browning

Logan Browning has discussed the specific hair needs for her character on ‘Dear White People’. She mentioned that the show was very intentional about hair but that she has not always had that experience. The actress has shared stories of having to correct stylists who were using the wrong tools for her hair. She believes that the industry needs to make specialized training a requirement for all union members.

Candice Patton

Candice Patton has been very vocal about her experiences as a lead actress on ‘The Flash’. She fought for several seasons to have a Black hairstylist added to the production crew to care for her hair. The actress noted that the lack of proper care led to significant damage and stress during her time on the show. Her persistence eventually led to changes that benefited her and other performers of color.

Javicia Leslie

Javicia Leslie spoke about the importance of her hair when she took over the lead role in ‘Batwoman’. She worked closely with the production team to ensure her character had textured hair that felt authentic. The actress noted that having a supportive team made a huge difference in her experience on set. She continues to highlight the need for more inclusive styling practices in the superhero genre.

Kat Graham

Kat Graham has shared that she often felt the need to wear wigs or do her own hair on ‘The Vampire Diaries’. She mentioned that the stylists on set were not always familiar with how to style her hair for the long hours of filming. This lack of knowledge often resulted in her feeling less confident in her appearance on screen. She has since become an advocate for better training and diversity in the hair and makeup trailers.

Nathalie Emmanuel

Nathalie Emmanuel has spoken about the importance of her natural curls while filming ‘Game of Thrones’. She noted that she was fortunate to have a team that respected her texture but she knows many others do not. The actress has shared that she often has to be firm about how her hair is handled on different sets. She believes that natural hair should be celebrated and properly cared for in every production.

Nicole Beharie

Nicole Beharie has discussed the challenges of hair and makeup during her time on ‘Sleepy Hollow’. She noted that the environment was not always conducive to the needs of a Black lead actress. The actress has emphasized that proper styling is a matter of professional respect and equity. Her experiences have made her a strong voice for change within the television industry.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji has praised the team on ‘Insecure’ for their expertise in styling Black hair and makeup. She noted that having a crew that looks like her and understands her needs made a significant impact on her work. The actress contrast this with other experiences where she felt she had to monitor the glam process closely. She believes that the gold standard set by her show should be the norm across Hollywood.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae has used her platform as a creator and actress to demand better representation in the hair and makeup departments. On the set of ‘Insecure’ she made it a priority to hire professionals who were experts in Black beauty. She has spoken about the frustration of working on sets where the basic needs of Black actors are treated as an afterthought. Her work has paved the way for more inclusive environments in modern television.

Storm Reid

Storm Reid has shared that she has had to do her own hair for some projects because the on set stylists were not capable. She noted that as a young actress it was a difficult lesson to learn that she could not always rely on the professionals provided. The actress has expressed a desire to see more diverse teams that can handle any hair type that walks into the trailer. She remains hopeful that the industry is moving in a more inclusive direction.

Skai Jackson

Skai Jackson has been working in the industry since she was a child and has seen many sides of the beauty department. She has spoken about the importance of her mother being present to ensure her hair was done correctly on Disney sets. The actress noted that many child actors do not have that level of protection or expertise available to them. She advocates for safer and more knowledgeable environments for all young performers.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny has discussed the unique beauty needs she had while filming the musical series ‘Star’. She noted that the high energy performances required her hair and makeup to be very durable and specific. The actress has shared that finding stylists who can achieve those looks without causing damage is a constant challenge. She values the professionals who take the time to understand the nuances of her skin tone and hair texture.

Regina King

Regina King has spoken about the systemic issues within the hair and makeup unions that prevent diverse artists from getting jobs. she noted that these barriers directly affect the quality of care that Black performers receive on set. The actress and director has used her influence to hire more diverse crews for her own projects. She believes that changing the leadership behind the scenes is the key to solving these long standing problems.

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais has shared her experiences with hair and makeup across her long career in modeling and acting. She noted that early on she was often told she was too dark or that her hair was too difficult to style. The actress has expressed relief that more people are speaking out about these issues today. She continues to use her platform to advocate for more respect and resources for Black women in entertainment.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has discussed the importance of hair in her character development for films like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’. She noted that having a stylist who understood the historical context of Black hair was essential for her performance. The actress has shared that she feels more empowered when her natural beauty is respected on set. She believes that the industry is slowly learning the value of specialized expertise.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has been vocal about the lack of understanding regarding Black skin and hair in the film industry. She shared that she often felt like a problem to be solved rather than a performer to be supported in the glam trailer. The actress has noted that these experiences can be alienating and affect a performers ability to focus on their craft. She advocates for a more compassionate and educated approach to styling.

Lashana Lynch

Lashana Lynch spoke about the intentionality behind her look in the film ‘No Time to Die’. She worked with the production to ensure her hair and makeup reflected her heritage and professional status. The actress has shared that these conversations are necessary to avoid the mistakes of the past. She believes that actors should not have to be the ones educating the beauty departments.

Aja Naomi King

Aja Naomi King has discussed the importance of proper lighting and makeup on the set of ‘How to Get Away with Murder’. She noted that working with a team that understood her skin tone made her feel much more comfortable. The actress has shared that early in her career she often felt the need to bring her own products just in case. She advocates for the industry to provide a standard level of care for every actor.

Lovie Simone

Lovie Simone has spoken about the beauty of natural hair in her work on ‘Selah and the Spades’. She noted that her character was allowed to have a look that felt modern and authentic to her experience. The actress has shared that she values productions that prioritize the health of her hair. she believes that more stories should feature natural textures in a way that is not a plot point.

Kiersey Clemons

Kiersey Clemons has discussed the challenges of maintaining her hair while working on various film sets. She noted that the constant changes in style can be very damaging if not handled by an expert. The actress has shared that she often has to speak up to ensure the right products are being used. She continues to push for more accountability in the beauty departments of major studios.

DeWanda Wise

DeWanda Wise has praised the hair and makeup team on ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ for their creative and technical skills. She noted that having a team that understands the artistic value of Black hair is a game changer for a performer. The actress has shared that she has not always had this level of support in her career. She believes that the industry needs to recognize the artistry of Black beauty professionals.

Porscha Coleman

Porscha Coleman shared a video that went viral showing the poor state of her hair after a professional styling session on a set. She used the moment to highlight how many performers of color are treated when they walk into a glam trailer. The actress noted that the lack of preparation for her hair type was both unprofessional and hurtful. Her story served as a wake up call for many in the industry.

Retta

Retta has joked about having to do her own makeup for years because she didn’t trust artists to get it right. She noted that on ‘Good Girls’ she was vocal about her needs to ensure she looked her best on camera. The actress has shared that it is a common experience for Black women in comedy to be their own glam squad. She advocates for more diverse hiring to take that burden off the performers.

Samira Wiley

Samira Wiley has spoken about the specific hair needs she has for her roles in shows like ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She noted that even simple looks require a level of care and knowledge that is not always present. The actress has shared that she feels more supported when there is a diverse team behind the camera. She believes that the industry should strive for excellence in every department.

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor

Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor has discussed the importance of hair in historical roles and the lack of experts available for them. She noted that many period pieces struggle to accurately represent Black women because of a lack of technical knowledge. The actress has shared that she often has to do her own research and advocacy to get the looks right. She believes that the industry has a responsibility to be historically accurate and respectful.

Da’Vine Joy Randolph

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has spoken about the collaborative process of creating her look for films like ‘The Holdovers’. She noted that having a supportive team allowed her to feel confident and fully inhabit her character. The actress has shared that she values the artists who are willing to listen and learn about her specific needs. She believes that mutual respect is the foundation of a good relationship between a performer and their glam team.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson has used her role as the creator of ‘Abbott Elementary’ to ensure that the set is a safe space for all hair types. She has spoken about the relief of not having to worry about her hair and makeup because she knows the team is capable. The actress and writer noted that this should be the standard for every production in Hollywood. She continues to use her platform to highlight the importance of inclusive beauty standards.

Ruth Negga

Ruth Negga has spoken about the importance of having makeup artists who truly understand the nuances of different skin tones. She mentioned that early in her career she often felt the need to correct the foundation choices of the artists to avoid looking washed out. Negga believes that specialized training is necessary for all makeup artists in the industry union. Her advocacy highlights a broader issue of inclusivity within the beauty departments of major film productions.

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