Viola Davis, the talented actress who has won both an Emmy and an Academy Award, is also known for her fierce advocacy for diversity and representation in Hollywood. But beyond her achievements in the industry, Davis has also been celebrated for her natural hair, which has become a symbol of black beauty standards.
The Evolution of Viola Davis' Hair
Davis has been very open about her hair journey, which started when she was a child growing up in poverty in South Carolina. In her memoir, she revealed that her mother used to give her and her siblings homemade relaxers made of lye and petroleum jelly. This caused severe damage to their hair and scalp, and Davis grew up believing that her natural hair was "ugly" and "unmanageable."
It wasn't until she started working in theater in the 1990s that Davis began to embrace her natural hair. She realized that she didn't need to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards and that her hair was a symbol of her blackness and her heritage.
Since then, Davis has experimented with different hairstyles, from short afros to long braids. She has also worn wigs and weaves for her roles on screen, but has never shied away from showing off her natural hair on the red carpet.
Why Viola Davis' Natural Hair Matters
Davis' decision to wear her natural hair is more than just a personal choice - it's a political statement. For centuries, black women have been told that their hair is "unprofessional," "unkempt," or "unattractive" if it doesn't conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Many black women have felt pressured to straighten their hair with relaxers or weaves in order to be accepted in the workplace or in society.
By wearing her natural hair proudly, Davis is challenging these beauty standards and showing that black women don't need to conform to white beauty ideals in order to be beautiful or successful. She is also inspiring other black women to embrace their natural hair and to love themselves for who they are.
Celebrating Black Beauty Standards
Davis' natural hair has become an inspiration to many, but it's just one aspect of the larger movement towards celebrating black beauty standards. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for greater representation of black women in media and advertising, as well as a push for more inclusive beauty products and services.
Black women are embracing their natural hair, their dark skin, and their curvy bodies, and demanding that society recognize their beauty and their worth. Viola Davis is just one of the many black women who are leading the charge, and her natural hair is a powerful symbol of this movement.
The Future of Black Beauty
As we look towards the future, it's clear that the movement towards celebrating black beauty standards is only going to grow stronger. More and more black women are rejecting Eurocentric beauty ideals and embracing their natural hair and their unique features.
It's up to all of us to support this movement and to demand greater representation and inclusivity in all aspects of our society. Whether it's in Hollywood, in the workplace, or in the beauty industry, we need to make sure that black women are seen, heard, and celebrated for who they are.