CROWNING GLORY: THE RISE OF MIXED RACE MODEL HAIR

“Provide more opportunities for us. The idea of beauty must be appreciated of every single skin tone. Once more opportunity is given, then I believe others will feel encouraged to step into the industry.” -Vanessa C., Model

Relax now, because a-lister models around the world are letting their natural tresses down, too. Natural is the look we are all after. We’ve been waiting on this trend for forever, and it’s finally a thing. 

Starting out as Disney starlet, she’s now taking the world by storm as a Golden Globe and twice Emmy Award winner (not to mention Euphoria star – need I say more?). She continues to flaunt her gorgeous natural curls and lets loose like a queen. Zendaya is of African, German and Irish descent and allows her natural curls to run free. She’s undeniably one of the most influential (and trendy) actresses who are paving the way for curly girls across the globe.

Aio Maggie, a mechanical engineer, writer, artist and blogger gives her viewpoint on encouraging more BAME models to push themselves forward. 

“I believe it is so important to allow more Afro or Afro Caribbean styles to be trended as the new normal,” says Maggie. “Like to accept them as normal hairstyles. Not just as a part of the showcase but also just a normal part of daily life. That is so important.”

Maggie explains that she isn’t a major magazine fan, but that doesn’t stop her from being in-the-know with the fro. “Honestly I don’t read magazines, but I do follow a bunch of social media pages that focus on those products and hairstyles. Fashion is and always has been used to voice opinions. Whether you consider yourself as a fashionable person or not,” says Maggie.

Power bloggers like Stella & Blaise are riding the wave too, with their delightfully natural hairstyles.

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“We love to share Stella & Blaise’s journey in the modeling world. Our experiences have been fun and positive for our family,” says Dana, parent to the modeling siblings. “We can make a difference by sharing our story and success to others to know that every shade is beautiful!”

Inspiring thousands of followers, the brother-and-sister duo are rare blonde-afro beauties who keep rocking their curls, with a strong 61+k following on Instagram @stellaandblaise.

“I just started using Deva Curl again for Blaise. He has super tight curls that need a heavier cream and it has been doing the trick. I use Curls products for Stella, but I always experiment with products,” said Dana. 

Even non-curly goers are opting for a bouncier perm, and curly girls around the world are uniting to spread the love of embracing their natural locks.

Mixed race models and actors alike are continuing to shine and flaunt that aura of their natural bounce – whether it’s a lovely kink or beautiful corkscrew curl.

Vanessa Catalano, a mixed race model from Florida, USA says, “I am of mixed race, so I am Jewish from the Sephardic Jews of Spain who dispersed to Italy. I’m Italian, Jewish, Spaniard, Indian and African.” This beauty has gorgeous demanding eyes and a relaxed smile which accompanies her demeanour. She has some advice to encourage fellow mixed race models, actors and those aspiring to work in the industry.

“I think that in order to encourage, there has to be a more mixed culture in the industry. Provide more opportunities for us. The idea of beauty must be appreciated of every single skin tone. Once more opportunity is given, then I believe others will feel encouraged to step into the industry.”

Other mixed race models who beautifully exemplify the natural curl are becoming louder and bolder.

“I love when I see models of all races and sizes in the fashion world. Fashion is for everyone and we always share that with our kids – that beauty inside is more important on the outside,” says Dana. 

So curly girls and guys alike, toss those straighteners aside! Put your best face forward and let your curls run loose and free. There has never been a better time to shine, so let those curls be your crowning glory.