Anyone who knows me is aware of my admiration for Selena Forrest. The 18 year old is well on her way to supermodel status, with literally every major fashion show etched into her growing resume.
Known for her effortless walk, approachable demeanor and luscious curls, you’d be hard pressed to find a bad picture of her. In short: she. is. fierce.
So, you can imagine my disdain upon discovering that a stylist literally snatched her edges in between New York Fashion Week shows. That’s right: Black hairstylists are still in short supply behind the runway.
“So I woke up today and my edges were burnt off. the girl that was doing my hair had the flat iron at 400 degrees any body with curly hair knows damn well it is not suppose to be that high,” Forrest wrote under a picture of her holding a “Curly Hair Matters” sign.
“SO I’M LETTING ALL THE HAIR STYLIST KNOW NOW I WILL GIVE YOU HELL IF YOU’RE PUTTING HEAT ON MY HAIR!,” she emphasized in all caps.
“ALL I ASK FOR IS THAT U TAKE CARE OF MY HAIR LIKE YOU WOULD YOURS! PLEASE AND THANK YOU #curlyhairmatters#weneedmoreblackhairstylist.”
We’re well aware of the inclusion issues still plaguing the industry, so it’s unsurprising to see anyone with textured hair lamenting the mistreatment of their curls. Although there have been notable improvements in regards to the number of women able to rock their natural hair on the runway, moments like these remind us that there is still work to be done.
As noted by outspoken catwalkers like Ebonee Davis, it starts with rethinking the way we see others, which in turn, effects how we treat them. Let’s hope industry insiders are taking notes.
Selena, we feel your pain and hope for a speedy hair recovery!