Short Film

All Begin With Hairs

Work by

Haowei Li
Ximan Tan
Huiqun Xu
...

Published in

May 2023

Supervised by

The film told the story of an Asian woman and her hair from her point of view, and monologues will be used throughout the film. It will include the restrictions and oppression of women's hair in her society.

“My hair is my second skin.”

Hair transcends its biological function and aesthetic appeal, serving as a potent symbol of cultural heritage, personal identity, and self-concept for many individuals. This phenomenon is exemplified in a recent incident that garnered significant attention on Chinese social media platforms. A young woman, having received an offer from her dream school, shared a selfie showcasing her vibrant pink hair.

However, the image was illicitly disseminated across various platforms, subjecting her to an onslaught of unwarranted criticism and trolling, specifically targeting her unconventional hair color. In response to the backlash, she felt compelled to revert to a more traditional black hair color.

Celebrating Diversity: The Interplay of Hair, Identity, and Cultural Diversity

This incident underscores the intricate relationship between hair, identity, and cultural diversity. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of embracing one’s unique identity and respecting the individuality of others. By sharing this narrative, we aim to foster a more inclusive and understanding society where diversity is celebrated rather than condemned.

Process

Crew and Special Thanks

Haowei li, Ximan Tan, Huiqun Xu, Effy Xie, Zinzi, Baby Face, Eireney, Liwenxuan Xu, Ciel Zhang, Tang, Andre Jiang, Xiangyu Guo, Billie, Danhua Zhu, Zeyuan Zhang, Kori, Evie Izak, Eylul Unver, Siqi Zhuang, Frida, Shijie Wang, Ningyue Qian, University of the Arts London, London College of Communication, London College of Fasion, Asylum Chapel

Bibliography

Banks, I. (2000) ‘Hair matters: Beauty, power, and Black women’s consciousness’, *New York University Press*. Available at: https://www.erudit.org/en/journals/nps/2020-v31-n2-nps05980/1076652ar.pdf.

Tarlo, E. (2016) *Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair*. Available at: https://cream.ac.uk/the-cultural-significance-of-hair/.

Johnson, C. and Bankhead, T. (2014) ‘Hair it is: Examining the experiences of Black women with natural hair’, *The Journal of Black Studies*, 45(7), pp. 574-588. Available at: https://scholarship.kentlaw.iit.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3182&context=cklawreview.

Dove, M.L. and Powers, L.E. (2018) ‘Exploring the complexity of hair and identity among African American female adolescents in foster care’, *Children and Youth Services Review*, 91, pp. 1-10. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740918305814.

Hickling, F.W. and Hutchinson, G. (2001) ‘Cultural congruence in Caribbean mental health’, *Transcultural Psychiatry*, 38(3), pp. 345-360.

Mbilishaka, A.M., Apugo, D., & Walker, A.R. (2020) ‘PsychoHairapy: Integrating hair care and mental health’, *Journal of Black Psychology*, 46(6-7), pp. 536-558.

Patton, T.O. (2006) ‘Hey girl, am I more than my hair?: African American women and their struggles with beauty, body image, and hair’, *NWSA Journal*, 18(2), pp. 24-51.

Majali, S., Williams, S., & Thompson, A.L. (2019) ‘Hair politics: The role of Afrocentric features in the black community’, *Journal of Black Studies*, 50(4), pp. 346-364.

Mitchell Dove Lakindra & Powers Laurie E (2018) ‘Exploring the complexity of hair and identity among African American female adolescents in foster care’, *Children and Youth Services Review*. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740918305814.

Tarlo, E., & Moeran, B. (eds.) (2003) *Hair: Styling culture*. Oxford: Berg Publishers.

Banks, I.A., & Banks-Wallace, J.A. (2000) ‘Hair matters: Beauty, power, and Black women’s consciousness’. New York: New York University Press.

Johnson, C., & Bankhead, T. (2014) ‘Hair it is: Examining the experiences of Black women with natural hair’, *The Journal of Black Studies*, 45(7), pp. 574-588.

Dove Mitchell Lakindra & Powers Laurie E (2018) ‘Exploring the complexity of hair and identity among African American female adolescents in foster care’, *Children and Youth Services Review*. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0190740918305814.

Tarlo Emma (2016) *Entanglement: The Secret Lives of Hair*. Available at: https://cream.ac.uk/the-cultural-significance-of-hair/.

Patton Tracey Owens (2006) ‘Hey girl, am I more than my hair?: African American women and their struggles with beauty, body image, and hair’, *NWSA Journal*, 18(2), pp. 24-51.

Ethical Statement

This project, whether presented as a work, video, or research article, is committed to upholding the principles of diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity. All individuals and communities are represented with respect, recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the value that different backgrounds bring to scholarly work. Care is taken to approach any references to racial, ethnic, cultural, gender, or other identities with sensitivity, avoiding misrepresentation, stereotyping, or bias.

In adherence to ethical research standards, this project seeks to promote equity and inclusivity, avoiding harm or exclusionary practices. Respect for the rights and identities of all groups is fundamental, and efforts are made to foster a respectful and inclusive environment throughout the work. Feedback from individuals and communities represented is valued, with any concerns regarding portrayal or use of content welcomed for consideration.

This project remains committed to creating an academic space that values the dignity and contributions of all individuals, aligning with the principles of fairness, empathy, and mutual respect.

All original materials within this project, including text, images, graphics, logos, code, and designs, are protected by copyright and remain the exclusive property of their creators. Unauthorized use, reproduction, modification, or distribution is strictly prohibited and may lead to legal action.

This project may also reference materials from third parties, such as images, artworks, film clips, music, and academic citations, used under fair use provisions for educational and research purposes only. Copyright for these referenced materials remains with the original owners.

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All materials within this project are protected by intellectual property laws, and any use of these materials must respect and uphold the intellectual property rights of their respective owners. Any permissible use must include proper attribution and adhere to applicable licensing terms. For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us directly.

Usage Disclaimer

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All Begin With Hairs

“My hair is my second skin.”

Celebrating Diversity: The Interplay of Hair, Identity, and Cultural Diversity

Process

Crew and Special Thanks

Bibliography

Heninn.com

Huiqun Xu's Portfolio

Contact

Address