Meet Felicia Leatherwood: Black Hollywood's Slayage Queen
There’s a magical power and divine energy that comes with the history of Black/African hair as well as in the slayage game of Black/African women! Black hair has been marginalized for centuries, and in our new millennium, Black women are empowered by and more connected to their hair more than ever! Major celebrity hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood build a brand around her mission, “ rooted in the idea of holistic health and fundamentally loving yourself”.
As a Black business owner, Leatherwood serves as an awe-inspiring reflection of how far Black womanhood and various identities within that umbrella have evolved into such a powerful movement.
More Black women have ventured into business owning and brand building for Black cosmetics, health, hair, and beauty. How her career has influenced how we celebrate Black hair and have transformed the hair movement and culture around it. There’s been a surge in mastering DIY protective hairstyles like box braids, traditional cornrows, and locs. And with stylists like Leatherwood, there’s a cultural grasp on innovating fresh, trendsetting looks that put a spin on protective looks, weaves, and natural hairstyles.
On-screen, hair, and styling may seem minor depending on the series, but in actuality has immense influence over a viewer’s interpretation of the characters and their interpersonal struggles. Leatherwood has established techniques for natural and protective hair care, with an extensive product line to match!
Her recent work in Issa Rae’s Insecure(2016-2021), has sparked a mini-wave of revitalizing late 90s looks like faux braces, intricate cornrow designs, and mini twists, as seen on Issa’s character throughout the final season. Issa Rae always sports some iconic looks. And in Insecure’s series finale, Leatherwood had her hand in some stunning character appearances; for instance, Molly’s short fro, buzzcut combo, Issa’s fun-loving cornrow beach look, and even Issa’s teased natural afro with an L-part.
Each staple look may seem minor to the overall tension of the series chapter-closing for most of the characters, but hair acts as a subtle reflection of the turmoil, growth, or lack thereof for each person. Be that Molly’s grieving period for her mother and later on her new marriage, Issa’s reconnection with Lawerence, or Kelli’s newfound loving relationship with pregnancy, Black hair remains a consistent thread between important life transitions.
Leatherwood enhances storytelling with a rich comprehension of Black/African hair and all its versatility, hues, and textures! Her work speaks to this era of learning to abundantly self-love and self-care.
If you are on the hunt for some hair care products with effective results, check out an extensive line of satin bonnets, detangler brushes, and more at Felicia Leatherwood’s Brush With The Best!
