This body of work highlights box braids, a widely used protective hairstyle among women of African descent. Beneath the braids, natural textured hair is shielded and preserved, protecting it from breakage and environmental stress. Growing up, braiding was more than just a beauty ritual—it embodied intense, often painful labor, cultural pride, and even a pathway to financial stability.
In this series, I incorporate synthetic hair as both material and metaphor, using it to abstract and reimagine patterns and hairstyles familiar within my community. Through various artistic approaches, I observe, twist, and manipulate these forms to explore themes of identity, heritage, and the complex narratives woven into Black hair culture.
