In Praise of Black Girls from the Hood: Shaping Beauty Trends Authentically
This heartfelt homage celebrates the Black girls who, against all odds, became the true trendsetters of beauty. From the aisles of beauty supply stores to the nail salons, their influence resonates in every perfectly laid edge, vibrant lip gloss, and flawless nail design. Icons like Sexyy Red, Caresha, JT of the City Girls, Ice Spice, Glorilla, Jayda Cheaves, Dess Dior, and others embody the essence that every hood girl sees in herself.
@enteringn3bula Aint stoppin me #blackgirltiktok #beyonce #blackgirl #90s #imthatgirrrrl #renaissance #princessloko ♬ original sound – yoncé
Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, I was captivated by the allure of the “around the way girls” effortlessly rocking white eyeliner, juicy lip gloss, and the latest hair trends. Despite our humble beginnings, we stretched every dollar, ensuring that beauty was a non-negotiable part of our lives.
On the streets, the fly girls adorned themselves with long acrylic nails, adorned in gems, charms, and the trendiest patterns. Influenced by rap culture icons like Mia X, Trina, La Chat, and Gangsta Boo, my family and neighborhood embraced gold rings on every finger, gold caps on teeth, and finger waves perfected with black gel.
As I grew, I realized that the looks created by black women in the “hood” not only transcended the projects but also influenced fashion runways. Unfortunately, these trends were often stripped down, repackaged, and sold without proper credit or reparations, perpetuating a cycle of misrepresentation.
@danielfunnyashelll #greenscreen m HOODS HOTTEST PRINCESS HUNNY😩❤️ #danielfunnyashell #sexyyred #Nickiminaj #fashion #fyp #viral ♬ original sound – DanielFunnyAsHell ✨HAIRSTORIAN
Wigs, marked hair trends, brown lip liner combos, red nails, and bold red lipstick – all pioneered by Black and Brown women – have permeated pop culture. However, the credit and recognition often elude the creators. What was once dismissed as ‘ratchet’ is now appropriated, renamed, and celebrated as high fashion when adopted by women from privileged backgrounds.
In today’s culture, the show-stopping hairstyles, nails, and makeup trends originating from the hood are rebranded as editorial or high fashion when embraced by women of privilege. The applause for “breaking boundaries” rings hollow when the origins of these trends are overlooked.
@daisydoesmyhairrr She’s backkkk but we did color this time 😍#atlhair #traditionalsewin #atlhairstylist #blackgirltiktok #fyp #kashdoll ♬ original sound – Miss Daisy Baby
Paying homage to the women of the hood goes beyond acknowledging their influence; it’s a call to recognize their humanity and resist the ongoing trend of appropriating their creations.