The debate over Beyoncé’s hair has been reignited once again, with claims that the superstar singer is wearing weaves by choice rather than out of necessity. This has prompted her fans, hairstylist, and even her mother, Tina Knowles, to publicly attest to the fact that Beyoncé’s long, luscious locks are all her own.
In a since-deleted video shared on Instagram in 2019, Ms. Knowles can be seen combing through her daughter’s dark brown, waist-length hair in an effort to shut down rumors. The video was later reposted by Beyoncé’s hairstylist, Mr. Farinah, who captioned it: “WHAT WEAVE WHAT WIG. YES YES ALL NATURAL.”
Furthermore, in 2017, Ms. Knowles posted a photo on Instagram showcasing Beyoncé’s real blond hair in a low ponytail, joking in the caption about how her “baby’s hair grew back.”
The question arises: do you need to have long hair to have a credible hair-care brand? The answer is no. The founder of Sundial Brands, the manufacturer behind popular beauty brands like SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage, is bald.
So why is it so hard to believe that Beyoncé has long hair? The answer lies in a longstanding stereotype that Black women’s natural hair can only grow to a certain length, leading some to believe that Black women wear weaves to pretend to have long hair or to assimilate to white beauty standards. In reality, many Black women can grow long and healthy hair, but the stigma persists.
Black women have long been pioneers of hair innovation, using their natural textures to create a wide range of hairstyles. Weaves and braids are also protective styles, making it easier to manage hair during activities like swimming or working out. These styles can also help with length retention by reducing daily manipulation of the hair.
In response to these latest developments, Tina Knowles reposted a video featuring comedian Katt Williams bragging about his long, natural hair without the use of a perm. The clip, shared on Ms. Knowles’ Instagram account, included an image of Beyoncé and her natural hair, further dispelling any doubts about the singer’s locks.
