Alas! We are beginning to see in upward shift in top fashion designers opting to have their black models extension-less. It is extremely gratifying to have seen that throughout London, Milan and Paris fashion week the ever proud afro has largely been spared the gruesome, make and break routine that all too often black models are subject to, in an effort to ‘manage’ afrohair among western fashion showcases.

 ”Left in the hands of hairstylists deaf to the temperament of Black tresses, Black fashion pioneers have recounted tales of their coils and strands being stretched to their breaking, frayed ends; scalps carelessly permed, harshly scorched, battered with color, and left to be restored by weaves, wigs, and the shearing of frazzled locks” Maria Carlos- Vogue Italia

I can only hope that designers and stylists are learning to understand the diversity of black hair texture and work with it rather than eradicate it. Furthermore,as  afro hair care products are increasing reaching mainstream  retailers and high end salons, we remain optimistic that they will soon land in the hands of industry’s top hair masters that have yet to understand how to manage and maintain afro hair.

Click on an image to enlarge

Model Harieth Paul, had a strong presence with her coiffed fro across the catwalks of Burberry Prosum, Diane Von Furstenberg, Yigal Azourel and Costello Tagliapietra; whilst Ajak Deng made a mark with her signature short cut across the runways of Suno, Roksanda Ilincic, and Issa.

So what are your thoughts, have you noticed a shift in natural hair models this year? I suspect with the likes of Julia Sarr-Jamois and Solange Knowles growing in popularity among bloggers and fashion publications such as NYTimes and British Vogue, natural hair models, and natural hair in general is gradually being treated less contentiously.