Here at Tribu-te Magazine we have struggled to comprehend why it is taking the hairdressing industry so long to really instil inclusivity and diversity across hairdressing services. We’re talking primarily about how there are still problems in training hairdressers to work on all hair types with confidence and understanding, and without fear. Specifically Black and Afro hair. But equally, gender pricing – in hair and beauty – still pervades and we don’t seem focussed on eradicating this. The cost of products in hair and beauty remains tilted against female-focussed products (in health and wellbeing, too). From economic pressures to mental wellbeing and the human connection, this is wrong. It means people – friends, family, colleagues included – can feel left out, overlooked, and feeling ‘other’. It’s not good enough. Which brings us to highlight a great new film that helps speak about the problems.
Unapologetically Me
The release of a documentary called Unapologetically Me and made by Kaye Sotomi the founder of Chop Chop London, is something we admire. It’s a powerful and intentionally thought-provoking film examining the complex relationship we each have with our hair. It exposes the bias of beauty standards, and looks at what this does to self-identity.
What does my hair mean to me? – The big question
Let’s hear it in Kaye’s words:
“As the founder of Chop Chop London, a network of three successful salons in key areas of London, I’ve been at the heart of the beauty industry, tackling its long-standing inequalities firsthand. Our salons break barriers by offering gender-neutral pricing and inclusive services for all hair types—because great hair care should be inclusive, not exclusive. Unapologetically Me is a direct extension of this mission, This powerful and thought provoking film delves deep into the complex relationship we have with our hair, exposing the bias of beauty standards and their profound impact on self-identity. It’s a raw and intimate exploration of the journey to reclaim individuality and redefine our connection with the hair and beauty industry.”
Settle in to watch. This is an easy watch for the engaging way it’s filmed. But the point is sharp and serious. What do you feel – what can you relate to and how will you share this going forward? It’s up to us all in hair and beauty to continually insist on striving for change, to better our inclusivity and diversity properly. In ways which are more than just words.
Guests in the film talk candidly about their experiences
Think on this…
Key questions to consider include:
• The Pink Tax: Why women pay more for beauty products and services
• Ethnic Discrimination in Beauty: Limited access to salons and products for Afro, curly hair
• Challenging Beauty Standards: Dismantling the myths that shape mainstream beauty norms
• The Power of Representation: Stories of resilience, change and empowerment.
At its core, Unapologetically Me is a deeply human story told through the lens of hair.
Credits: Director & Producer: Kay Sotomi • Cinematographer: Blakademick Media • Editor: My Comeup Media
For more information on the brand Chop Chop visit: www.chopchoplondon.com
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