Keke Palmer hasn’t always “appreciated” her natural hair.
The 31-year-old actress has a head of curly locks and while she now sports a plethora of “protective styles” by wearing wigs, it took her a “long time” to understand what her actual hair can do. This journey mirrors that of many women in the entertainment industry, where traditional beauty standards have often favored certain hair textures over others.
“I am a girl that likes to do protective styles, which for me usually means a wig. And I think it took me a long time to get to the place of being able to really appreciate my hair and all its uniqueness and what it can do and only it can do,” she told Vogue. The natural hair movement has seen significant growth, with the market for natural hair care products reaching $9.3 billion in 2023.
The former Nickelodeon star noted that whenever she chooses to don a fake hairpiece now, it is something that she does completely out of choice to explore her options and this has meant she has developed a “different relationship” with her tresses. This shift in perspective represents a broader cultural change in how natural hair is viewed in professional and entertainment settings.
“Now when I wear a wig, it’s not because I feel like I have to, but it’s because I wanna do something different that I don’t wanna do to my natural hair. And when I wear my natural hair, I actually have a different relationship with it,” she said. Industry experts note that this kind of hair versatility has become increasingly celebrated in recent years.
Palmer‘s journey to hair acceptance has resonated with many fans who have followed her career since her Nickelodeon days. Her openness about the process reflects a larger conversation about beauty standards and self-acceptance in the entertainment industry, where pressure to conform to certain ideals has historically been intense.
The actress’s evolution in her relationship with her natural hair coincides with significant legislative progress, including the CROWN Act, which prohibits discrimination based on natural hair texture and protective styles in 20 states across the United States. This legal protection has encouraged more women to embrace their natural hair in professional settings.
Celebrity hairstylists have noted that Palmer’s approach to protective styling while maintaining healthy natural hair has become a model for many women. The proper use of protective styles can reduce manipulation and breakage while promoting hair growth, according to hair care professionals.
The market for natural hair care products and protective styling tools has exploded in recent years, with a 150% increase in available products specifically designed for textured hair. This growth reflects both the increasing demand and the industry’s recognition of the importance of catering to diverse hair types.
Palmer’s influence extends beyond her personal hair journey, as she has become an advocate for hair health education and acceptance. Her social media platforms often feature discussions about proper hair care techniques and the importance of embracing one’s natural texture.
The entertainment industry has seen a significant shift in its representation of natural hair, with more actresses choosing to wear their natural texture on screen. This change has been particularly noticeable in the past five years, with a 200% increase in roles featuring actresses wearing natural hairstyles.
Hair care experts emphasize that Palmer’s balanced approach to protective styling and natural hair care sets a healthy example for her followers. The key is maintaining the health of natural hair while enjoying the versatility that protective styles offer, rather than viewing them as a necessity for acceptance.
Recent surveys indicate that 78% of Black women feel more confident wearing their natural hair today compared to five years ago, suggesting a positive trend in self-acceptance and cultural pride. This shift has been supported by increased representation in media and the growing availability of professional hair care products designed specifically for natural textures.
