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Inside Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’: The Artistry and Storytelling Behind the Iconic Hair Looks

Discover the creative vision, cultural meaning, and collaborative effort behind every hair look in Beyoncé’s 'Black Is King.'

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

Discover the creative vision, cultural meaning, and collaborative effort behind every hair look in Beyoncé’s 'Black Is King.'

Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ Hair: A Journey of Artistry and Heritage

Beyoncé’s Black Is King is much more than a visual album—it’s a global celebration of Black heritage, African artistry, and cultural legacy. Among its most captivating elements are Beyoncé’s transformative hair looks, masterminded by lead hairstylist Neal Farinah and his team. Crafted in a whirlwind six-day process, these hairstyles do more than turn heads: they tell stories of identity, tradition, and creative partnership.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece

The roots of Black Is King’s stunning hair journey began with a late-night conversation between Beyoncé and Neal Farinah. Farinah, who has collaborated with Beyoncé for over 15 years on tours, iconic visuals, and major events, describes the moment:

Beyoncé introduced the project in the early hours, sharing visual references and her vision for a film that would be a true “masterpiece.”
She requested the looks to be ready within days, reflecting her improvisational creative genius and drive for immediacy.

Farinah was inspired not just by the challenge, but by Beyoncé’s intentionality: “She’s just a true creative genius. There’s no word in the dictionary for Beyoncé.”

Building the Dream Team

The scale of this project required assembling a group of top-tier hairstylists, all chosen for both their technical ability and deep connection to Black hair culture.

Farinah enlisted his manager to scout the best Black hairstylists via social media, inviting them to his salon the next morning.
Over 10 stylists—Xia Charles, Nakia Rachon, Keinda Samuel, Nicole Newland, Safiya Warner, Tashana Miles, Kendra Garvey, and Kamilah Gerestant—arrived, eager and ready to create.
Collaboration was instinctive: “You would swear they had worked together before: everyone was jumping in to help,” Farinah recalls.

Together, the team built over 40 wigs in just six days, blending technical excellence and creative vision under immense time pressure.

Creating Iconic Hairstyles: The Process

The diversity and artistry of the hairstyles seen in Black Is King reflect a conscious celebration of African tradition and Black identity.

Beyoncé shared references from African art and vintage trends, inspiring Farinah to research hairstyles dating back centuries.
Styles in the film reference cultural symbols from Senegalese twists to Fulani braids, each carrying unique meaning and status within communities.
Wigs were customized for each scene, adapting to lighting, movement, and performance requirements.

Farinah’s lifelong experience as a Caribbean stylist enabled him to interpret ancient hairstyles for modern visuals, balancing ancestral significance with contemporary flair.

The Hair as a Character: Symbolism and Purpose

Hair in Black Is King functions not simply as decoration but as a living, breathing character—a conduit for narrative and symbolism.

Each style was selected for its cultural resonance, such as the Senegalese twist—a symbol of status and artistry in Dakar.
Different textures, shapes, and arrangements reflect stories of royalty, spirituality, and the diversity of the African diaspora.
The film’s hair transformations send a message about reclaiming Black beauty and rewriting narratives around Black hair.

Collaborating Across Disciplines: Hair, Fashion, and Makeup

While hair played a starring role, visual synergy with costumes and makeup elevated the film’s impact. Farinah and costume designer Zerina Akers operated in parallel, often seeing each other’s work for the first time on set. The result: hair and fashion were magically harmonious.

“Zerina didn’t come to play,” Farinah said. “She came to work. She came to murder. She came to slaughter. Unbelievable fashion.”
Despite limited pre-coordination, the clothing and hairstyles complemented each other perfectly, enhancing the film’s visual storytelling.
Makeup was designed to highlight Beyoncé’s natural beauty without overshadowing the hair, often using dewy finishes and subtle enhancements to let the hairstyles shine.

Cultural Significance: Elevating Black Beauty

The commitment to representing Black beauty authentically extended to every department. Makeup artists focused on accentuating deep skin tones and celebrating Beyoncé’s African heritage, choosing products and techniques that spoke to lived experience rather than industry convention.

Glossy, radiant skin was highlighted using products like Iconic London Glow Drops, often sheered out for a “skin-like” finish.
Lashes and features were kept natural and real, avoiding overtly dramatic enhancements and reflecting the film’s message of celebration and empowerment.
The goal: to relay Beyoncé’s beauty as a reflection of her roots, ensuring Black beauty was elevated and authentically portrayed.

The Challenges and Triumphs: Creating Under Pressure

The process was not without complications. Creating more than 40 wigs in less than a week was a logistical marathon, demanding adaptability and resilience from every team member.

Time constraints meant stylists worked long hours, embracing improvisation and multitasking.
Unexpected setbacks, such as last-minute changes or logistical hurdles, required on-the-spot creativity.
The spirit of collaboration kept morale high, transforming what could have been a high-stress environment into a celebration of artistry and unity.

Legacy: Impact on the Hair Industry and Representation

For Farinah and his team, the impact of Black Is King reached far beyond the immediate demands of the project. It elevated awareness of Black hair artistry and inspired new generations of stylists worldwide.

The project highlighted the breadth and diversity of Black hair, encouraging viewers to appreciate its history and artistry.
It set a new standard for representation in media, positioning Black hair not as an afterthought but as a central element in storytelling.
The collaborative model, bringing together top talent from varied backgrounds, opened doors for more inclusive creative processes in fashion and entertainment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Beyoncé’s ‘Black Is King’ Hair Magic

Q: How many hair looks were featured in ‘Black Is King’?

A: Lead stylist Neal Farinah and his team created over 40 wigs, each representing a distinct style and story.

Q: What inspired the hairstyles in the film?

A: Hairstyles were inspired by centuries-old African traditions, visual art, cultural symbols, and contemporary interpretations.

Q: Who was involved in designing the looks?

A: Neal Farinah and a handpicked team of Black hairstylists collaborated, alongside costume designer Zerina Akers and makeup artists who prioritized elevating Black beauty.

Q: Why is the representation of Black hair important in this film?

A: The film positions Black hair as an essential narrative force, celebrating cultural pride, diversity, and the beauty of ancestral heritage.

Beyoncé’s Standout Hair Looks in ‘Black Is King’

Senegalese Twists: A status symbol and fashion staple in Dakar, made with Kankelon and Cheveux Naturels for authenticity.
Fulani Braids: Adorned with beads and accessories, these braids highlight roots in Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal.
High Crowned Cornrows: Symbolizing royalty, these intricate patterns evoke images of African queens and warriors.
Afro Shapes and Sculptures: Voluminous and bold, referencing power and pride throughout the diaspora.
Colorful Headwraps and Adornments: Used to blend hair, fashion, and tradition, headwraps signal affiliation and culture.

Hairstyle	Origin	Cultural Significance
Senegalese Twist	Senegal, West Africa	Fashion, status symbol, global influence
Fulani Braids	Nigeria, Mali, Senegal	Heritage, tradition, adornment
Crowned Cornrows	Across Africa	Royalty, power, artistry
Afros	Global African Diaspora	Identity, pride, resistance
Headwraps	Various African traditions	Culture, affiliation, protection

Behind the Scenes: Fast Facts

Timeline: 6 days to complete over 40 wigs—an unprecedented feat in film hair styling.
Team: More than 10 stylists, selected for excellence in Black hair artistry.
Collaboration: Hair, fashion, and makeup teams worked in tandem, using improvisation and instinct.
Inspiration: Deep research into African art, historical trends, and cultural icons.

Conclusion: The Power of Vision and Unity

Black Is King stands as a testament to what happens when creative vision, cultural research, and collaborative spirit converge under pressure. Through every strand, braid, and twist, the film’s hairstyles communicate a rich tapestry of stories: tales of ancestry, pride, and beauty. Neal Farinah and his team not only delivered on Beyoncé’s ambitious vision—they set a new standard in representing Black hair as art, character, and history for screens worldwide.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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