Halle Bailey has everyone swooning over her portrayal of Ariel in the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid. However, one aspect that has sparked discussion and fascination is Halle’s natural hair and its representation in the film. In addition, Halle’s transformation into Ariel highlights her talent and contributes to the ongoing conversation around diversity and representation.
In contrast to the iconic fire truck red hair depicted in the original cartoon version of Ariel, the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid opted to showcase the singer/actress’ natural hair. The creation of her Ariel hair, which reportedly cost $150,000, was entrusted to Oscar-nominated hairstylist Camille Friend. After a crucial conversation with Halle, Camille understood the importance of keeping her locs for the character.
Halle’s locs were wrapped with extensions for protection to recreate the red hair, which took over 12 to 14 hours to complete. The decision to showcase her locs and the meticulous process behind creating Ariel’s hair has shed light on the significance and cost of embracing Black hair in mainstream media.
The People’s Princess herself shared behind-the-scenes glimpses on her personal Instagram account, featuring her hairstyling team wrapping her auburn-colored locs for the film.
In a recent interview, Halle expressed her joy in maintaining the essence of her identity as a Black woman through her locs. Having nurtured her locs since the age of five, which now cascade down her back at 24 inches, Halle emphasized the significance of preserving her natural hair, stating that it is a vital part of who she is.
The portrayal of Halle’s hair in The Little Mermaid, now the No. 1 movie globally, highlights its beauty and versatility. Her styled locs celebrate Black hair and an affirmation of identity and representation. This depiction resonates with audiences, particularly young Black girls who can now see themselves represented in the beloved character of Ariel.
Halle’s casting as Ariel has brought forth positive reactions on social media, with her role serving as an inspiration for Black and brown children who can now believe in their dreams and aspirations.
The importance of showcasing Halle Bailey’s natural hair in The Little Mermaid also aligns with the objectives of the CROWN Act (Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair). This legislation aims to combat racial discrimination by addressing regulations and norms restricting or discriminating against natural Black hair in various domains, including schools, workplaces, and legal systems.
Including Halle’s locs in the film contributes to the conversation surrounding Black hair and challenges societal beauty standards.
Halle Bailey’s casting as Ariel initially faced racist backlash, with some individuals expressing their disapproval of a young Black woman playing the role. However, Disney recognized the significance of this representation and stood by their decision. In response to the backlash, Director Rob Marshall emphasized recognizing Black excellence and the importance of diversity in the film industry.
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