Viola Davis has truly found herself. Since her rollercoaster ride began with the promotion, debut and awards whirlwind of The Help, the seasoned actress has slid in and out of a number of looks. But on one of the most memorable nights of her impressive career, she shelved her wig and chose to boldly rock her auburn-hued natural hair at the 84th annual Academy Awards. The best actress nominee lost to Meryl Streep, but scored something much better – self-acceptance. Naturalistas rejoice!
Though the starlet is known for her amazing acting chops, and has been decorated with her fair share of critical acclaim, she’s never been given the title “Hollywood beauty.”
However, during the magical journey that is Oscar season, a transformation took place. Davis played with several progressively feminine hair and makeup looks, like her short, sweeping pixie at the 2012 Golden Globes and her mid-length curly bob at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Most striking, was her feature in the L.A. Times Magazine where she paired her God-given coif with looks by Jason Wu, Thierry Mugler and Marchesa. Many entertainers tease fans with unexpected looks during highly stylized shoots, so there was no indication that we’d ever see this gorgeous side of Viola on an actual red carpet until…we did.
She once again flaunted her curls for Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon to much praise from fans and friends. When asked if she’d been saving her natural glory for a special event, she told Essence, “No, there hasn’t been any occasion that I felt brave enough to do it.” Davis credited her husband for giving her the courage to wear her short locks. “My husband wanted me to take the wig off,” she told InStyle. “He said, ‘If you want to wear it for your career, that’s fine, but in your life wear your hair. Step into who you are!’ It’s a powerful statement.”
That powerful feeling carried right over into the Oscars where Viola looked beyond gorgeous in an emerald Vera Wang gown. We’ve never seen the star look so fresh, youthful and fierce. Her celebrity stylist was none other than her mother, Mary Alice, who helped prep her lighter tresses for the night. With coverage on every major news site, Davis single-handedly set the multi-textural movement a blaze within a few short hours. Our very intimate hair campaign has become internationally trending news. Surely, a moment like this will help to usher in a new understanding and appreciation for Black beauty.
Weigh in, natural girls. Did Viola make hair history? Will this moment inspire other Black women to go natural?
