MY HAIR IS ART – PLEASE DON’T JUDGE: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HAIR & IDENTITY

Some art shows make you think. Others make you feel. MY HAIR IS ART – PLEASE DON’T JUDGE did both.

Hosted at the Nia Centre for the Arts in Toronto, this exhibit wasn’t just about hair—it was about legacy, culture, and the deep-rooted connection between identity and self-expression. A collaboration between LaRue Inspire, YoYo’s Studio, and Kickback Foundation, the show did an incredible job of honouring the artistry behind Black men’s hairstyles—from bantu knots to cornrows, afros to twists, locs to fades.

Because let’s be real—Black hair has always been more than just hair.

The Art of Hair, The Art of Storytelling

What stood out most was how the show blended film, photography, and lived experience to tell a story. The short film that accompanied the exhibit, narrated by @416_blanco, wasn’t just a visual showcase—it was a statement. It spoke to the way Black hair is constantly judged, politicized, and misunderstood, when in reality, it’s an art form in itself.

Each model wore a different style, each style carried a different history, and each history had a different meaning—but all of them pointed back to one simple truth:

Black hair is art.

A True Celebration of Craft

This wasn’t just about admiring the final look—it was about appreciating the hands that create them.

Hair artist @yoyosstudio deserves all the flowers for the intricate styling on display. Every braid, twist, and fade wasn’t just about looking good—it was about telling a story. And the creative direction from @setiztaheri and @jamalburger, along with the visual work of @paulovivanco, made sure those stories were told with intention and depth.

And a special shoutout to @spencerbadu for outfitting the youth in the film—because presentation is everything.

Final Thoughts? This is Why Representation Matters.

Seeing an exhibit centered around Black men’s hair, styled by Black hands, photographed through a Black lens, and narrated by Black voices is exactly why spaces like Nia Centre for the Arts are so necessary.

MY HAIR IS ART – PLEASE DON’T JUDGE wasn’t just about hairstyles—it was about reminding people that Black hair has always been a masterpiece, even when the world refuses to see it that way.

So if you ever needed a sign to appreciate the art of Black hair—not just in aesthetics, but in meaning—this was it.