Political symbol, erotic lure or decorative accessory: A look at history shows that hair is not just hair.
Pictures of courageous Iranian women went around the world: they cut their hair in protest against the totalitarian regime. It was an act of solidarity for the young Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by the moral police in September 2022 because her hijab had slipped and died three days later. The women’s message: Take our hair – but not our freedom!
Braids, strands, curls: they have always been more than just a decorative accessory. “Hair is part of our identity, it expresses who we are,” says Denis Bruna. The Frenchman is currently working on an exhibition on the effects of hair, which will be on view at Paris’ Musée des Arts Décoratifs from April.