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Why did you decide to cut your hair?
Were your reasons at all similar to Violets reasons?
I can identify with that on so many levels.
I grew up getting relaxers every four weeks.
I always felt like that was the only way I could be pretty.
I did a relaxer and I left some in accidentally.
You wanna talk about burning?
I just realized this is not what I need to be doing.
So, I stopped getting relaxers and eventually just cut my hair off.
That movie had me in tears!
This is actually my second or third Big Chop.
I just wanted her to be able to see that in her mom.
It was exhausting and too expensive for me to keep up once I came to the city.
I cut my hair because I wanted to be free!
Essence, 20:I cut my hair because I broke up with my boyfriend and I wanted changes.
I didnt want to be attached to the old me.
I loved that Violet realized she didnt need that to be loved.
Also, loving her true self was the same way I began to love my true self.
At one point, Violet says that her hair feels like a second job.
Has yours ever felt that way?
Only because I dont get paid.
So, I ended up having to just sit on the side and watch everyone else have fun.
It was isolating and so much to worry about.
When I change up the buns, then its definitely a job.
The state of Violets hair affects how she sees herself.
Does your hair reflect your personality or define it?
Olivia:I never really felt like the style of my hair determined my personality until I went natural.
Thats when I realized that straightened hair is more professional and fancy and I became aware of its effect.
It can make you change your thoughts about yourself.
Triana:I really like how the movie shows just how attached to outer appearances people can be.
When Vi goes blonde, she gets this boldness and confidence.
I definitely think [hair] can influence which parts of yourselves you mask or display.
Mikki:Now, when I wear my faux locs, my crochet locs, it feels more me.
The first time I did it, I felt so pretty.
I feel like this might be my final form.
Either that style or when my style is totally short, like a short cute buzz.
Kind of like how Violet had her hair when they were in that new growth stage.
That is so me.
I love that stage.
How does it feel to see a black hair journey depicted onscreen?
Mikki:It feels refreshing, because Im seeing natural hair having this big resurgence in the mainstream.
We have made them conform to what were doing.
A lot of people wear wigs for protective purposes, myself included.
Im glad that they ended on that note.
Triana:Were talking about hair and we can all relate to that.
I cannot relate to all movies with a black woman as a protagonist.
Im not gonna lie.
But this journey with hair is universal.
Because if youre a black girl no matter your neighborhood, class or upbringing, you know this story.
Its just a byproduct of being a black woman in America and experiencing the narrow-minded scope of beauty.
Essence:Honestly I like the representation.
But wanting it to look a certain way I could relate.
These interviews have been edited and condensed for clarity.
