The HBO show "Insecure" may be a hit because of great characters and a cool plot, but there's one thing about the series that deserves more praise: Issa's natural hair.
Issa Dee — played by the actress, creator, and writer of the same name, Issa Rae — lives a messy, relatable, and hilarious life. Still, no matter what is on fire around her (like her relationship, her job, and her kitchen that one time… ) she makes sure to keep her short natural hair all the way together.
I've seen more than a handful of looks that I plan to try out on my own natural hair at some point, and that's what I love about her style: It's a common texture that many black girls have and she gives naturalistas who get style-stuck on the regular (*raises hand*) plenty of fun ideas.
According to Issa Rae's personal hairstylist, Felicia Leatherwood, that's the whole point.
"My main focus is to represent the natural hair community in a way that they feel inspired and [feel they can] do it on their own hair," Leatherwood told Refinery 29.
"I don't want to give her something that's completely outlandish. Something that's not reasonable for someone at home to copy. They shouldn't feel like that's impossible."
Hey, job well done because I'm coming for this twisted faux-hawk look.
Or consider this easy style: three clean twists at the front with the back out.
In fact, Issa proves that you can do the MOST with any combination of twists.
Rock just a few for instant chic.
Even if you want a crown, try twisting up the back. Warning: Tired arms are inevitable if you DIY. But behold the beauty!
When you're bored with twists for your faux-hawk, refresh the style with braids.
And never forget the power of the puff!
As a black woman with natural hair, it feels so good to see another dark-skinned woman with a similar hair texture spearheading a hit series that has such a cult following.
Issa's natural hair has never been a major topic on the show, which actually makes me very happy. Instead, she's presented as a fun, sexy, and desirable woman with multiple layers who also happens to have kinky curls.
Natural hair does not always need to spur in-depth conversation —really, it just needs to be a normalized thing included in media imagery. It's empowering to see just how possible that is while getting my Sunday evening "Insecure" fix.
Issa, slay. Literally.
