Laetitia Ky is a hair sculptor from who has turned hair into a beautiful form of art. Once seen mainly as a symbol of cultural identity and status, hair sculpting has now become a way for many people to express themselves creatively.
Laetitia’s experimentation with hair began when she was just a child. Like many others in her community, she relaxed her hair at a young age, not knowing the potential dangers of the chemicals involved. It was a common practice, and most parents didn’t realize the impact it could have.
Things changed for Laetitia when she reached middle school. To attend her school, students had to shave their heads. This experience made her realize how important hair was to her identity. It was a turning point that led her to explore her natural hair.
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Eight years ago, Laetitia decided to stop relaxing her hair and embrace her natural texture. This decision was a big change, and she found herself searching for guidance online. While watching YouTube tutorials, she discovered a gallery showcasing beautiful hairstyles of black women before colonization.
These hairstyles were sculptural and were adorned with beads and gold. Inspired by what she saw, Laetitia began to experiment with her hair, creating simple geometric shapes at first.
As she shared her creations online, her work started to gain attention, and soon she went viral. She believes that hair is a part of our bodies, and when it is judged or stigmatized, it becomes a political issue. In many places, natural hairstyles like Afros are often seen as unprofessional or unattractive. By reclaiming her hair and using it to create art, Laetitia challenges these negative perceptions. She aims to inspire young girls to embrace their natural hair and feel proud of their identity.
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Laetitia understands that artists, especially black artists, play a role in shaping cultural narratives. Art is closely linked to beauty and cultural expression, and through her work, she hopes to change how society views black hair. She believes that the way an artist delivers their message can impact people’s thoughts and feelings.
Laetitia has learned valuable lessons about patience. Managing her long, textured hair can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. She has come to realize that taking care of her hair requires time and gentleness. Although she sometimes wishes to rush through the process, she knows that patience is key. Even after years of being natural, she is still learning to embrace her hair fully.
