Lizzo’s Hairstylist, Shelby Swain, on the Art and Politics of Baby Hair

Black hair is political, and baby hair—the shorter and finer hairs that exist on one’s hairline and are colloquially called edges—is no exception. In popular culture, styling baby hair finds its roots in finger waves donned by Black female performers of the early 1900s like Josephine Baker, who is credited with bringing the look into the spotlight. Today, intricate hair art continues to be pushed forward by Black stylists like Shelby Swain—nicknamed The Beyoncé of Baby Hair—as she (quite literally) reimagines the boundaries of hair, creating a plethora of unforgettable styles for longtime client Lizzo, including those whimsical and bejeweled… Read Full Article