Emotive Hair

HAIR vs EMOTION

In this photo series, I wanted to visually explore the connection between hair and emotion.

Psychologist Paul Ekman identified four base emotions: Joy, Sorrow, Anger and Fear, as fundamental to the human experience. According to him, these emotions are universal, transcending all cultural and social boundaries.

Shot in a London studio, my team and I decided to concentrate on these universal feelings that are deeply rooted in our biology and essential for human survival.

Joy - Modelled by Kelly Brennan

Joy is captured through lively curls of grey hair, representing the carefree and fun moments that uplift our spirits and create feeling of happiness.

Sorrow - Modelled by Gemma Seymour

Sorrow is illustrated by the heavy, wet, red hair that drapes over Gemma’s shoulders—just like the weight of melancholy does. This hairstyle mirrors the feelings of grief and loss and the self-reflective nature of sorrow.

Anger - Modelled by Kwan Jo

Anger can simmer underneath the surface, building up over time before exploding into an intense display of rage. This feeling is portrayed through spiky, plated hair, sticking out aggressively and representing the prickly energy that sums up anger.

Fear - Modelled by Alexandra Beaton

Fear is portrayed through Alexandra’s fabulous afro-textured hair standing up on end. I have tried to capture the essence of anxiety and panic. A hair-raising experience that spikes adrenaline and sets off the fight-or-flight response.

This series is a collaboration. Thank you to my wonderful team. As the photographer, it was so fun to bring the idea of this emotional journey to life.

Hair Styling: Laura Chadwick

Makeup: Czar Joshua Ventura

Production: Holly Charlton at Hoff Productions Ltd.

Hair Credits

Sorrow - Phillip B styling gel & detangling toning mist

Joy - Philip B MAUI WOWIE VOLUMIZING MOUSSE & Phillip B Russian Amber insta

thick hairspray

Anger - Philip B gravity defying gel & JET SET PRECISION CONTROL HAIR SPRAY

Fear - Phillip b weightless mega curl enhancer & Trepadora slip gel

Makeup credits

SORROW - HD Skin Essentials Palette, Flash Colour Multi-Use Palette

JOY- HD Hydra Glow Foundation in 1N14, HD Skin Sculpting Palette, Artist Pencil in 702