Ariel's Hair Journey: How Halle Bailey Redefined An Icon, Embracing Natural Beauty And Challenging Stereotypes

When Disney announced Halle Bailey as the live-action Ariel in The Little Mermaid, the internet buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Beyond the groundbreaking casting of a Black actress in such an iconic role, one question lingered in many minds: what about Ariel's hair? The animated Ariel's fiery red locks are as legendary as her voice. How would this translate to Halle Bailey, who naturally sports beautiful dark brown dreadlocks?

The journey to bring Ariel's hair to life in a new, inclusive way was a testament to innovation, cultural understanding, and a significant financial investment. It wasn't just about changing a hair color; it was about honoring natural beauty, shattering stereotypes, and creating a look that would resonate with a new generation while respecting the beloved original.

The Iconic Red Reimagined: A Six-Figure Transformation

The challenge was monumental: taking Disney’s most famous redhead, Princess Ariel, and creating a look for Halle Bailey that would work both aesthetically and practically, especially underwater. Celebrity hairstylist Camille Friend, known for her Oscar-nominated work on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was the perfect person for the job. She signed on for Disney's live-action remake with a clear vision: to keep the gorgeous texture of Halle Bailey’s natural hair intact.

Halle Bailey herself was very clear about her desire to maintain her long natural dreadlocks while portraying the redhead Disney princess. This was a crucial point, as it represented a significant departure from traditional Disney princess aesthetics and a powerful statement about Black hair representation in mainstream media.

Honoring Natural Beauty and the Art of Transformation

The process of transforming Bailey's natural brown dreadlocks into Ariel's signature red hue was complex and meticulous. It involved intertwining three different shades of red around her existing locs. This innovative technique allowed them to completely transform Bailey's hair into Ariel's vibrant red without requiring her to cut or chemically alter her natural hair. The result was a stunning, dynamic look that moved beautifully, especially in the water scenes.

As Halle Bailey herself opened up about, she specifically wanted to show her natural hair in her role as Ariel. Speaking to Glamour magazine, she said: “Ariel still has red hair, because that’s a very iconic part of her, but I really did admire the fact that because I’m a Black woman and I have locs, the producers wanted to incorporate that.” This collaboration between Bailey's personal preference and the creative team's vision led to a truly unique and authentic portrayal.

The effort and artistry involved were substantial. Creating Halle Bailey's iconic hair for the live-action remake turned out to be a six-figure endeavor. This cost reflects the complexity of the process, the specialized techniques used, and the sheer amount of time and resources dedicated to achieving the perfect look that honored both the character and the actress.

Beyond the Red: The Significance of Black Hair in Ariel's World

Casting a Black actress as Ariel naturally sparked questions and conversations about representation, and a significant part of this discussion revolved around hair. In addition to having a brown-skinned Black woman as the face of Ariel, Bailey's casting shatters stereotypes about Black hair and challenges long-held myths. It highlights the beauty and versatility of natural Black hair textures, bringing them to the forefront of a global phenomenon.

For Halle Bailey, this role was also deeply personal. As a young, rising Black actress, she shared that she hasn’t always had the luxury of a hair and makeup team that made her feel comfortable or understood her hair. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case on The Little Mermaid set, where Camille Friend and her team prioritized her comfort and the integrity of her natural hair.

This attention to detail and respect for natural Black hair aligns with a broader movement in beauty and fashion, where events like 'Black Hair Reimagined' celebrate Black culture with some of the biggest names in the industry. It underscores the importance of authentic representation and the need for skilled professionals who understand and can work with diverse hair textures.

When "Ariel Black Hair" Means Something Else Entirely

While Halle Bailey's portrayal of Ariel with red hair has been a central topic, it's worth noting that the phrase "Ariel black hair" can also refer to other public figures named Ariel who have sported black hair. It's important to distinguish these instances from the live-action Disney princess.

Ariel Baker: As the Beauty Writer at Marie Claire, Ariel Baker is involved in discussions about hair trends and styles. For instance, she reported on Cara Delevingne's shift to jet-black hair, marking a significant rebrand for the model. This shows an "Ariel" in the context of black hair in the broader beauty industry, though not related to mermaids.
Ariel Winter: The actress Ariel Winter has also been known for changing her hair color frequently. At one point, she was "officially back to her almost-black hair color" as she prepared to head to UCLA for her college career. This highlights another "Ariel" who has had black hair, separate from the Disney character.

These examples illustrate how a name can lead to different contexts, and in the world of beauty and celebrity, "Ariel black hair" can mean various things depending on who is being referenced.

Conclusion

The discussion around Ariel's hair in Disney's live-action The Little Mermaid, particularly with Halle Bailey in the role, has been far more than just about a color change. It has become a powerful narrative on representation, the beauty of natural Black hair, and the innovative artistry required to bring an iconic character to life in a culturally significant way. Camille Friend's masterful work in transforming Halle Bailey's natural dreadlocks into the iconic red, while keeping their integrity, is a testament to the film's commitment to authenticity and breaking new ground.

While the animated Ariel is synonymous with vibrant red, Halle Bailey's portrayal embraces her natural beauty, making a profound statement about inclusion and challenging long-held stereotypes. This transformation, both on-screen and culturally, ensures that Ariel's hair journey will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Disney's history and a beacon for diverse representation in media.