The Hair Tales
In The Hair Tales narrators and real-life friends Tracee Ellis Ross and Michaela angela Davis, lead the audience through a revelatory journey of connecting the personal tales of phenomenal Black women to broader societal and historic themes. The stories shared in the series offer an honest and layered look into the complex culture of Black hair and ultimately Black women's identity, creativity, and contributions to society – all delivered with a rare mix of intelligence, humor, style, joy, and justice.
Main Cast
Tracee Ellis Rossas Narrator
Michaela angela Davisas Narrator
Episode Guide
Season 1
- Episode 1: Oprah Winfrey | Beyond A Wild Dream
Aired: Oct 22, 2022Born with a thick head of hair and a "desire to inspire," Oprah always understood the impact of Black hair. Modeling a life of purpose, she's a North Star. We unpack the big business of hair, respectability politics and the vibe of a fresh press.
- Episode 2: Issa Rae: Powerful Versatility
Aired: Oct 29, 2022Black hairs' ability to shapeshift often mystifies others, but Issa Rae reveals its super power. Her big chop uncovered that awkward is pretty awesome. We also unpack the miseducation of black hair terms from nappy to peasy and the rough road to "smooth."
- Episode 3: Ayanna Pressley | Embodied Liberation
Aired: Nov 5, 2022Freedom ain't free – nor is maintaining our hair or humanity. Ayanna Pressley puts her ambition, betrayal, loss and beauty on the table. In this episode, we unpack how the hair salon is the Black women's country club and the politics of hair.
- Episode 4: Chika | Audacious Visibility
Aired: Nov 12, 2022When the others count us out, we show out. Being CHIKA is a revolutionary act. She cut trauma out of her hair, and stepped into herself as an artistic alchemist. We unpack the unregulated madness of perms, bra strap level goals and the art of Black hair.
- Episode 5: Marsai Martin | Freedom's Heir
Aired: Nov 19, 2022Our hair won't be watered down. Marsai Martin found out the hard way. Empowered by generations, she can let her Freedom Hair run wild into big boss possibilities. Unpacked here: the privilege of unprofessionalism, Barbie and Black imagery in media.
- Episode 6: Chlöe Bailey | Deeply Rooted
Aired: Nov 26, 2022When rooted in our truth, we can't be shook. Anchored in the love of her family, Chlöe Bailey celebrates how being loc'd for life will never box her in. We unpack employment access, acceptability and how Black hair and girls are worthy of protection.