• Photographer Alex Black on the satisfaction of shooting hair
  • Photographer Alex Black on the satisfaction of shooting hair
  • Photographer Alex Black on the satisfaction of shooting hair

EDITORIAL: Photographer Alex Black on the satisfaction of shooting hair

Words + Images: Alex Black
Hair: Denise Guerrera, Kazuto Shimomura, Scarlet Luartes

Hair by Denise Guerrera

Alex Black is a New York based Director and Photographer. Her work has been published in i-D, Nylon, SHOWstudio and Thump by Vice. Finding influence in the vibrant youth culture in Montreal and New York, expression through hair is often a central feature in her photography. Below, Black speaks to INFRINGE about the role of hair in her work.

“People often associate new hair with a new ‘you’. I love how you can live as a new version of yourself for a few months just by changing your hair. There is more of a commitment than with say, clothing or make-up, so I am always fascinated by, and in awe of, people’s courage when I’m documenting people based on their hair.
It’s always hard to talk about your own work… I see and feel it, but I can never put words to it. But I can say there is a strong attention to detail in my work. I like to combine muted elements that compliment each other in a charged way. I’ve come to realise my sensibilities have been affected by having lived in different cities. I grew in Paris, surrounded by the remains of aristocracy where everything was gilded, beauty was elegant and poised, and the philosophies were poetic. I lived in London briefly, Montreal a little longer. Now, I am in New York, where I find myself most drawn to the marginalized, who offer new ideas and views on the world and challenge my own perspectives, which are always evolving.”

Hair groomed by Kazuto Shimomura for NYLON
Hair by Kazuto Shimomura
Hair colour by model
Hair by Scarlet Luartes
Hair colour by model
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR
  • ANTHROPOLOGY OF HAIR