Erin Kellyman Sheds Light on Hair Inequality on Film Sets
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Erin Kellyman, the biracial actor known for her roles in major film and television productions, recently opened up about a pervasive issue of hair inequality on predominantly white movie sets. During an appearance on Josh Smith’s Great Chat Show, Kellyman, who is of Irish and Afro-Jamaican descent, revealed that she spent years styling her own hair on set because she believed that was the norm for Black and mixed-race actors.
“I did my own hair on sets for a really long time, ’cause I thought that’s what mixed and Black people had to do,” Kellyman said, highlighting a troubling gap in the availability of professional stylists trained to work with diverse hair types. She recounted how many productions employ all-white hair and makeup teams who often lack the expertise to properly care for Black and mixed hair, even when multiple non-white actors are present.
Kellyman’s experience is unfortunately not unique. The lack of representation and training among hair professionals in the entertainment industry has been a longstanding issue, as noted by various advocacy groups and industry insiders. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has addressed workplace discrimination concerns that extend into hiring practices behind the scenes, including hairstyling and makeup.
In one poignant story, Kellyman described a conversation with her agent, Oriana Elia, about her hair being neglected on set. “I was like, ‘Let me know if I’ve turned into a diva, but I don’t know why this is happening,’” she recalled. Elia immediately intervened, making it clear that Kellyman’s expectations were reasonable. “She told me that I had a voice,” Kellyman said, emphasizing the importance of advocacy.
Kellyman shared that on many sets, her hair was only minimally attended to—often just fluffed or clipped—while other actors received full hairstyling services. “This is the first job that my hair’s been done,” she told her agent, who was shocked by the admission. Elia’s support helped change the dynamic, underscoring that Black and mixed-race actors deserve the same professional care as their white counterparts.
The actor’s revelations have sparked widespread discussion on social media and within the industry about the urgent need for hairstylists who are trained to work with all hair textures. Many users expressed outrage that professionals incapable of styling curly or kinky hair continue to be hired, leaving actors to fend for themselves. “What are you being paid for if members of the cast still have to do their own hair?” one user questioned.
Organizations like the National Association of Hairstylists and Makeup Artists have been advocating for increased diversity and training in their ranks to better serve actors of all backgrounds. Meanwhile, the entertainment industry is under growing pressure to address systemic inequalities, including those related to hair and makeup.
Kellyman’s candid discussion also coincides with the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a time when issues of representation and equity in all sectors are brought to the forefront. The official Black History Month website highlights ongoing efforts to recognize and celebrate Black culture and advocate for systemic change.
As the conversation continues, Kellyman’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion and respect behind the scenes in Hollywood. Her courage in speaking out has inspired many to call for better training, more diverse hiring, and a greater awareness of the unique needs of Black and mixed-race actors. The industry’s response in the coming months will be closely watched by advocates and performers alike.
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