This Wonderful Photo Series Celebrates The Creativity And Intricate Beauty Of Black Children's Hairdos

All images courtesy of Emily Stein

From iconic Nigerian photographer J.D. Okhai Ojeikere to the many street style snapshots of Afropunk attendees, Black hairstyles have been the focal point of many artist's work for quite some now. For London photographer Emily Stein, inspiration came from the creative hairstyles worn by Black children in her own neighborhood. Her resulting Hairdo photo series features vibrant portraits of young first- and second-generation West Indians and Africans, each of whom are rocking a glorious head of natural hair styled in a very distinct fashion. Box braids, bantu knots, beaded cornrows, a mohawk and a tapered fade are just a few of the spotlighted looks.

"It would take days of hanging around scouting people as they dashed past, racing up to the kids parents explaining to them the idea of the project," Emily told Okayafrica via email. "We carried rolls of colored paper with us which we would throw up with tape on a wall nearby. It was all very makeshift."

Yep, you read that right. Opting for a sidewalk in lieu of a studio, Emily and a partner—usually Celia Willis, one of her best friends—would set up shop in and around the London area, casting and snapping their tiny subjects all in one go. 

"I wanted the photographs to have their own stamp on them, whether they were yawning, hiding or pouting," she told The Huffington Post. "I would [want] people who look at the series [to] feel the positive energy of youth and the spirit of undiluted individuality."

Next up for Hairdo is a limited edition TINY book and, ideally, an exhibit. Until then, check out the entire series on Emily's website.