Hair Diaries: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

From September 15 through October 15, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month as a time of recognition, education, celebration, and reflection, delving into the rich-rooted history and collective stories of the Hispanic community. This month we pay homage to the strength and pride they carry within their culture as we celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions made by those who came before them.

In this chapter of Hair Diaries, we had a very special one-on-one with @actuallyalessandra — a Black Puerto Rican fashion model living in Tampa, FL. Alessandra shares what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her and how hair impacts her identity and elevates her self-expression. Have a seat and learn more about her hair journey and how Hispanic Heritage Month is more than just food, music, and culture, but the importance of ethnicity, background, and heritage.

1. It’s Hispanic Heritage Month! What does it mean to you, and how do you celebrate?

This month is about reflecting and reconnecting with my Latino roots. I have been enjoying and celebrating this month with my Puerto Rican family, cooking up our favorite foods, like maduros, arroz con pollo, bistec encebollado, and more! We’ve cracked open the old family photo albums of my grandmother's life in Puerto Rico and, of course, speaking and practicing our Spanish at home!

2. How do you want to see the beauty industry grow to become more radically inclusive and intersectional?

I think the beauty community has come a long way and made many improvements on inclusivity, but of course, there is always room to grow. I think everyone should see someone that looks like them in beauty ads & campaigns from different brands, whether it be hair products, makeup, body care, etc.

3. When did you first start changing up your hair or feeling it was part of your overall style/identity?

I started doing my hair for school at a pretty young age, around 8 years old! I liked experimenting with different styles and seeing what I was able to achieve on my own. I cut my own bangs in 6th grade to change up my look and actually did a really great job for a 12-year-old with regular scissors, lol. At 16, I dyed my hair for the first time and went blonde. I loved the reaction I got from friends and family, and since then, anytime I feel like it’s time for a change, I just love starting with my hair!

4. Who are some of your hair/beauty icons?

What do they represent that makes them so influential to you? Rihanna has always been so iconic to me! She is unapologetically her. I love that she takes risks with her hair, fashion, makeup, looks, and more. She isn’t afraid to switch it up and definitely doesn’t conform to fit others’ ideas of the beauty standard. She has influenced women and me across the globe to be unapologetically themselves!

5. What is your day-to-day beauty routine?

What are your essentials, and what makes them a staple for you? It’s a long one! Face: Cleanse, tone, spot treat & moisturize. Makeup if necessary for the occasion/day. Palmer’s Cocoa Butter chapstick is an essential of mine; gotta keep the lips hydrated & I love the consistency and longevity of their chapstick! I’m also a big blush user. It just adds a super cutesy look to your face :) Hair: spray with water, leave-in conditioner, curl creme, gel (depending on the humidity), diffuser, and oil. Leave-in conditioner & curl creme are essentials in my routine because they define my curls and add moisture. Body: lotion & perfume.

6. Where do you find hair and style inspo?

I’d have to say, as of recently, I have found a lot of inspiration to try new hairstyles and fashion styles on social media. Ranging from YouTube to Tiktok to Instagram, I love the beauty and fashion community and its diversity. It’s always fun and refreshing to see a new style and feel like you want to try it out yourself!

7. How does hair impact your self-expression?

Hair is a big factor in my self-expression; depending on my mood and fashion vibe, I like to switch up my look with hairstyles. Sometimes attempting an edgy look requires following a tutorial or something classic and sleek. It’s definitely a huge way to express yourself!

8. Is there a certain hairstyle that makes you feel your best?

Freshly washed, trimmed, and moisturized curls are my go-to, feel-good hairstyle! Nothing better than a good wash day when all the products you use align perfectly to give your curls a beautiful shape and bounce.

9. Anything else you’d like to share regarding your hair journey?

Hair is such a fun way to express yourself, and I love that the hair community has come so far with color and styles and always finding new innovative ways to express YOU!Although the Hispanic community radiates pride and honor every day of the year, this month allows us to share the beauty of their culture through art, music, food, and history with others. Hispanic heritage is about family, faith, pride, and love. It means carrying the strength of the parents, grandparents, and ancestors who faced obstacles and barriers with courage so that there can be more opportunities and moments to be cherished.