Vivica A. Fox, Gabrielle Union, Tiffany Haddish Recall Beauty Mishaps on White Sets: ‘A Chunk of My Hair Snapped Off’

Vivica A. Fox, Gabrielle Union, Tiffany Haddish Share Beauty Mishaps on Set

Hollywood actresses Vivica A. Fox, Tiffany Haddish, and Gabrielle Union recently opened up about their experiences with beauty mishaps while working on predominantly White film sets. In a new documentary titled ‘Number One on the Call Sheet’, these Black actresses shed light on the challenges they face when it comes to hair and makeup on set.

For these actresses, looking camera-ready can be a process that goes beyond just waking up. It often involves hours of preparation and the expertise of professionals who understand how to work with Black hair and skin to showcase Black beauty. The documentary delves into the struggles these actresses have faced when their specific beauty needs were not met on set.

Vivica A. Fox, who is 60 years old, recalls her efforts to ensure there were African-American makeup artists and hairdressers who understood the needs of Black actors. She recounted a troubling experience during the filming of ‘Independence Day’ where her hair was severely damaged due to a stylist’s mishandling.

Similarly, Gabrielle Union, known for her roles in films like ‘Bring It On’, shared a traumatizing incident from early in her career when a hairstylist’s negligence led to a chunk of her hair breaking off. This experience highlights the importance of having skilled professionals who can cater to the specific requirements of Black hair and skin.

Tiffany Haddish, who rose to fame with the movie ‘Girls Trip’, expressed feeling unsafe on Hollywood sets until she worked on a project where her hair and makeup needs were adequately met. She emphasised the significance of creating a safe space where Black actresses can feel comfortable and confident in their appearance.

The documentary also features insights from other prominent Black actresses, including Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, and Octavia Spencer. These discussions shed light on the broader challenges faced by Black women in the industry, such as stereotypes, limited leading roles, and inadequate representation in hair and beauty departments.

‘Number One on the Call Sheet’, directed by Shola Lynch, offers a compelling look into the experiences of Black actresses in Hollywood and the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the industry. The stories shared by Fox, Union, and Haddish serve as a reminder of the importance of representation and understanding the unique beauty needs of all actors.

The documentary is currently available for streaming on Apple TV+, offering viewers a deeper insight into the experiences of Black actresses in the entertainment industry. As conversations around diversity and inclusivity continue to gain momentum, projects like ‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities in Hollywood.