Introducing ‘Black Beauty: Perspectives, Viewpoints and Representations’

Black beauty is a complex cultural construct that transcends aesthetics to embody identity, resistance and political agency. This Special Issue explores how Black beauty culture, historically rooted in rich African civilizational practices that integrated physical appearance, spiritual health and social status, has been reshaped through experiences of marginalization, commodification and cultural appropriation. The evolution of Black beauty reflects a continuous negotiation between imposed Eurocentric ideals and Indigenous practices that celebrate natural features, such as kinky hair and darker skin tones, as expressions of resilience and self-worth. From early entrepreneurial pioneers like Madame C. J. Walker to the contemporary digital landscape where augmented reality and social media influence beauty standards, Black women have redefined beauty as an act of resistance against historical and ongoing exclusionary practices. Drawing on frameworks from Black feminist thought, critical race theory and postcolonial analysis, the articles in this issue critically examine how beauty practices are intertwined with race, gender and class while interrogating the dual pressures of commercial exploitation and cultural reclamation. This collection also highlights how beauty is politicized in media and fashion, contributing to empowerment and systemic marginalization. Ultimately, this Special Issue invites readers to reconsider dominant beauty narratives by centring on Black women’s lived experiences, celebrating their transformative impact on global beauty standards and recognizing beauty as a dynamic site of cultural resilience and sociopolitical resistance in today’s society.

Dr Sharon Hughes is also the editor of the special issue in which her introduction appears, titled "Black Beauty: Perspectives, Viewpoints and Representations", published in June 2025