Mermaid Locs Take Center Stage: The Iconic Hairdo of the Sea

The upcoming live-action remake of Disney's beloved classic, The Little Mermaid, has sparked significant controversy surrounding the casting of Halle Bailey, a talented African American actress, in the lead role of Ariel.

While some fans of the original animated film have expressed disappointment and even anger over the casting choice, others have hailed it as a significant step toward greater diversity and representation in Hollywood.

The controversy surrounding the casting decision erupted in 2019 when it was announced that Halle Bailey would bring Ariel to life on the big screen. Many fans of the original movie, which featured a red-headed mermaid, felt that the casting of a black actress was a departure from the source material, which was based on a Danish fairy tale.

On the other hand, supporters of Halle Bailey's casting have emphasized that the original story did not specify Ariel's race or ethnicity.

They view her selection as a positive move toward broader representation in the entertainment industry.

Disney's decision to cast a talented young actress of color in the lead role has been commended for its potential to break down barriers and promote inclusivity.

As an African American woman with locs, the portrayal of Ariel with locs holds significant personal significance for me.

Throughout mainstream media, there has been a long-standing perpetuation of the notion that natural Black hair is unprofessional or unappealing.

This damaging portrayal has had a profound impact on how Black women perceive themselves and their beauty.

By casting a black actress with locs as Ariel, Disney is actively challenging these harmful stereotypes and celebrating the beauty and diversity of Black hair.

It sends a powerful message that Black hair should not be seen as a limitation but rather as a source of strength and pride.

Witnessing Ariel with locs on the big screen serves as a poignant reminder that representation matters, and our stories, with all their richness and authenticity, deserve to be told.

Halle Bailey has spoken about what her having locs as Ariel means to her:

"There was a time when we'd barely see locs— and now we have a Disney princess with them, which has never happened before," she told Ebony earlier this month. "It was super important for me to have my natural hair in this film. I was really grateful to [director] Rob Marshall, because he wanted to keep my locs. It's always important to have somebody to cosign," she told People.

[Excerpt From People Magazine: https://people.com/halle-bailey-opens-up-about-channeling-ariels-red-hair-with-locs-the-little-mermaid-7501703#:~:text=%22There%20was%20a%20time%20when,wanted%20to%20keep%20my%20locs.]

It's worth mentioning that the style chosen by the production designers for Ariel's locs is colloquially referred to as "mermaid locs."

"Mermaid locs" have gained popularity in mainstream culture as a trendy and eye-catching hairstyle. This style typically involves tightly coiled or twisted locs that often incorporate loose pieces of synthetic or human hair extensions, allowing for versatility in length and volume.

In mainstream culture, "mermaid locs" have become synonymous with a captivating and enchanting look, evoking images of mythical underwater creatures and adding a touch of magic to one's appearance.

So while the choice to give a mermaid "mermaid locs" captures both the whimsy and allure of the mermaid theme while also giving a very intentional nod to current black hair styling terminology, I can't help but wish that Ariels "locs" had been portrayed more afro-centric.

As an African American woman with microlocs, I wonder if a more authentic portrayal of locs would have made a stronger statement of representation and inclusion.

As even Halle speaks about, there's something incredibly empowering about seeing characters on the big screen who reflect our own experiences and identities.

I know, at least for me, seeing a black Ariel with the same kinky-ended locs I and many other black women rock would have been awesome.

However, despite my minor, passing disappointment, I am genuinely thrilled to have a Disney princess in the official canon who looks like me, especially one who rocks locs!

It's a significant step forward, and I can't wait to witness Halle Bailey bring Ariel to life with her undeniable talent and grace on May 26th, 2023!!! (My birthday). Let's celebrate this milestone and continue pushing for more diverse and accurate representations in the world of storytelling.

To show my overall enthusiatic support of the Little Mermaid, airing May 26, 2023, I tested out Ginger Overtone Coloring Conditioner and the results were AMAZING. But dont take my word for it.

Check out my YouTube review below!

Thanks for Reading!