On Tuesday, Kylie Jenner did it again. No, it wasn't a Kylie Cosmetics sneak peek and no, she didn't announcement her new Kyshadow palettes or a restock. Instead, Jenner did what another style switch-up we're all used to and rocked a new hair color. So is Kylie Jenner's red hair real? She's sporting a new birthday look, and while the color is definitely killer on the star, the style is problematic — even if it's somewhat expected at this point in Jenner's career.
In an Instagram and Snapchat post, Jenner debuted flaming red hair styled in cornrows that she explained were for her upcoming birthday. The hair change shouldn't come as a surprise for fans of the youngest member of the Kardashian and Jenner clans. She's basically known for switching up her hair color — and Kylie Cosmetics, of course. Whether she's asking fans what hair color she should be on Twitter or surprising people on Instagram, hair changes are her jam. Usually, though, they're wigs.
If I had to guess whether or not Kylie Jenner's red hair is real? I'm going to fall solidly in the no category. Jenner's entire family has a penchant for wigs — see Kim Kardashian West's recent asymmetrical bob. A color change that dramatic would probably never happen for Jenner in real life.
While the hair may look incredibly real, it's amazing what wig and hair artists can do. Despite the realistic appearance, I'm still on the side of no. I'm also on the side of no for her corn rows, though. Jenner has been accused of culturally appropriating black culture in the past, and she doesn't seem to be learning how hurtful that behavior can be.
One of the best responses to Jenner's penchant for co-opting black culture can from actor and activist Amandla Stenberg. Stenberg said it best when she commented on a photo of Jenner rocking cornrows. She wrote, "When u appropriate black features and culture but fail to use ur position of power to help black Americans by directing attention towards ur wigs instead of police brutality or racism."
The searing critique was honest, accurate, and completely necessary. While it's always interesting to see what color Jenner is going to try next, seeing her appropriate a traditionally black hairstyle just can't go unmentioned or uncriticized. To avoid discussions of discrimination or police brutality but then embrace the culture is disingenuous and to be honest, comes across as callous.
So, sure, Kylie Jenner's red hair may be cool, and her wig game may be on point, but her decision to yet again, appropriate black culture is just a slap in the face at this point. Despite multiple people's attempts to educate the star on why appropriation is wrong, she continues to flaunt the look.
Here's to hoping she switches up her hair soon.
