Allure Talent ShowWe’ll be introducing you to the on-the-rise makeup artists and hairstylists who are making the industry a better place. This time we’re focusing our attention on Laetitia KyKy, a model, artist and activist who designs intricate hair sculptures that communicate powerful messages. Ky has recently published Love & JusticeThe book, accompanied with personal essays, documents her work’s evolution. Ky chats with Dianna Mazzazone about her journey in hair and her inspiration for her advocacy. 

I was born on the Ivory Coast, in Abidjan. [West Africa is]We are now independent, but colonization has an impact on every aspect of our lives. The earliest years of my life were spent in the DollsMy hair was straight and I was very pale. I’d take my hair out to buy extensions in the markets.

The first time that I received my hair relaxedThis was the standard practice when I was just five years old. My entire head had to be shaved when I started middle school. In many public schools, it is believed that if girls let the hair grow, they will be too attractive, and the boys won’t focus. My high school was private, so I was allowed to let my hair grow — and I was back to relaxing it again.

Following high school graduation, I applied to business management school. After three years, I told mom that I couldn’t continue.

Ky is an artist. She also models and photographs her sculptures.

Courtesy Laetitia KY