Kamala Harris has made headlines not only as the first woman and Black person to serve as California attorney general and the first Black female presidential nominee, but also for her hair, which many admire. Stylists and bloggers often analyze her hair journey, from her college graduation to her current role as a Democratic powerhouse. In August 2024, social media buzzed as users commented on her stylish tan suit at the 2024 DNC and her glossy new hairstyle. One admirer on X, formerly Twitter, praised, “Hair is looking absolutely fabulous.”
Harris’ fashion choices have also garnered attention. She is recognized for redefining political power dressing and using clothing to convey messages. Observers have speculated about the significance of her signature pearls, a nod to her sorority days, and the white Carolina Herrera suit she wore for her 2020 V.P. victory speech, which many viewed as a tribute to suffragettes.
A notable discussion around Harris’ hair involved the “silk press” debate: Did she use a curling iron? In a June 2023 interview with Keke Palmer, Harris clarified, “I don’t use a curling iron; it’s too much heat, so I use a round brush,” prompting a lively response on social media. The conversation continues, with fans recalling her unrecognizable throwback photos featuring short, edgy styles and her adorable childhood braids.
Harris’ hair has attracted more attention than that of any other political figure, aside from Donald Trump, for different reasons. In an October 2020 article for Cosmopolitan, Ama Kwarteng explored the significance of Harris’ hair. “For Black women, it’s never been ‘just hair.’ It’s linked to our identity, culture, and creative expression,” she explained, noting that hair allows for flexibility in identity.
Harris is open to discussing her hair journey, unlike others who may view beauty topics as trivial. She shared her transformation in an April 2024 interview with Cocoa Butter. Harris reminisced about her childhood, recalling the struggle with braids: “My mother would part our hair down the middle and put it in two tight braids. I wanted to wear it out.” She admitted to taking her braids out as soon as she arrived at school and having friends re-braid her hair before returning home.
Reflecting on her childhood, Harris shared a photo with her sister, Maya Harris, from their youth, noting their fashion choices and the challenges of growing up. At 12, Kamala and her mother moved from California to Montreal, Canada, a significant culture shock. In her 2019 memoir, The Truths We Hold: An American Journey, she described the emotional difficulty of relocating in the middle of the school year. Her mother tried to make the transition enjoyable, but Kamala found it hard to see it that way.
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