The State of Black Beauty

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Welcome to The State of Black Beauty: ELLE.com's ongoing exploration of—and destination for—beauty at the intersection of Black culture.

The State of Black Beauty

mary j blige

Mary J. Blige on Navigating Self-Acceptance Through Beauty

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sheamoisture defining styling gel

From ELLE for SheaMoisture

How ELLE’s Beauty Director Uses SheaMoisture’s New Styling Gel

raquel willis

Raquel Willis on the Revolutionary Act of Self-Care

state of black beauty

Viola Davis is Reclaiming Her Self Worth

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Brandy on Black Beauty

vanessa williams

Vanessa Williams Wants You to Break Color Barriers

gabrielle union

Gabrielle Union on Black Beauty

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tina turner

Tina Turner Became The Woman I Wanted to Be

janet jackson

Janet Jackson Helped Me Define Beauty on My Terms

eartha kitt

When I Want to Feel Strong, I Turn to Eartha Kitt

flo jo image

Flo-Jo Taught Me What It Means to Be Black and Fab

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Hair, Head, Lip, Hairstyle, Skin, Chin, Forehead, Eyebrow, Style, Colorfulness,

Beauty Trends Begin at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show

ayanna pressley

Rep. Ayanna Pressley Is Challenging Beauty Norms to Make Women of Color Feel Seen

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A Celebration of the Tastemakers in Black Beauty

madam by madam cj walker

From ELLE for Madam CJ Walker

How I Style and Protect My Natural Hair on Every Type of Trip

preview for The State of Black Beauty: Don't Touch My Hair

"I Felt Beautiful, But You Made Me Feel Different": Black Women on Simply Existing With Hair