Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541402
46 • THE ARTISAN WINTER 2026 her signature "big hair energy" using layered extensions and varied curl patterns to give the illusion of fullness and movement. The goal was to celebrate texture as identity. Each woman in Him expressed a unique relationship to beauty and power through her hair. Jasmine's voluminous curls contrasted sharply with the more distressed or structured looks around her, establishing her as a figure of control and self-presentation. Her hair wasn't just beautiful—it was performative. The Fan: Descent Into Distress Opposite the polish of the leads was the film's "crazy fan," whose look captured the rawness of obsession. Using a full lace wig, her hair was intentionally distressed, frayed, and uneven—a visual manifestation of her unraveling mind. We created this effect through strategic damage: back-combing, selective matting, and uneven product layering to simulate neglect. The goal was realism without chaos—a believable descent into madness that translated clearly on camera. Her hair told her story before she ever spoke: beauty lost to fixation. Julia Fox: High Fashion in Horror Julia Fox, who played Marlon Wayans' wife, embodied high fashion in horror. Her look was designed to feel luxurious yet dangerous—a woman who knows her power and wields it with precision. We achieved her wet, sculpted look using Oribe gel, keeping the finish sleek and reflective under the lights. The hair was slicked back and subtly extended to create sculptural movement. As her character evolved, her style softened into an edgy updo—structured yet sensual, with tendrils framing her face to suggest cracks in her composure. Julia's hair became a study in contrasts: elegance and danger, control and vulnerability. Tierra Whack: The Power of Cool Tierra Whack, portraying Julia's character's publicist, brought a magnetic energy to the screen—savvy, stylish, and effortlessly in command. Her hair design reflected that same power and individuality. She wore a '90s-inspired bob, cut with razor-sharp precision and styled into a full-lace wig that moved naturally with every gesture. To give her look a distinctive edge, we colored the wig a pastel lavender, striking a balance between professional poise and creative rebellion. The subtle hue glowed under certain lighting, giving her an almost futuristic sophistication. This wasn't just a fashion choice—it was character work. Tierra's publicist controls narratives for others while crafting her own visual story with intention. Her hair symbolized authority with personality, professionalism without conformity. It's the kind of look that says, "I'm the one running the room," without her ever needing to say it aloud. A Tapestry of Texture and Emotion Throughout Him, hair became more than aesthetic—it was architecture for character and emotion. From the stark fades of disciplined men to the wild distress of obsession, from Southern volume to avant-garde sleekness, every texture told a truth. Monkeypaw Productions has always valued the power of visual symbolism, and in Him, that philosophy extended to every follicle. The film's hair design is a living narrative of control, chaos, and identity. Each style, each color, each line carries meaning. In Him, hair isn't just designed—it's performed. • L-R: Director Justin Tipping, Tyriq Withers, producer Jordan Peele, and Marlon Wayans L-R: Guapdad 4000, Indira G. Wilson, Tim Heidecker, and Tierra Whack (inset) Tyriq Withers Marlon Wayans Brian Badie groomingJulia Fox