In quite a historic move for the company, L’Oréal Paris has hired a hijab-wearing model for a hair campaign. The beauty blogger, entrepreneur, and mother can now add the ambassador title to her list of accomplishments.
L’Oréal Paris has come under criticism from time to time over the last few years when it comes to diversity in their campaigns. Now, for the first time, the brand has hired hijab-wearing model, Amena Khan. The campaign has been widely praised for the move.
Seen as an empowering statement for women all over the world but especially those of Amena’s culture, the model is thrilled with her role. She spoke to British Vogue about it:
“I didn’t start wearing a headscarf until I was in my twenties, but even prior to that I didn’t see anyone I could relate to in the media. It was always a cause of celebration when you saw a brown face on television…I think seeing a campaign like this would have given me more of a sense of belonging.”
Muslim women have been overjoyed on social media, voicing their positive opinions on how much the representation means to them. Most were pointing out that although you may not see their hair while they wear headscarves, it doesn’t mean they don’t have issues with their hair. So, here’s to diversity and inclusiveness, at all costs.??
Update: February 23rd
Amena Khan willingly stepped down from the campaign after anti-Israel tweets from her Twitter account resurfaced. Dated from 2014, she said she regretted any distress caused but didn’t want to take away from what L’Oréal was promoting with the new ad.
What do you think of L’Oréal’s latest hair campaign? Are you thrilled to see more and more diversity with beauty brands?