Unlocking the Power of Natural Hair: Abbott Elementary's Lead Stylist Shares Insider Tips for Expressing Your Unique Personality

Summary

The characters' hairstyles in Abbott Elementary are carefully selected to mirror their individual traits. Janine's curly locks symbolize her self-contained disposition, while Barbara's timeless bob showcases her wisdom and grace.

Ava's versatile hairstyles represent her adaptability and willingness to experiment with different looks. On the other hand, Melissa's vibrant red hair perfectly complements her passionate and fiery nature. Taking into account the well-being of Black actors' natural hair, Moira Frazier, the show's main hair designer, has developed a haircare product that nourishes and safeguards their hair. By collaborating closely with creator Quinta Brunson, the hairstyles are crafted to align with the characters' backgrounds and the show's overall vision.

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows a dedicated group of teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. Despite facing challenges, these teachers strive to provide the best educational experience for their students. This close-knit work family supports and cares for each other, while viewers are entertained by their personal and professional growth.

Created by Quinta Brunson, Abbott Elementary boasts a talented cast that includes Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti, William Stanford Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Recognizing the importance of diversity and representation, the show prioritizes hair care for its majority Black cast. To ensure this, the acclaimed Hair Department Head Moira Frazier, with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry and her own natural hair product line Fingaz Beauty, is part of the production team.

Screen Rant had a conversation with Moira Frazier regarding her role as the lead hair designer for Abbott Elementary. Frazier explained how the hairstyles of Janine, Barbra, Ava, and Melissa were chosen to align with their respective characters' personalities. The discussion also touched upon the significance of maintaining the natural hair health of Black actors and the fruitful collaboration with Brunson to achieve optimal outcomes. Note: This article was written amidst the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, acknowledging the indispensable contribution of writers and actors from both unions in bringing the show to life.

Moira Frazier Talks Abbott Elementary

I love Abbott Elementary. The show is phenomenal. Can you talk about how the hairstyles for each of the characters helped portray each of the characters' personalities?

Moira Frazier: Hair is a powerful storyteller, as we all know. Each person's hairstyle is unique to them and holds its own story. Take Janine, for example, portrayed by Quinta Brunson. Her hairstyle remains consistent, reflecting her reserved nature. We all appreciate a beautiful curl pattern, and Janine has never deviated from her natural curls, as it suits her perfectly. Initially, we wanted to stay true to her character's appearance and avoid drastic changes, such as dyeing her hair blonde, which wouldn't align with Janine's essence. Showcasing her personality through her curls and textured hair is crucial in fully capturing her character. Curly hair may require specific care and steps, including washing, deep conditioning, and nightly twisting for defined curls.

Janine wearing a Halle Berry-inspired, blonde haircut would be a departure from her usual style. If she were to make that choice, it would indicate her desire to explore her identity and venture into new territory. This particular hairstyle resonates with her for that reason. It is not uncommon to encounter individuals with similar hair and possibly personalities as Janine.

Now, let's shift our focus to Barbara. Barbara rocks a classic, sophisticated bob, often associated with church ladies. We can all identify that certain type of elderly woman, who exudes grace and experience, without necessarily labeling her as a grandmother.

Yes, the remarkable woman.

Moira Frazier: Absolutely distinguished, someone who radiates immense inspiration. In our present day, where people rely heavily on the internet and search engines for information, having an iconic figure like Sheryl Lee Ralph to learn from is invaluable. Barbara Howard truly embodies this wisdom, and her hairstyle perfectly complements her personality. It reflects her sense of coherence and professionalism. Unlike Ava, Barbara Howard would never show up to work with a messy center part and long, unkempt hair.

We've completely revamped Ava's looks this season to keep the audience guessing. Hair plays a huge role in shaping Ava's character and mood. For instance, today I'm sporting a curly hairstyle, but tomorrow I might go for a sleek straight look or even channel a Farrah Fawcett-inspired style. The possibilities are endless when it comes to changing Ava's hair. It's like switching shirts in her wardrobe, constantly reinventing her appearance. Ava represents all women who have the power to transform themselves and their hairstyles. Melissa Schemmenti, her...the list goes on. I'm really excited about this creative journey.

No, you're good. I'm delighted with it.

Moira Frazier: Melissa Schemmenti's hair speaks volumes, specifically the color. Dustin Osborne, our talented hairstylist and colorist on the show, collaborated with Lisa Walters to achieve the perfect hair color for her. This vibrant red hairstyle reflects her lively personality and adds a touch of spice. Be careful not to mess with Ms. Schemmenti, because she might just come after you with a bat! Regardless, her hair throughout the entire season is styled beautifully, even when she's at home and feeling relaxed with an updo ponytail.

But when she's in the office, she's all business. That's why we never opt for a sleek hairstyle. Instead, we always choose a hairdo that reflects her true personality. It exudes confidence and makes a statement. Just one look at her and you can already tell she means serious business.

Your passion is immense. You belong on the show. I see you as a remarkable addition to the cast. Can you emphasize the significance of black women not only understanding their hair but also maintaining its health?

Moira Frazier: It is a crucial matter because as black women, particularly in the entertainment industry like Abbott or any other show in Hollywood or Atlanta, we constantly wear wigs depending on our characters. Thus, I developed Moisturelized, a product specifically designed to nourish and hydrate their hair. I always ensure that the products I use cater to the unique needs of each actor or actress in my care, whether they are in my chair or being attended to by a member of my team.

We all have a background in the salon industry. As licensed cosmetologists, we understand the significance of maintaining healthy hair. Oftentimes, when actors are shooting in Brazil, they may not have access to their regular hairstylist. It is our responsibility in this industry to ensure that we bring our expertise and practices to the trailer, so that their hair can receive proper care. We aim for their hair to thrive and avoid any damage or baldness.

However, all the knowledge, training, and quick thinking become essential as we have to prepare them for the show and their scenes. These aspects are crucial, especially at Abbot. Haircare is our top priority and serves as our motto.

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It's amazing to me that you always have more than a hundred wigs available on set at all times.

Moira Frazier: Absolutely, it's necessary. There was one time when I had all the wigs with different textures, except for the specific one Quinta Brunson, our creator and showrunner, wanted for Ayo's character, played by actress Ayo Edibiri. But I had the hair extensions in bundles. I remember vividly, she arrived at five in the morning when she was supposed to be on set by seven. She had already spent around 45 minutes in makeup. Without a doubt, I went to my trailer, took out my sewing machine, and created a wig for her right there on the spot.

I had to complete the task of making and coloring it within a strict two-hour timeframe and gain approval from Quinta. Upon her review, she expressed her satisfaction and declared, "Yes, that's it. That's the one." Thus, that is how our character came into existence. Consequently, a notable portion of the wigs currently featured on the show, exceeding a hundred in number, can be attributed to instances when I spontaneously created something on the spot. However, this ability is a result of the experience and expertise I have accumulated over the years, which I consistently apply while on set due to the unpredictable nature of the job.

Speaking of Quinta, let's discuss working with her as a collaborator. She exudes a welcoming and inviting aura, which makes the experience enjoyable. It's safe to say that her real personality shines through her character.

Moira Frazier: Quinta is like family to me, she is my closest friend. I unofficially see myself as her older sister. She is genuinely an incredible person, and what I appreciate the most is our seamless collaboration on hairstyles. Almost always, we are in sync and on the same wavelength. Whenever she presents a character for an episode, she provides me with the necessary details about her backstory, appearance, and more, so I can fully grasp the essence of the character.

I am piggybacking off an incident from season one involving the artsy teacher. During that season, she expressed a desire for the character to resemble Zoe Kravitz, but with a different touch. She described it as a boho look, but not quite boho. To better understand her vision, I requested a picture for inspiration. To my surprise, the picture she showed me matched exactly what she had in mind. This incident showed that we are always on the same page.

Even when new characters are introduced in each season, we continue to be in sync. It is incredibly enjoyable to work and collaborate with her because she gives me the freedom to unleash my creativity. In many projects, the relationship and trust between collaborators are crucial for bringing visions to life. I am extremely grateful for her trust in me and where we are now.

Can you discuss your unique technique for seamlessly blending your client's natural hair with their extensions to achieve a flawless result?

Moira Frazier: Firstly, I possess the ability to create custom wigs, such as the full lace wig you currently see. Remarkably, I can produce this particular wig within a span of eight days, with the back section taking four days and the front requiring three to four days of meticulous work. Despite the demands of my busy schedule, I strive to ensure quick turnaround times for my clients. If I am working on a custom front piece that needs to perfectly match the actor's hairline, it typically takes me a day, possibly a few hours. I strongly believe in the concept of practice leading to swiftness, as my motto suggests: the more one works, the quicker they become.

Can you please talk about the unique technique of using water alone to remove wigs and its significance in promoting natural hair growth?

Moira Frazier: When it comes to using glue in a scene, we always follow safety protocols for its removal. It is essential to be licensed, such as having a cosmetology license. However, the lace lock melting spray that I have is a convenient solution. It can be easily applied and removed due to its water-based formula. This high holding spray effectively conceals the lace on camera, especially since we film in 4K.

Throughout this season, my main focus has been ensuring that the glue does not seep through and that it perfectly matches the actor's skin tone. Our goal is to achieve a seamless look where nothing is visible. By properly ventilating the wig, we can further enhance the natural appearance. This expertise is a highlight of our work on Abbott Elementary. So, yes.

What's been the most challenging look to come up with for Abbott Elementary? I would assume the Halloween episode where Janelle had the Storm wig.

Moira Frazier desired to create a more extravagant look for that episode. She initially planned to stack three wigs on top of each other, but ultimately settled for two wigs and eventually just one. However, she still achieved a great result. She employed an old-school salon technique called the invisible part technique, commonly used in hood beauty salons. This technique involved cutting the synthetic wig to create a more natural appearance. The decision to use a synthetic wig was made last minute due to time constraints and uncertainty about the desired direction for the episode. Originally, they had intended to create multiple distinct looks for that episode.

In short, I sewed a weft onto the scalp to imitate her hairline. We had to repeat this process for each episode. It's worth mentioning that this particular episode was when I contracted COVID.

Despite my illness, my team managed to handle the entire episode with the wigs I created. I should ask my key how many wigs we used because I believe we had over a hundred for that episode. Everyone, even the children, wore wigs. We even made a Beyonce wig for one of the little girls. Overall, it was a demanding episode. I want to give a special shout-out to my team members, Dustin Osborne and Christina Joseph, who did an amazing job. Also, thanks to the day players and barbers from union 706 who supported us.

Janine's transformation in the episode where she attends a club and straightens her hair is truly remarkable. It's as if she becomes a whole different person with her hair sleek and straight. Let's discuss the challenges that come with creating a hairstyle that complements an individual's unique facial features.

Moira Frazier: The key to successful hairstyling lies in mastering various techniques and having a deep understanding of facial structures. This knowledge is ingrained in the training of licensed cosmetologists. When you're a professional in this field, you possess a thorough understanding of facial structures, allowing you to skillfully frame and enhance the features of your clients or the actors you're working with.

Is her face oval-shaped? Is her face diamond shaped? Your expertise from beauty school is being utilized in your current profession. By incorporating this knowledge, we were able to create a hairstyle for Quinta with soft layers that complement the gentle nature of her character. This is an opportunity for her to relax and possibly pursue romance.

Then she visited Gregory, and everything changed. Even the way Gregory looks at her is awe-inspiring. It's like, "Oh my god." You understand why the focus is on her hair, as she is usually seen with curly locks. I had to try something different by straightening it with layers and adding a slight wave. It was a major transformation for her, and it translated beautifully on screen. Quinta, an amazing actress, delivered and confidently carried each hairstyle throughout the season.

Wow, she's absolutely amazing! Could you elaborate on your approach? Upon receiving the script, do you immediately delve into envisioning the perfect appearance for each character? Do you engage in discussions with the actors to convey your desired visuals?

Moira Frazier always begins her process with pen and paper. She carefully reads the script and analyzes the episode and the character she is working on. To understand the writers' intentions, she communicates with them and asks for their insights on the character. This allows her to align her thoughts and ideas with theirs. Consulting with the actors is also an important step. Moira shares her vision and listens to their input and preferences. The level of trust between her and the actors eliminates any back and forth, enabling smooth decision making. Collaboration plays a role when the actors suggest ideas, such as Janelle proposing a half up, half down hairstyle for the Christmas episode. In such cases, the creative process becomes a team effort with valuable contributions from all involved.

However, my main focus is on analyzing the psyche of the character. This is my top priority across the board. I always break down the character, it's what I do. In one episode, there was a sleepover scene that resonated with me. I recalled how when I was growing up, my mother would never let me attend a sleepover without wearing a scarf or a bonnet to protect my hair. She would spend time making sure my hair looked presentable, and she wouldn't allow me to go without a scarf. So, when I spoke with one of the writers, Brittany Nichols, I brought up this topic. I asked her where we could incorporate durags and bonnets in the show, and where we could show the characters winding down with these items. That's how we managed to authentically portray our culture and received positive feedback from viewers who appreciated seeing the real us.

That's amazing! Could you discuss the scalp massages we provide for the actors to enhance blood circulation, stimulate hair growth and promote a healthy scalp?

Moira Frazier: To cater to their needs, we have introduced scalp massages using a small massager for interested actors and actresses. Furthermore, we have plans to expand our offerings in the upcoming season, ensuring a wider availability of such treatments. Our dedication to their comfort goes beyond our regular job responsibilities, as we also focus on our expertise in hair growth.

We provide scalp stimulation and follicle stimulation, along with a deep massage. Additionally, we handle their coloring needs and ensure it is maintained on set. Essentially, we create a mini salon experience for them on set.

Our role extends beyond the show as well. Some of us personally take care of their hair outside of filming. And if we are not available, depending on our busy schedules, we make sure to prepare them for their regular hairstylists outside of the show. It is a collaborative effort that involves everyone on the team.

In addition to

, I'd like to address the use of low ammonia levels in your choice of colors. It's important to consider that allergies to ammonia can be quite common, and its excessive use can have negative health implications.

Moira Frazier: One of our actresses undergoes an ammonia-free coloring process. I cannot disclose the name. Each individual's hair reacts differently during a color treatment. Personal hair texture plays a role; for example, my hair, with its particular texture, cannot handle being dyed platinum blonde without feeling damaged. Regardless of the number of products I use, my hair cannot withstand that due to its low porosity.

However, there are others whose hair has high porosity and can handle such treatments while retaining moisture. Some actors may have hair that lacks moisture or has been subjected to various treatments from different stylists. They may have been in situations where they had to do something themselves or have been using the wrong products for an extended period of time.

I prioritize the safety of my clients when it comes to achieving their desired results. For example, if we want to freshen up a color, I always opt for the safest product available, which is typically ammonia free. Additionally, I use the lowest volume to ensure that their hair remains healthy and strong while we work on improving it. It's important to recognize that wigs, braids, and other hairstyles serve as protective measures. When my clients are with me on set, I typically braid their hair to maintain its condition.

They can keep these braids for about a week, depending on their individual schedules. However, if they have commitments such as filming or attending a premiere later in the day, I ensure that their hair is still moisturized and prepared for whichever style they require. Therefore, I take the necessary steps to meet their needs effectively.

Can you elaborate on your brand's shampoos and wig bath bombs and how they contribute to hydrating and preserving hair color?

When time allows, we ensure that all the wigs featured on the show go through a rejuvenating process called a wig bath bomb. Each wig is immersed in the bath bomb for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, requiring only one shampoo afterward. My product, coincidentally, is the one shampoo needed for this process. Following the shampoo, applying conditioner will complete the treatment. Now, turning our attention to your product, may I inquire if it is available for purchase by the general public?

Moira Frazier offers her handmade bath bombs and moisturized cream to the public. She takes pride in creating these products using raw ingredients like shea butter, mango butter, kokum butter, and other natural substances. In addition, Moira recently incorporated Chebe oil, a popular and widely used ingredient in the beauty industry, into her creations. She makes the oil herself, fermenting it for three to four days before adding it to her products, including the hair growth oil, which is known to stimulate significant hair growth.

You're like a hair designer and scientist. This is crazy.

Moira Frazier: Yeah, I got to be!

About Abbott Elementary

Abbott Elementary, a Philadelphia public school, brings together a devoted, enthusiastic group of educators alongside an occasionally oblivious principal. Despite facing numerous challenges, their unwavering commitment towards their students' achievements remains their primary focus. Hulu currently offers the first two seasons of Abbott Elementary for viewing.

Source: Screen Rant Plus