Black hair aesthetics of Rio de Janeiro: for a political and discursive approach of peripheral visualities

Abstract

This article sought to identify the political construction of pivete blonde and lined up highlights hair aesthetics as male style trends based on contemporary black visualities from the peripheries of Rio de Janeiro. To this end, basic research with a cultural constructivist approach was used to descriptively and qualitatively analyze these aesthetics through bibliographic and documentary surveys (journalistic articles from websites, virtual channels, and Instagram profiles). The results obtained point to the symbolic and socio-cultural relevance of these visualities in the contemporary historical process of empowerment of Rio’s communities through fashion — whether through the tactics of relaxation of peripheral youths or the redefinition of the appropriation of black identity in places hegemonically legitimized by the ethos of whiteness.