Emily Ratajkowski has been the new face of Kérastase for less than a week now, but the model/actress has quickly found herself in hot water. She posted the announcement on Instagram with a caption that received backlash from fans.
"Hair is a fundamental part of beauty, femininity, and identity. So excited to announce that I am the new face of @kerastase_official!" it read. Many found issue with the remark, stating it was not inclusive and insensitive to those who cannot grow hair.
“Hair is not a ‘fundamental’ part of beauty. There are people with cancer and other illnesses who are unfortunately undergoing treatment that causes them to lose their hair. Saying that hair is a ‘fundamental’ part of beauty is extremely shallow and it gives off the false idea that hair is a necessity,” one Instagrammer commented (via New York Post).
"Referring to hair as being 'fundamental for femininity, beauty, and identity' is wrongfully put," another said on Twitter. "Please consider changing this so that the beautiful boys and girls who can’t grow hair don’t think of themselves as any different. @KerastaseUSA took down the ad, and you should too."
But some people didn't see the need for the backlash. "Now THIS is the most outrageous outrage I’ve seen so far. How far will it go? Can’t advertise gloves because some people don’t have hands, can’t advertise glasses as 'cool' or part of an identity because some people don’t need glasses?" an opposing tweet read.
Kérastase has since apologized, and the company along with Ratajkowski have both changed their captions to something more universal. “Everyone is uniquely beautiful in their own way" - We share this vision with Emily Ratajkowski and we’re happy to welcome @emrata to our #Kerastase family. #KerastaseClub," it now says.
