Khalia Loudon watched from the sidelines as Alboni Briles was crowned Miss Ohio State University on February 29.
Ladon, a student and hairstylist, styled Briles' hair to prepare her for the competition.
Although this was her first time doing hair for a beauty pageant, LaDawn is a licensed hairstylist and has won regional hair competitions. The two collaborated on the competition and created hairstyles that represent Brielles.
They discussed how the hair would match different pageant outfits while also maintaining Briles' style and personality.
“We were very collaborative when deciding what style to do,” Ladon said. “While I was doing the styling, Alboni helped a lot by explaining her vision. We made a great team.”
Each revived hairstyle represents different characteristics of Braille and black culture. The Afro wig that Ladon designed for Briles symbolizes the grace, unity, and strength found in women and the black community.
Before competition day, LaDawn spent hours making sure the wig Briles was wearing was styled perfectly. They stayed up to ensure the length and layers of the braille framed flawlessly.
Ladon expected Briles to win from the start.
“I knew right away she was going to win,” Ladon said. “Because of her charm and personality, Alboni is an all-around great person.”
Ladon said she cried when Briles won the contest.
Her presence behind the scenes lit a spark in LaDawn, and she said she hopes to keep it burning. She said the experience changed her.
“When I was backstage with everyone, doing what I love, I felt at peace,” Ladon said.
She said she is open to getting more involved in designing beauty pageants and films.
Ladon sees black hair as a big part of her representation and said she felt like the media didn't represent her enough.
“Black hair means so much more than hair,” Ladon said. “It is culture, it is history and the future.”
From the women around her, to the stars of her favorite TV show, LaDawn tries to find inspiration in her daily life.
The importance of poetry runs deep in the black community. Ladon said she hopes to bring this symbol to the forefront with her clients' style after seeing so many missed opportunities for mainstream cultural media to represent black culture.
Ladon said she loves seeing her hair type used in television and the media, because she finds it very empowering. Black women's styling of braids, braids and twists influences young black women to indulge in their cultural identity and expression.
“Black connects us in a very unique way through layering,” Ladon said.
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