Hair-Raising Dramas: 10 Films to Watch

Description: A Beverly Hills hairdresser navigates through love, politics, and the complexities of the 1960s, with his hair styling skills playing a central role in his life.

Fact: Warren Beatty, who stars as the hairdresser, also co-wrote and produced the film. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: While not exclusively about hair, the film features scenes where hair is a symbol of self-acceptance and empowerment for Celie, the protagonist.

Fact: The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. Oprah Winfrey's performance earned her an Oscar nomination.

Description: This British drama, while focused on themes of race, class, and sexuality, includes scenes in a laundrette where hair care and grooming are part of the daily life depicted.

Fact: The film was written by Hanif Kureishi and directed by Stephen Frears. It was one of the first mainstream British films to feature a gay relationship prominently.

Description: Set in a beauty parlor in Louisiana, this film showcases the lives of a group of women, where hair and beauty treatments serve as a backdrop to their deep friendships and life's trials.

Fact: The film was based on a play by Robert Harling, inspired by his sister's battle with diabetes. The beauty parlor scenes were filmed in a real salon in Natchitoches, Louisiana.

Description: This French film explores the life of a man obsessed with hairdressers, marrying one, and how their relationship unfolds amidst the backdrop of a hair salon.

Fact: The film was directed by Patrice Leconte, known for his visually striking films. It features Jean Rochefort, who was known for his distinctive mustache.

Description: This British comedy-drama revolves around a hairdressing competition in a small town, where personal and professional rivalries come to a head.

Fact: The film features Alan Rickman and Natasha Richardson, who were real-life partners at the time. It was inspired by the British hairdressing competition "British Hairdressing Awards."

Description: Set in the 1960s, this musical comedy-drama follows Tracy Turnblad, whose big hair and bigger dreams lead to a cultural revolution on a local TV dance show, challenging racial segregation.

Fact: The film was adapted from the Broadway musical, which itself was based on John Waters' 1988 film of the same name. It features choreography by Adam Shankman.

Description: Chris Rock's documentary explores the cultural significance of African-American hair, touching on themes of beauty standards, identity, and the lengths people go to achieve "good hair."

Fact: The film was inspired by Rock's daughter asking why she didn't have "good hair." It features interviews with celebrities like Maya Angelou and Nia Long.

Description: An animated short film about a father learning to style his daughter's natural hair for the first time, celebrating black hair culture and family bonds.

Fact: "Hair Love" won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in

Description: A Scottish hairdresser travels to the U.S. for a hairdressing competition, only to find himself in a series of comedic and dramatic situations, highlighting the competitive world of hairstyling.

Fact: The film was directed by Kevin Allen, who also directed "Twin Town." It stars Craig Ferguson, who co-wrote the script.