Photographer, Elisabeth Hoff and hair stylist, Laura Chadwick explore the connection between hair and human emotion, attempting to capture the essence of Joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Fear through intricate hairstyles.
Shot in a London studio with an extraordinary team, this project brings to life the raw, unfiltered feelings that define our human experience.
Psychologist Paul Ekman, renowned for his ground-breaking work on emotions, identified four base emotions: Joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Fear as fundamental to the human experience. According to Ekman, these emotions are universal, transcending cultural and social boundaries. These emotions, which are deeply rooted in our biology are essential for human survival.
Joy
Modelled by Kelly Brennan
Joy is captured through lively curls of grey hair, representing the carefree and fun moments that uplift our spirits. Kelly’s infectious smile and personality shine through, reflecting a pure form of happiness.
Sorrow
Modelled by Gemma Seymour
Sorrow is illustrated by the heavy, wet, red hair that drapes over Gemma’s shoulders – just like the weight of melancholy does. This hairstyle mirrors the feelings of grief and loss and the self reflective nature of sorrow.
Anger
Modelled by Kwan Jo
Anger can simmer underneath the surface, over time building up, before exploding into an intense display of emotion. This is portrayed through spiky plated hair, sticking out aggressively and representing the prickly energy that sums up anger. Kwan’s intense gaze and jagged hair symbolise the simmering tension and the eventual explosive and confrontational energy that anger brings.
Fear
Modelled by Alexandra Beaton
Fear is portrayed through Alexandra’s wonderful afro-textured hair standing up on end. I have tried to capture the essence of anxiety and panic. Alexandra’s wide eyes and facial expression show the primal look of fear, a hair-raising experience that spikes adrenaline and ignites the fight or flight response.
Credits
This series is a collaboration. As the photographer, it has been a privilege to photograph this emotional journey.
Hair Styling: Laura Chadwick • Makeup: Czar Joshua Ventura • Production: Holly Charlton at Hoff Productions Ltd. • Hair products: Sorrow – Phillip B styling gel & detangling toning mist, Joy – Philip B MAUI WOWIE VOLUMIZING MOUSSE & Phillip B Russian Amber insta thick hairspray, Anger – Philip B gravity defying gel & JET SET PRECISION CONTROL HAIR SPRAY, Fear – Phillip b weightless mega curl enhancer & Trepadora slip gel • Makeup products: SORROW – HD Skin Essentials Palette, Flash Colour Multi-Use Palette,
JOY- HD Hydra Glow Foundation in 1N14, HD Skin Sculpting Palette, Artist Pencil in 702, ANGER- HD Skin Sculpting Palette, Artist Sculpt Contour in S430 & S450, Artist Pencil in Endless Cacao, FEAR- Aqua Resist Smoky Shadow in Carbon, Artist Pencil in 708, Rouge Artist in 120
