Name: Robert Ball
Occupation: Singer/Model/Actor
Who is your Favorite model?
Veronica Webb
What is your favorite book?
What Looks Like Crazy, On an Ordinary Day
What is your favorite movie?
The Princess Bride
Why did you become a model and what is your goal as a model?
I Love fashion and always have. Modeling is a platform for me as a singer and performer. I was always told I should, so I tried it.
How important is your hair as a model?
It’s very important, male or female it becomes part of your look. What makes you marketable/different/a chameleon/edgy etc. It can make or break!
Why do you choose to wear your hair the way you do?
My hair now broadens my opportunities …it was also a choice as Im getting older I was growing out of having long hair it was limiting me.
What does your hair mean to you?
My hair has always been important to me. Everyone in my family makes fun of me because I am so particular about how it’s cut, styled and how much time I take on it. To me it’s like a great pair of shoes. It’s the final part of good grooming.
Is it just an accessory that compliments your personality and style or is it deeper than that?
It is definitely deeper. I am learning to allow it to be an accessory but for many years it was part of my definition. I struggled long and hard with cutting it. I felt I would be forgotten, blend in, it may not grow back, lose my edge etc. As black people, we put a lot of emphasis on hair! My hair now changes with my journey through life and maturity!
How important is a woman’s hair to you? Does a weave, relaxed hair or a natural head bother you or do you have a preference for either of these styles?
I think a woman’s hair is important to her and should be as I mentioned, is the last part of good grooming, the final touch (like a nice pair of shoes)… it doesn’t matter if it’s weave, braids, relaxed, natural dreads whatever. What translates more than anything is if she OWNS it and it doesn’t own her. Well done hair is well done hair, not good or bad as we once called it by texture but the way you take care and pride in your appearance!
What do you think of our pageant “America’s Next Natural Model” to promote natural African hair?
I think it’s great! It is re-affirming that “our” hair is beautiful and they can wear it however they want. Kudos!
Do you think black hair is an issue? Why or why not?
Yes, I do think it’s an issue because there are still a lot of the tools and education needed. Truly our hair is different and with “black hair’ there are so many types, textures, temperaments. The market to me is still very small; it is too hard to find good products, good technicians and positive images/speech/attitudes of ‘black hair’. It’s a million dollar industry as far as what the consumers put out but what is the industry putting back in?
To see more of Robert Ball: www.modelmayhem.com/RobertBall
Homepage/blog: www.robertballmusic.com
