Alessandra Ambrosio is bound for Burning Man — and she’s chosen a controversial hairstyle for the occasion.
The Brazilian supermodel took to Instagram to show off a new waist-skimming braided look, which appears to include extensions. And because the two-stranded braids she and her pals are sporting are commonly known as Senegalese twists, a West African style originated by and popular with black women, Ambrosio is catching some flak for cultural appropriation.
As with Kim Kardashian’s braids and Zac Efron’s recent dreadlocks drama, the issue stems from Ambrosio experimenting with a hairstyle that has deep roots in the black community — particularly when people of color are discriminated against for those same styles. Just this month a 6-year-old boy’s locs got him sent home from school.
While several fans praised the former Victoria’s Secret Angel for her daring makeover, others voiced their objection.
“No on the hair! WTF????” one critic wrote.
“I’m waiting for someone to comment that she is not allowed to braid her hair,” joked another commenter.
Alessandra….. no…. the braids are a no…. I’m getting like bad early 00s white girl on spring break vibes pic.twitter.com/HXeWv3P3Vj
— ＥＸＰＥＮＳＩＶＥ ＷＨＯＲＥ (@highfashionh0e) August 29, 2018
Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle:
- Teacher helps students make ‘skin color’ paints beyond brown and tan
- This is not ‘glass hair.’ This is a silk press.
- Adorable video of makeup artist transforming daughter into her mini-me gives the internet all the feels
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.