Over the past few weeks, my thoughts have revolved around hair – specifically, my hair – and the effects of chemotherapy during my breast cancer journey. As I reflect on this, I started wondering how many artists or makers actually use their own hair in their work?
I was already familiar with Victorian mourning jewelry and even rummaged through my jewellery box in search of an old black brooch I remembered. It had a compartment on the reverse side designed to hold hair, though mysteriously the hair itself was gone!
Many of us have saved a lock from our newborns first haircut in a baby book or locket. (And before my now grown up children ask – no, I didn’t do that. None of you had any hair).
Curious about whether contemporary textile artists are incorporating hair into their work – I began exploring.
Anya Paintsil
Blod
Acrylic, wool, synthetic hair, alpaca, mohair and human hair on hessian.
43 3/10 × 55 1/10 in | 110 × 140 cm
One of the first artists I discovered was Anya Paintsil, a talented Welsh_Ghanaian textile artist. She blends applique, rug-making and hand embroidery to create stunning, large scale portraits. Her work often includes weaving, braiding and the use of human hair – sometimes her own.
You can find Anya Paintsil on Instagram and view her work on her website
Rosemary Meza-DesPlas
Peck not Prick, (Detail)
Hand stitch. Human hair, primed watercolour canvas.
65cm x 78.5cm x 5cm (26″ x 31″ x 2″).
Next I came across Rosemary Meza-DesPlas, who has been collecting her own hair daily for over two decades to use in her artwork. Her deeply personal approach is chronicled on a fascinating article in 2024 by Meer Art, detailing her transition from brunette to gray. Like Paintstil, her choice to incorporate hair carries powerful, symbolic meaning.
You can find Rosemary Meza-DesPlas on Instagram and view her work on her website
Will I Use my Own Hair
So, will I use my own hair in my textile art? I did save some when I had my shoulder length hair cut into a pixie style. Unfortunately, the pieces are short and brittle – difficult to stitch with.
Yesterday “Shedman” shaved my head.
This is a significant event, one that I am currently documenting in an artists journal. I’ve started experimenting with felting a curl of my hair. (The first image shows my wrapped and felted hair on a felted background with additions) Will it appear in future work? At first, I thought no. But as I worked in my journal this morning, I was reminded of my past explorations into the wounded healer archetype and my use of symbolic materials.
So, perhaps human hair will find its way into my art – if and when it feel right.
Would you use your own hair in your textile art? Let me know in the comments!
Images of my chemo hair journey ….. so far
Full Moon in Scorpio 12th May 2025
5 responses
Fascinating! Well, I’m not sure about using my own hair, but I am saving our cats’ hair for a felting project at the moment! Possibly destined for some visible repairs – watch this space…
That sounds really intriguing Michelle, I shall look forward to hearing more about your felting project!
Very interesting Karen. I’ve not thought about using my own hair and probably wouldn’t use it in any textile art. My own hair is now fairly short, and feels quite dry and I don’t respond well to its tactile sensation. I hope you might be able to use your own hair, if not literally then perhaps through photography. I remember mine growing back in tight little curls, which looked quite nice, before it bloomed out sideways in a daft imitation of an unruly clown!
I sent a 10” length of hair to the children’s charity that makes wigs for children with cancer. I’ve had the piece since I had it cut off at the age of 11. My nana was furious and said I’d had my crowning glory cut off. She didn’t speak to me for weeks.
I’ve got a little lock of our papillion Kikki’s fur that the vet put in a tiny wooden box for us after she passed.
Hoping you are doing ok Karen and sending my love xxx
I am not an artist so I can’t directly answer your question but I can share my feelings on seeing hair in the examples you’ve given. It really depends on how it’s used and if it is ‘contained’. Braided or woven into thicker strands would be interesting to me but the second photo makes me want to wipe my screen or swipe my hand across my own face! Seeing loose or single strands gives me the urge to clean them off the art piece.
I’m sure whatever you decide to do will be meaningful and beautiful!