Hair Has No Gender

Pantene is on a mission to give everyone great hair days, irrespective of their gender identity. The brand has joined the global Hair Has No Gender project in partnership with trans artist (not to mention bestselling author, musician, Pride Toronto Grand Marshal and one of our personal fashion crushes) Vivek Shraya, with the goal of amplifying the voices of the transgender and gender non-binary communities, shining a light on the power that hair can have in a person’s self-confidence, and exploring the importance of emotional support in building that confidence. We chatted with Vivek about the project, and about the power that hair plays in one’s identity, self-esteem and the transition journey. —Vita Daily

Hello Vivek! Please tell us a bit about yourself to start.

Hello! I am a multi-disciplinary artist, a model, and an Aquarius.

How did the partnership between you and Pantene, on the Hair Has No Gender project, come about? What attracted you to this collaboration? What is the aim of the project?

What really appealed to me about the campaign was that it featured five trans and gender non-binary people (not just a token one) from all of the world sharing our stories. I also loved that the aim of the project was about showing the importance of support, especially during the holidays when so many of us can’t be physically close to our loved ones.

For this project, you created a film. What was the “making of” your film like? What was your goal/vision with the film? Where can we watch it?

Making the film was special for me because I got to shoot it in my hometown of Edmonton (which I could have never imagine growing up!) and with my dad. My dad and I don’t have a lot of documented memories together, so I am so grateful to have this film to cherish for the rest of my life. My personal goal with my involvement was to show that there are many ways for allies to show acceptance to queer and trans people.

What’s your personal take on Pantene’s mission to give everyone great hair days, irrespective of their gender identity? Thoughts on the role that hair can play in a person’s identity, self-esteem and the transition journey?

My hair plays such a big role in how I express myself and my identities so I love that Pantene is dedicated to representing and speaking to their most marginalized customers.

With many LGBTQ2S+ people feeling they can’t come home as their true selves and having been misgendered during a hair appointment, Pantene is committed to creating more positive hair experiences for everyone through Dresscode Project. What does this organization mean to you?

I met the Dresscode Project founder Kristin Rankin earlier this fall and I was immediately moved by their commitment to make salons more inclusive for queer and trans people. I myself have had challenging experiences in salons, where I have had to conceal parts of myself, so I am grateful for the work that the Dresscode Project is doing with the support of Pantene.

Final question: favourite Pantene products in your personal hair arsenal?

Yes! I swear by hair masks; I love Pantene’s Miracle Moisture Boost Treatment with Rose Water.

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