Combing Stories

Hair is more than just a physical feature—it’s a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and self-expression. It can carry personal stories, reflect cultural and historical contexts, and even serve as a form of socio-political commentary. Hair becomes a medium through which to explore the connections between our bodies, spaces, systems, and media narratives. Its intimacy offers a unique way to engage with communities and question how design interacts with identity and societal norms.

The project Combing Stories was a collaboration with GSCE Art students and teacher Aasha John at Haberdasher’s Aske’s Knights Academy in Bromley and The Horniman Museum, and Goldsmith Universirty inspired by the museum comb collection. The comb is used as a reflective object, students conducted interviews and fieldwork to collect hair-related stories from themselves, friends, and family. These narratives informed a series of 3D printed comb designs. The final pieces are accompanied by the students’ voices, sharing personal experiences, dreams and aspirations. The project uses design as a tool for storytelling, connection, and imagining future decolonial scenarios.

Combing Stories was commissioned by The Horniman Museum and was part of Hair Untold Stories exhibitions

https://www.horniman.ac.uk/project/hair-untold-stories/