How My Faux Dreads Landed Me A TV Role: My Story

When we were escorted downstairs to start filming VH1’s Hindsight, I did not expect to see actress Drew Sidora, with her gorgeous, curly hair fro that you hardly ever see in pictures. I definitely tried to remain calm after realizing she had to walk in front of me as a part of her booking.

I received twice as many stares when the director decided to move me from the back of the set to the front. I was moved by an actress that was rocking bantu knots which is considered a 90’s hairstyle as well but looked darling on her she been natural for 5 years and of course, she asked if my dreads were real.

When I said they weren’t, she shook her head like “Yeah, I knew it.” She proceeded to say “See, when I first did faux dread locks, mine looked more realistic than yours.” In my mind I was thinking rude, but could only stand there nodding my head and smiling because I certainly did not expect that reaction, especially since I didn’t ask for her opinion.

To be honest, I actually fooled a few people with this hairstyle – I always do. With this being my fourth time doing this protective style, the dreads seem to get neater and neater every time I do them.

Of course, peoples’ comments on whether they look real or fake didn’t change my mind on how I feel about my faux dreads. They will forever be my go-to protective style, besides, whether they look real or not, I still got paid for having the look.

Another guy was present on set with blonde dreads and his were he seemed pretty curious about my hair and we were put in close vicinity of each other in the scenes. While we waited for the cameras to start back rolling, I noticed him glancing at my hair.

I pretended to not see him checking them out. Sure enough he opened his mouth and said, “Where are you from?” I smiled with relief and responded, “I’m not from Atlanta, but I’m from Louisiana.” That was the end of our conversation. I have not the slightest clue what was going through his head, but I know it had something to do with my hair…possibly.

The actors’ opinions did not matter. I was just pleased that the casting company and directors were so intrigued by my look. The impression was a success for them and myself, and that is all that matters. All in all, the experience was great!

I enjoyed my time in the atmosphere of the entertainment business. Of course, this was not the first time my hair had gotten the attention of casting companies. I also had an extra role in the 2015 Fantastic Four movie. I portrayed a New Yorker in that film as well. That was when I had my blonde afro, go figure.