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#whitehairdontcare: A New Era in Beauty

In #whitehairdontcare: A New Era in Beauty, Aishah Iqbal, a Marketing Executive & Filmmaker, embarks on a deeply personal journey to uncover the truth behind society's relentless pressures on women to conceal their natural signs of aging. Struggling with her own fears of her daughter growing older in this culture, she interviews women from diverse backgrounds who have chosen to embrace their aging hair, discovering the transformative power of defiance and self-acceptance.

As Aishah gains insight into the billion-dollar beauty industry's calculated campaign against aging hair through candid conversations with industry insiders, and social media influencers, she uncovers unrealistic standards imposed on women. Along the way, she encounters a growing movement—hair salons, social media influencers, and everyday women proudly redefining beauty by celebrating the natural diversity of aging.

Through these encounters, Aishah learns that this journey is not just about hair but about reclaiming inner strength, wisdom, and self-love. This documentary challenges outdated beauty standards, inspiring women everywhere to embrace their aging selves and rewrite the narrative of aging with pride and power.

  • Aishah Iqbal
    Director
  • Aishah Iqbal
    Writer
  • John Burke
    Writer
  • Kevin James Bond
    Writer
  • Aishah Iqbal
    Executive Producer
  • John Burke
    Producer
  • Kevin James Bond
    Director of Photography
  • Kevin James Bond
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    23 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 31, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    50,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, Mexico, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, RED Komodo, RED Gemini
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Aishah Iqbal

AISHAH IQBAL isn't your typical filmmaker. With over 20 years of experience as a Marketing Executive in the Tech & Advertising industries, she brings a fresh lens and a passion for sparking conversation to her directorial debut. While new to filmmaking, her instincts as a storyteller are undeniable. Driven by her groundbreaking 100-day TikTok focus group, she's tapped into the burgeoning movement of women embracing their aging hair. Aishah's digital content on the topic has garnered a dedicated following across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Director Statement

As a marketing executive, I've witnessed firsthand how the advertising industry can shape perceptions and influence choices. With #whitehairdontcare, I aim to spark a global conversation about the insidious ways ageism impacts women, particularly within the beauty industry.

This film isn't just about gray hair; it's about challenging the deeply ingrained narratives that tell women their worth diminishes with age. I believe in the power of storytelling to ignite critical thinking and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their lives and bodies.

My hope is that this film will not only encourage women to embrace their aging selves but also inspire the beauty and advertising industries to use their power to spread healthier messages and stop perpetuating harmful beauty standards.