As Black men, hair can often serve as an extension of a person’s image and personality. Solomon Tucker, a sophomore Kinesiology major from Decatur, GA, recently departed with this important part of his identity.
The afro-photojournalism project “FRO-REAL” highlights Tucker’s journey as he is captured candidly through the process of cutting his hair. Tucker has been growing out his hair for the past 3 – 4 years, taking on new styles and appearances.
The ‘fro “connects me to family and just Black culture in general,” said Tucker. “I just think it’s time. I’m ready for a new beginning … I mean, you only live once.”
To Tucker, cutting off this much hair means a great deal more to him as this new style allows for more freedom and exploring yet to come.
He additionally describes that “the art and craftsmanship that goes into barbershops and Black men in that scene is very important.”
Tucker describes the feeling of being in a barbershop as surreal. The fact that he was able to do a candid photoshoot while cutting off this much hair, meant a great deal more.
This collection captures intimate acts of cutting old bonds and habits, concluding with portraits highlighting Tucker’s new look, marking the beginning of a new chapter rooted in clarity, transformation, and authenticity.
Through each cut, student photographer Che Harmon Williams documented Tucker’s emotional and physical transformation.
