In this photo series, Photographer, Elisabeth Hoff and Hair Stylist, Laura Chadwick explore the connection between hair and human emotion, attempting to capture the essence of Joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Fear through intricate hairstyles.

Shot in a London studio with an extraordinary team, this project brings to life the raw, unfiltered feelings that define our human experience.

Four Base Emotions
Psychologist Paul Ekman, renowned for his ground-breaking work on emotions, identified four base emotions: Joy, Sorrow, Anger, and Fear as fundamental to the human experience. According to Ekman, these emotions are universal, transcending cultural and social boundaries. These emotions, which are deeply rooted in our biology are essential for human survival.

Joy 
Modelled by Kelly Brennan. Joy is captured through lively curls of grey hair, representing the carefree and fun moments that uplift our spirits. Kelly’s infectious smile and personality shine through, reflecting a pure form of happiness.

Sorrow 
Modelled by Gemma Seymour. Sorrow is illustrated by the heavy, wet, red hair that drapes over Gemma’s shoulders… just like the weight of melancholy does. This hairstyle mirrors the feelings of grief and loss and the self reflective nature of sorrow.

Anger 
Modelled by Kwan Jo. Anger can simmer underneath the surface, over time building up, before exploding into an intense display of emotion. This is portrayed through spiky plated hair, sticking out aggressively and representing the prickly energy that sums up anger. Kwan’s intense gaze and jagged hair symbolise the simmering tension and the eventual explosive and confrontational energy that anger brings.

Fear
Modelled by Alexandra Beaton. Fear is portrayed through Alexandra’s wonderful afro-textured hair standing up on end. I have tried to captures the essence of anxiety and panic. Alexandra’s wide eyes and facial expression show the primal look of fear, a hair-raising experience that spikes adrenaline and ignites the fight or flight response.

Elisabeth Hoff explained that the series is a collaboration, and as the Photographer, it has been a privilege to photograph this emotional journey.

CREDITS
Hair Styling: Laura Chadwick 
Makeup: Czar Joshua Ventura
Production: Holly Charlton at Hoff Productions Ltd. 
Models:
Kelly Brennan @ Mrs Robinson Management 
Gemma Seymour @ The Milk collective 
Kwan Jo @ Wilhelmina 
Alexandra Beaton