Crafting Character Through Hair: Dara Oshinaike’s Role in “Sister”

In the world of film, every detail matters, from the lines the actors deliver to the clothes they wear. But one element often overlooked by the casual viewer is the power of hair styling. Dara Oshinaike, the talented hair stylist behind the recently concluded short film “Sister” proves that a character’s hair can be just as crucial to storytelling as the script itself.

For Dara, hair is more than just a fashion statement; it’s a narrative tool. “As a child, I used to watch my sister braid everyone’s hair around me,” Dara recalls. “I enjoyed the idea of being trusted to determine the level of enhancement of beauty in a person.” This early fascination blossomed into a career that allows her to blend creativity and storytelling seamlessly.

When Dara first read the script for “Sister” she was immediately captivated. Her mind raced with ideas on how to bring the characters to life through their hair. “My initial thoughts usually surround the setting, the personalities of the characters,” she explains. “By immersing myself in the story and collaborating closely with the creative team, I could create hairstyles that contributed meaningfully to the storytelling.”

Each character in “Sister” had a unique journey, and Dara’s task was to ensure their hair reflected this. Take Ada, for example. In the family portrait at the beginning of the film, she wears neat cornrows, symbolizing her health and stability. However, as the story progresses and her health deteriorates, her hair begins to fall out, a visual cue that mirrors her internal struggle. “Hairstyling in film to me is basically the sealing key to connecting the audience to the characters,” Dara notes.

The subtleties of hair styling can significantly impact how a character is perceived. For Nene, a high school girl, Dara collaborated with the costume designer and director to craft a look that would feel authentic. “Little details like how she had her skirt, the processes in which she dresses up, having her comb her hair and tie it in an Afro bun helped in the visualization process of a basic high school girl,” Dara says. This attention to detail ensured that Nene’s character felt real and relatable.

Working on set always comes with its unique challenges, and “Sister” was no exception. Despite a few hiccups, like a spoiled batch of food that left the crew hungry, Dara found the experience enriching. “The environment, coupled with a team of creatives, made my time worthwhile,” she shares. Her favorite moments included the photoshoot sessions and watching the actors embody their characters.

In terms of hair styling, simplicity was key. “The chosen styles were simple yet powerful,” Dara explains. This approach not only fit the narrative of a middle-class family but also allowed for creativity in overcoming on-set obstacles. For instance, in scenes where elaborate styles were impractical, Dara’s innovative techniques and adaptability ensured the characters always looked their part.

The story of “Sister” resonated deeply with Dara, driving her to ensure every hairstyle reflected the characters’ journeys. “The theme about practical denial is deeply meaningful to me, and this connection drove me to ensure that the characters’ hair styling reflected their journeys,” she says. This personal connection is evident in the meticulous care and thought she put into every style.

As “Sister” gears up for festival runs before its pay-per-view release, Dara Oshinaike’s work will be showcased to a wider audience. Her ability to craft character through hair styling not only enriches the film but also highlights the vital role hair stylists play in the film industry. Through her creativity and dedication, Dara has shown that hair can be a powerful storytelling tool, capable of conveying emotion, character development, and narrative depth. So, the next time you watch a film, pay close attention to the hair – it might just tell you more than you think.