In the fast-paced world of television news, appearance often plays a significant role in how a broadcaster is perceived. For Joy Reid, a prominent figure in cable news, her early career at MSNBC was marked by profound challenges that extended beyond journalistic integrity and into the realm of personal presentation. Speaking at Derick Monroe’s third annual “Behind the Scenes Beauty Day Soirée,” Reid candidly shared the emotional turmoil she experienced due to a lack of understanding and support for Black haircare and skincare within the network’s beauty department. This oversight, she revealed, led to tears and self-doubt, impacting her confidence and her desire to be on screen.
The Unseen Battle: Hair, Makeup, and Identity on National Television
Reid described walking into a media environment that, at the time, seemed ill-equipped to handle her specific beauty needs. “I walked into a media world that did not see me,” she stated. The lack of expertise among the available stylists and makeup artists resulted in what she perceived as damage, not just to her appearance but also to her self-esteem. “I was being damaged. Not only was my image less than it should’ve been, I was spending so much money to repair the damage that was being done to my hair, my face, my body, by people, who did not know,” Reid explained. This situation created a distressing paradox: striving to deliver honest journalism while feeling compromised by her presentation.
The emotional toll was substantial. Reid admitted that the struggles with her appearance led her to question her future as a television broadcaster. “I was crying. I didn’t want to be on TV because I didn’t look good and I didn’t feel good about myself trying to just tell the truth and just do my job as a journalist,” she confessed. The pressure to conform to a standard that didn’t acknowledge or accommodate her natural features was immense, creating an internal conflict that threatened to derail her career before it truly gained momentum.
A Sisterhood in Advocacy: Tamron Hall’s Crucial Intervention
Amidst these personal challenges, a crucial ally emerged in fellow journalist Tamron Hall. At the time, Hall was a host at “Today,” and she recognized the unacceptable situation Reid was facing. Reid recounted how Hall took a proactive stance, marching into her boss’s office to advocate for change. “There were no black hair and makeup people in the studio at MSNBC. Not one!” Reid emphasized, highlighting the systemic issue. Hall’s intervention was a pivotal moment, as she passionately argued, “This is unacceptable. This sister deserves better than this, and this has to change.” This act of solidarity and advocacy was instrumental in initiating the process of bringing in a team that understood the nuances of Black skin complexions and textured hair.
Hall’s intervention wasn’t just about providing better styling; it was about acknowledging and respecting Reid’s identity as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry. It underscored the importance of representation not just on-screen but also behind the scenes, in the very teams that help shape a broadcaster’s public image. This support system was vital for Reid to feel comfortable and confident enough to perform her job effectively.
Building an Empowered Team: From Damage Control to Curated Excellence
Over time, and through her own growing success and authority, Joy Reid was able to build her own trusted hair and makeup team. This was a significant achievement, allowing her to move beyond the initial struggles and ensure that her presentation aligned with her professional standards and personal comfort. “Overtime, thank God I actually was good at my job and I developed enough authority to be able to curate my own hair and makeup team,” she said. This transition marked a shift from being a victim of circumstance to becoming an architect of her own image, a testament to her resilience and determination.
The ability to curate her own glam squad meant that Reid could finally work with professionals who understood and celebrated Black hair and skin. This not only improved her on-screen appearance but also significantly boosted her confidence and allowed her to focus more fully on her journalistic work. The experience, while difficult, ultimately empowered her, leading to a greater appreciation for the importance of diverse and inclusive support systems within the media industry. Reid expressed gratitude not only to Tamron Hall but to her entire glam squad, acknowledging their role in her ability to present herself authentically and professionally.
The journey highlights a broader issue within the entertainment and media industries: the need for diverse expertise behind the scenes. While on-screen diversity has gained more attention, the support staff—hair stylists, makeup artists, wardrobe consultants—also need to be equipped to serve a wide range of clients. Reid’s story serves as a powerful reminder that true inclusivity encompasses every aspect of production, ensuring that all individuals can present themselves authentically and without undue stress or damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What was the main challenge Joy Reid faced early in her MSNBC career?
Joy Reid faced significant challenges with the hair and makeup team at MSNBC, who lacked the expertise to properly care for Black haircare and skincare. This led to damage and emotional distress. - Who advocated for Joy Reid to get a better beauty team?
Tamron Hall, a fellow journalist and host at “Today”
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