Plot Synopsis

From Executive Producers Oprah Winfrey, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Michaela Angela Davis, THE HAIR TALES is a one-hour documentary series that takes a revelatory journey of connecting the personal tales of phenomenal Black women to broader societal and historic themes. The stories shared in the series offer an honest and layered look into the complex culture of Black hair and, ultimately, Black women's identity, beauty, cultural and social contributions and humanity. Featured guests include Oprah Winfrey, Issa Rae, Chloe Bailey, Chika, Ayanna Pressley and Marsai Martin, alongside scholars, industry and cultural leaders, hair professionals and influential contributors, including Esi Eggleston Bracey, Dr. Noliwe Rooks, Mickalene Thomas and Meshell Ndegeocello. THE HAIR TALES premiered with two episodes on Saturday, October 22, 2022 early morning on Hulu and primetime on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network:

"Oprah Winfrey | Beyond a Wild Dream" (Saturday, October 22, 2022; early morning on Hulu and 9pm on OWN): Born with a thick head of hair and a "desire to inspire," Oprah always understood the impact of Black hair. Modeling a life of purpose, she's a North Star. The series opener unpacks the big business of hair, respectability politics and the vibe of a fresh press.

"Issa Rae | Powerful Versatility" (Saturday, October 22, 2022; early morning on Hulu and 10pm on OWN): Black hairs' ability to shapeshift often mystifies others, but Issa Rae reveals its super power. Her big chop uncovered that awkward is pretty awesome. This episode unpacks the miseducation of black hair terms from nappy to peasy and the rough road to "smooth."

"Ayanna Pressley | Embodied Liberation" (Saturday, October 29, 2022; early morning on Hulu and 9pm on OWN): A dynamic celebration of Black women's identity, beauty, culture, and humanity, uniquely expressed through the stories of their hair.

"Chika | Audacious Visibility" (Saturday, October 29, 2022 early morning on Hulu; linear TV debut on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 9pm on OWN): When the others count us out, we show out. Being CHIKA is a revolutionary act. She cut trauma out of her hair, and stepped into herself as an artistic alchemist. We unpack the unregulated madness of perms, bra strap level goals and the art of Black hair.

"Marsai Martin | Freedom's Heir " (Saturday, November 5, 2022 early morning on Hulu; linear TV debut on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 9pm on OWN): Our hair won't be watered down. Marsai Martin found out the hard way. Empowered by generations, she can let her Freedom Hair run wild into big boss possibilities. Unpacked here: the privilege of unprofessionalism, Barbie and Black imagery in media.

"Chloe Bailey | Deeply Rooted" (Saturday, November 5, 2022 early morning on Hulu; linear TV debut on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 9pm on OWN): When rooted in our truth, we can't be shook. Anchored in the love of her family, Chloe Bailey celebrates how being loc'd for life will never box her in. We unpack employment access, acceptability and how Black hair and girls are worthy of protection.