“Bad Hair” writer and director Justin Simien always intended for his horror-satire film to spark a conversation about the way society relates to appearance (especially around and among black women), but filming the project has equally affected his cast, who shared their own struggles to gain acceptance professionally and learn how to accept themselves personally.

“Just last week, last Sunday — I’m not even joking… It was the first time I wore my natural hair out. I actually, like, enjoyed my ringlets,” Kelly Rowland revealed during a conversation about the film at Variety’s Sundance studio.

Giving some added props to another star who inspired the move, Rowland explained, “[It was] thanks to, actually, Tracee Ellis Ross. She had this really great product [Ross’ natural hair care line, Pattern] and I tried it and I loved it. And it really set my hair up all pretty. And I was like, ‘I’m going to go outside like this today…...