Explore an intimate portrait series capturing the women of the Red Dao tribe in Northern Vietnam. Around the age of 13, Red Dao girls begin shaving their eyebrows and hairline, a practice deeply rooted in beauty, maturity, and cultural identity. Combined with their vivid red turbans and ornate embroidery, this aesthetic marks a transition into womanhood and belonging.
These close-up portraits highlight not just their physical presence but the stories etched in their expressions, heritage, resilience, and pride. Though folklore speaks of a poisoned dish and a strand of hair that sparked this tradition, what remains undeniable is the ritual’s power as a silent pledge: a symbol of unity, caution, and dignity.
This series invites you to look beyond the surface, into a world where beauty, ritual, and legend converge.
