Hair Love – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hair Love

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2019

89%

WISE Score

7.4

IMDb

Oscar-winning short about a dad tackling his daughter's hair for the first time—sweet, funny, and genuinely moving.

7.4/10

→

Hair Love

movie

G, 2019

89%

WISE Score

7.4

IMDb

Oscar-winning short about a dad tackling his daughter's hair for the first time—sweet, funny, and genuinely moving.

7.4

Jump to

Also rated on

7.4/10

View →

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Where-to-watch data byJustWatch

Screenwise Verdict

This is the real deal—an Oscar winner that actually deserves the hype. In less than 7 minutes, Hair Love delivers more heart and meaning than most feature films manage in two hours.

The animation is gorgeous, the humor lands, and the emotional core is genuine without being saccharine. It's also doing important cultural work by normalizing Black hair care and showing Black family love in mainstream animation, which shouldn't be revolutionary in 2025 but still matters.

The short format is actually a strength here—it's easy to fit into any day, kids will want to rewatch it, and it doesn't overstay its welcome. Whether you're looking for something to show during a lesson on family, representation, or perseverance, or you just want 7 minutes of quality screen time, this delivers.

Highly recommended for basically everyone.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 3-99. Toddlers will enjoy the visual humor and expressive animation, elementary kids will connect with the father-daughter relationship, and adults will appreciate the deeper emotional layers. This is one of those rare pieces that works across generations.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

A tender father-daughter story centered on love, patience, and effort. Models perseverance, care, and family bonding in an emotionally healthy way. The father's determination to master his daughter's hair despite initial struggles demonstrates commitment and growth. Positive Black family representation with warmth and humor.

Imaginative

Clever visual storytelling and creative animation sequences, particularly when depicting the father's imagination and struggle with hair styling. The short format limits deeper world-building, but the hair itself becomes almost a character with personality. Solid creative execution within its scope, though not groundbreaking conceptually.

Safe

Completely age-appropriate with zero concerning content. No violence, scary moments, or inappropriate themes. The only emotional weight comes from an implied but unstated context (mother's absence hints at illness), handled with extreme gentleness. Perfect for unexpected viewing by any age.

Enriching

Teaches persistence, patience, and the value of effort in showing love. Normalizes Black hair care and representation in mainstream animation. Shows vulnerability in fathers and the importance of stepping up. Brief but impactful message about family bonds. The emotional payoff at the end delivers meaningful insight about why small acts of love matter.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Won the 2020 Academy Award for Best Animated Short—it's legitimately excellent craft and storytelling
Beautiful, authentic representation of Black family life and natural hair care that's been underrepresented in animation
Shows dads being vulnerable, trying hard, and showing love through effort—great modeling for all kids
At under 7 minutes, it's perfectly digestible and rewatchable without demanding a huge time commitment
Emotional payoff hits hard without being manipulative; the ending reveal adds context that makes everything more meaningful

⚠

What to Watch For

There's an implied context (mom's absence due to illness) that's handled gently but might prompt questions from observant kids
Some kids might get impatient with the father's struggles, though that's kind of the point
It's a short, not a feature—if you're expecting a full movie experience, adjust expectations

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think it was so important to the dad to learn how to do her hair?"
"Have you ever tried really hard at something and kept messing up? How did you feel when you finally got it?"
"What are some ways people in our family show love to each other?"
"Why do you think Zuri wanted her hair done that specific way?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic