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Baltimore · Charm City

I document Black hair asart, history and home.

Natural hairstylist, world traveler and the woman behind Hair Cam.

About

From behind the chair to the story of our hair.

Close portrait of Zarah Charm smiling in a white t-shirt against a soft grey backdrop

I became a natural hairstylist because I love Black women: our hair, our energy, our conversations. For 15 years I've twisted, braided and created just about every style you can think of.

Then I went to see the world. Living in Chiang Mai taught me how connected we are. So many styles repeat across the diaspora, and the ritual of hair is beautiful everywhere.

Now I'm documenting it, so you know who's behind it.

I value blackness over everything.
  • 15 years behind the chair
  • Baltimore-born
  • Lived in Chiang Mai
  • Rooted · Feb 2027

The Book

Rooted

A Zarah Charm Book · February 2027

Rooted is a coffee table book celebrating how we wear our hair in the spaces where we celebrate, starting with HBCU homecomings.

Growing up, I bought the hair magazines at the beauty supply store every week. That doesn't exist anymore. Rooted brings back the physical record of what we wore, right now.

The journey

Zarah’s story.

Baltimore roots. A world of stories. A legacy in the making.

Zarah Charm in an ivory satin blouse and beige pleated trousers, hands in pockets, smiling confidently
Zarah Charm · Hair historian & visual storyteller
  1. Baltimore beginnings

    Rooted in Charm City

    Born in Baltimore, Zarah’s story begins with Black hair, community and a love of the culture.

  2. 15 years behind the chair

    Hair, hands & connection

    Twisting, braiding and creating natural hairstyles — including owning her own salon — shaped a career centered on Black women.

  3. A wider world

    From Baltimore to Chiang Mai

    Travel and life in Thailand opened a wider view of the diaspora, the styles we share and the rituals that connect us.

  4. Hair Cam

    Everyday hair, documented

    Starting at Morgan State’s homecoming and continuing at the Baltimore farmers market, Hair Cam celebrates Black hair as it shows up.

  5. The next chapter

    From stylist to storyteller

    With Rooted, Zarah turns her eye toward HBCU homecomings, creating a physical record of our hair in the places we celebrate.

  6. February 2027 · planned

    Rooted

    A Zarah Charm coffee table book celebrating Black hair, heritage and homecoming. A record to hold, share and return to.

  7. Looking ahead

    Rooted Abroad

    The next chapter looks beyond home, carrying the story of Black hair into a wider world.

Watch

Every week, behind the scenes.

On YouTube you get everything it takes to create Rooted. You'll be at HBCU homecomings with me, and you'll see a little more of me, more hair and more travel.

Subscribe on YouTube

Hair Cam

Black hair, as it shows up on a Sunday.

Hair Cam started at Morgan State's homecoming and found its home at the Baltimore farmers market. Some hair isn't "done," but it's polished, pretty and beautiful as is.

Follow #charmingarmy on Instagram →
Zarah Charm in an ivory satin blouse and beige pleated trousers, hands in pockets, smiling confidently

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