Mexican culture is diverse, rich and beautiful, with many colourful and creative Chola style hair and makeup traditions created for a variety of cultural celebrations and sub-cultures.
In this blog we take a look at the key hair and makeup features of Chola women. The look is feminine yet assertive and is a thing to be celebrated. So lets take a look at the emblematic hair, makeup and dress of this fashion statment/identity…
Chola Culture Club
Over the Top – Haute Mess Vogue Italia March 2012 – Ghetto Fabulous Style where More Is More!
Chicana & Chola
Valerija and Alejandra team up with photographer Dan Martensen for a spread in Exit Magazine called Jersey Girls 2010.
Gothic Glamour is a constant scene on the runway and frequently in fashion print. The gothic look was originally frowned upon, but is now embraced in all its multitude of expression
Chola Hair
This Chola reminds us of Madonna in all of her 80’s glory – the combination of the iconic Chola make up teamed with a tough attitude and rosary beads.
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Long locks swept back or teased to sit off the face.
Hair swept back off the face and another strong element of the look is the application of dark lipliner.
- Often pinned into a large and high quiff.
- Sometimes secured with a bandana.
Let’s take a look at the classic elements of Chola make up as seen here – defined brows, winged eyeliner, teardrops, dark noticeable lipliner, red lipstick.
Chola Makeup
- Classic 50’s glamour on steroids is a good way to describe this look!
- Full face of foundation
- Cheeks sculpted with a red/orange/bronze based blush
- Clearly defined brows
- winged black eyeliner
- Black lined lips with blue-based red lipstick
- 2 tear drops either tattooed or drawn on with liquid liner or black eyeliner pencil
Chola Outfits
- Large gold or silver hoop earrings
- T-shirts featuring a religious print or tattoo design OR
- Black or white bustier that reveals cleavage
- Plaid shirts with only the top buttoned
- Dress pants OR
- Tight Jeans
- Exposing the mid-drift area of the body
- Suspenders
- Tattoos on arms, knuckles and neck
Take a look at the always gorgeous Drew Barrymore rocking out Chola style
Frequently Asked Questions About Chola Style
What is Chola style?
Chola style is a bold and iconic aesthetic originating from Chicana and Mexican-American communities in southern California. It is characterised by dramatic makeup, swept-back hair, and distinctive Chola outfits including plaid shirts, hoop earrings, and dark lip liner.
What does Chola makeup look like?
Classic Chola makeup features a full face of foundation, sculpted cheeks with a red or bronze blush, clearly defined brows, winged black eyeliner, dark lip liner with a blue-based red lipstick, and two teardrop details drawn or tattooed beneath one eye.
How do I style my hair in Chola style?
Chola style hair is typically worn long and swept back off the face, often pinned into a large, high quiff. It can be secured with a bandana for an authentic finish. The key is bold volume and that signature teased, swept-back shape.
What are the key Chola outfits for a Mexican fancy dress party?
Essential Chola outfits include a plaid shirt with only the top button done up, tight jeans or dress pants, a white or black bustier, suspenders, and large gold or silver hoop earrings. Tattoo-print tees or religious graphic tops are also very on-theme.
Is it appropriate to wear Chola style for a fancy dress party?
Wearing Chola style for a fancy dress or costume party is something that should be approached respectfully and with an understanding of its cultural origins. Learning about the Chicana identity behind the look – as this guide encourages – is an important first step to appreciating rather than appropriating the style.
