Noir Nation, Serena Page is letting it be known—sometimes standing in your truth means risking it all!

ENVSN FEST 🤳

While speaking on a panel at ENVSN Fest, the reality star revealed that ‘Love Island USA’ casting nearly passed on her because she decided to wear braids instead of a wig. Serena admitted she wasn’t about to spend weeks filming in Fiji battling lace glue and humidity, telling the crowd, “I’d rather not go at all than have my wig slide 3/4 to the back of my head..”

Double Standards 🪙

The 25 year old broke down the double standards Black women face when it comes to hair in the dating world. “Being a Black girl, you’re perceived differently when you have braids versus when you have a wig—especially in the love game. When you go out with a wig, you get completely different attention than when you go out with braids.” Her candid take sparked a wave of head nods and “mmhm” energy from the audience, clearly hitting home for many.

Standing In Her Truth 🪞

In a space like Love Island, where first impressions and attraction often dictate who gets coupled up and who gets sent home, Paige’s decision was more than just a hairstyle—it was a statement. By sticking with her braids, she not only stayed true to herself but also sparked a larger conversation about beauty standards, cultural authenticity, and how Black women navigate them under a global spotlight.

One thing’s for sure—Serena walked into the villa on her own terms, proving that the real win is showing up exactly as you are.