Latin Mafia, Omar Apollo Sing a Melancholic Cumbia on ‘Hecho Para Ti'
The video captures retro, VHS-style footage of the Mexican trio performing the sad song with Apollo in a nightclub straight from your tío's album of photos from his bailador days. The video plays like a pixelated home video as Latin Mafia and Apollo perform, accompanied by a cumbia band. The performance visual is spliced with close-ups of the members of the band.
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'What am I to you?/I'm too much for you/But I'm made for you,' Apollo sings en español. 'My love, my love… (Oh-oh)/It's not so far off/And it's not so complicated.'
Apollo and Latin Mafia have been teasing the song for months, and Apollo even joined the group during a performance at Mexico City' Palacio de los Deportes during the band's tour back in May.
Aside from a Colors Show rendition of 'Siento que merezco más,' this marks the band's first release since dropping their album Todos Los Días Todo el Día, which features tracks such as 'Nunca He Sido Honesto,' 'Me Estoy Cayendo,' and 'Yo Siempre Contesto.'
'For us, Latin Mafia has no genre. We want to expand upon the Mexa sound,' Emilio de la Rosa told Rolling Stone last year. 'This album is an excess of noise saturation in vocals and in production. Above all, it's our aspirations to create a different formula in the Mexa music industry.'
For his part, Apollo joined Malcolm Todd for 'Bleed' in February, after releasing his LP, God Said No, last summer.
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Yahoo
31 minutes ago
- Yahoo
The 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025 So Far (Staff Picks)
Some of Latin music's biggest stars have released albums this year — including bona fide hitmakers Bad Bunny (Debí Tirar Más Fotos), Fuerza Regida (111XPANTIA) and Karol G (Tropicoqueta) all taking over the Hot Latin Songs chart (nine out of the top 10 songs on the chart dated July 5 are from these artists' respective albums). More from Billboard Bad Bunny's 'NUEVAYol' Video Arrives on Fourth of July With Pro-Immigrant Message: 'Together We Are Stronger' The Immigrant Experience in Music: 25 Heartfelt Songs to Reflect on This Fourth of July Orquesta Guayacán to Celebrate 40th Anniversary With 2025 U.S. Tour: 'It's Our Mission to Bring Joy' Besides chart domination, the albums mentioned above also champion that regional sound — tropical and Mexican — that adds layers of richness to its production, which has really revitalized Latin music. Whether that approach will rule the remaining six months of the year is to be seen, but we're really digging what we've heard so far. From Bad Bunny's signature música urbana interspersed with with salsa, bolero and plena in Debí to Karol G's Tropicoqueta ode to Latin America recording in vallenato, cumbia villera and ranchera and Gente de Zona's Cuban opus Reparto, it's safe to say that Latin music officially entered its regional era this year. Other standout albums included in our list are Natti Natasha's Natti Natasha En Amargue, where she fully embraces her bachata roots, Prince Royce's nostalgia-evoking Eterno and Ángela Aguilar's lushly produced LP Nadie Se Va Como Llegó. Our staff-curated 25 Best Latin Albums of 2025 So Far list below highlights the albums that have not only impressed us the most but have also defined the first half of the year. For this list, only albums released by June 30 were considered. (See The 25 Best Latin Songs of 2025 So Far here.) 25. Arthur Hanlon, 2 Manos, 1 MundoArthur Hanlon delivered an exciting seven-track EP featuring a variety of Latin music rhythms and big collaborators. For 2 Manos, 1 Mundo (Spanish for 2 Hands, 1 World), the Detroit-born pianist teamed up with nine of his friends — Ana Bárbara, Ángela Aguilar, Carlos Vives, Darell, Goyo, Manuel Medrano, Nia Skyfer, Tiago Iorc and Yotuel — for an 'ethereal and dreamy' production (as he previously described to Billboard) that combines world beats such as Brazil's bossa nova, Cuba's cha-cha-cha and Colombia's vallenato with his distinctive piano melodies. From the powerful rock-huapango 'Bala Perdida' with Aguilar, to the upbeat Mexican cumbia 'Egoísta' with Ana Bárbara and the unique fusion of blues with Colombian cumbia 'GOODBYE' with Vives and Goyo, 2 Manos, 1 Mundo stands out as an eclectic gem with one evident constant: Hanlon's undeniable love for Latin music. – SIGAL RATNER-ARIAS 24. Boza, San BlasInspired by Maná's 'En El Muelle de San Blas,' Boza titled his album (and focus track) SAN BLAS. He expressed in a press release: 'I love the woman I'm with very much, and with this song I wanted to tell her that I'm only there for her — that I always want to show her off, to show everyone that I'm with an excellent woman, a beautiful woman.' But beyond love, the nine-track set combines his life learnings and personal healing process throughout the years. Mainly crafted by his longtime producer Faster, the set stays true to the Panamanian artist's signature reggae plena sound, but incorporates Afrobeat and amapiano rhythms — notably heard on his two collaborations, 'Orión' with Elena Rose and 'Todavía' with Greeicy. The former peaked No. 2 on Billboard's Latin Pop Airplay chart last year. — JESSICA ROIZ 23. Prince Royce, EternoFifteen years after achieving his first top 10 hit on Hot Latin Songs and his first No. 1 on Tropical Airplay with his cover of 'Stand by Me,' Prince Royce gifted his fans an entire album filled with pop classics in bilingual versions (English/Spanish) and bachata rhythms. With 13 tracks ranging from King Harvest's 'Dancing in the Moonlight' and the Bee Gees' 'How Deep is Your Love,' to Stevie Wonder's 'I Just Called to Say I Love You,' Fleetwood Mac's 'Go Your Own Way,' and the Backstreet Boys' 'I Want It That Way,' the Dominican-born New York artist created new memories with old songs through this beautiful production. Eterno debuted at No. 3 on Top Tropical Albums, while 'How Deep is Your Love' recently climbed to No. 1 on Latin Airplay. — S.R.A. 22. Natalia Lafourcade, CancioneraLafourcade's Cancionera takes listeners on a musical journey through Latin America as she honors the music and styles that have influenced her latest projects. The poignant set is a bold offering of son jarocho, tropical and ranchera music, while also integrating natural sounds for a more robust and nuanced soundscape. The Mexican artist's critically acclaimed 12th studio album led to her most ambitious tour yet where the album comes to life and where she truly showcases that theatrical element that is very much intrinsic to the album's identity. — GRISELDA FLORES 21. Luck Ra, Que SedThere's no time to be moping over an ex with an album like Luck Ra's Que Sed. Fourteen songs, mostly about heartbreak, are backed with feel-good, party melodies and his captivating falsetto vocals. Representing the Argentine artist's ambitious thirst and hunger in the music industry, Que Sed puts the country's cuarteto or cuartetazo movement on the map — a musical genre born in Córdoba similar to merengue that's fused with urban, reggae and cumbia beats. The album, which includes collaborations with Chayanne, Elvis Crespo, Maluma, Nicki Nicole, Kenia Os, Lola Indigo, Ke Personajes, Dread Mar I, Ulises Bueno, and Tiago PZK, follows his debut Que Nos Falte Todo, which was Spotify's most-streamed album of 2024 in Argentina. — J.R. 20. Buscabulla, Se Amaba AsíLove's complexities pulse through Se Amaba Así, the bold return of Buscabulla after a five-year hiatus. The Puerto Rican duo, Raquel Berrios and Luis Alfredo del Valle, unravel relationships with an intoxicating fusion of disco, synth-pop, and tropical nuances. From the steely guitar of 'El Camino' to the hypnotic syncopation of 'Miraverahí,' the pair crafts lush soundscapes where heartbreak and hope collide. Their introspective lyrics, often tinged with Puerto Rican slang, evoke a telenovela's melodrama in sonic form. Exploring visions of past, present, and future romance, the album is a kaleidoscopic journey — equal parts dreamy and cutting — that cements Buscabulla as masters of atmosphere and storytelling. — ISABELA RAYGOZA 19. Ryan Castro, SendéRyan Castro's Sendé is a passport to the soul of Curaçao, the Caribbean island that influenced his life and sound. The Colombian star steps away from his Cantante del Ghetto persona, and explores themes of vulnerability ('Ojalá,' 'Menos el Cora' feat. Manuel Turiso) and identity ('Sendé,' 'modo LEYENDA') through a blend of dancehall, kizomba, reggae and Afrobeats. Tracks like 'Sanka' (featuring local artist Dongo) and heavyweight collaborations with Peso Pluma and Shaggy fuse his signature urban grit with Curaçao's joyous rhythms. 'Sendé is a very personal project that reflects everything I lived and learned in Curaçao,' Castro told Billboard Español in May. With this project, Castro doesn't just tell his story — he invites listeners to join him, fully immersed in Caribbean spirit and sound. — I.R. 18. Ángela Aguilar, Nadie Se Va Como LlegóIn Nadie Se Va Como Llegó, Aguilar perfectly captures the transformative spirit that powers her music and her recording career, which launched when she was just eight years old. The now 21-year-old singer-songwriter and producer showcases maturity in her lyrics and sound singing about the peaks and valleys of womanhood via songs of empowerment, heartbreak and love on the 12-song set. Although slightly more experimental than her previous albums, Aguilar stays true to her mariachi roots while also incorporating norteño, pop and cumbia elements for a riveting variety of styles. — G.F. 17. Netón Vega, Mi Vida Mi MuerteThe title alone, My Life My Death (when translated to English), is intriguing enough — but the album itself is a solid collection of songs that serves as an introduction to one of música mexicana's newest stars. The young hitmaker offers a blend of swag-heavy corridos — plus his big reggaetón hit 'Loco,' and the hard-hitting hip-hop track 'Me Ha Costado' with Alemán and Victor Mendivil — which showcase a versatility that makes him stand out in a crowded field of of regional Mexican singers. Mi Vida is stacked with other collaborators, including Óscar Maydon, Tito Double P, Luis R Conriquez, Peso Pluma and Xavi. The album earned Vega his first appearance on a Billboard albums chart, debuting at Nos. 1 and 2 on the Regional Mexican Albums and Top Latin Albums charts, respectively. — G.F. 16. Morat, Ya Es MañanaMorat's fifth studio album is a representation of the band's ability to skillfully navigate its sonic evolution without sacrificing an essence that draws heavily from electric guitar riffs of the '90s, which creates that nostalgia connection that resonates throughout its tracks. Lyrically, the album captivates listeners thanks to catchy hooks and strong melodies, as heard in stand out tracks like 'Faltas Tú' and 'Me Toca A Mí,' with Camilo, blending powerful drum beats with melodic lines that evoke the classic sound reminiscent of Def Leppard. Ya Es Mañana won one of Billboard's New Latin Music poll, which further shows just how much this album connected with fans. — INGRID FAJARDO 15. Belinda, IndómitaIndómita is a quintessential Belinda album showcasing style, power, determination, female empowerment and playfulness. The LP also highlights her alter ego, 'Beli Bélica,' putting her refreshing take on corridos tumbados at the forefront. The 17-track set includes collaborations with genre hitmakers such as Natanael Cano on '300 Noches,' Tito Double P on 'La Cuadrada,' and Xavi on 'Mírame Feliz.' It's also powered by cheeky and flirty reggaetón tracks like '+ Perra, + Bitch' and 'Wet Dreams' with Netón Vega and Tokischa, as well as trap with songs like 'Death Note' and 'Silvana' to round out the genre-spanning production. — I.F. 14. Gente de Zona, RepartoOn their latest studio album, Gente de Zona opted to 'show the world an evolution of Cuban reggaetón that defines our culture [and] shine a light on these new artists who are leading the authentic Reparto movement in our country,' the duo's Randy Malcom said in a statement — hence its name, Reparto. Honoring the movement that was born in the barrios of Cuba and fuses Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern electronic and hip-hop elements, the 12-song album finds Gente de Zona — and a wave of remarkable Cuban artists — singing songs about having confidence, feeling successful and blessed, or having a healthy relationship. Standout tracks include 'Rico Cantidad,' 'Se Trata' and 'La Guagua' — which have all gained social media momentum. — J.R. 13. Beéle, BorondoIt took Beéle six years — since his debut, viral hit 'Loco' in 2019 — to release his first studio album called BORONDO. In between, he'd make a name for himself in the Latin Afrobeats realm by collaborating with artists such as Sebastian Yatra, Manuel Turizo, Farruko, and hitting the Billboard charts along the way. In the 26-track album, the artist from Barranquilla, Colombia stamps his Caribbean aura into progressive Afrobeats backed by his suave, melodic vocals. Notable tracks include the Ovy on the Drums-produced 'mi refe,' the Marc Anthony-assisted 'Dios me oyó,' and the ultra-sensual 'frente al mar.' BORONDO marked the artist's debut on the Billboard album charts, bowing at No. 10 on Top Latin Albums and No. 4 on Top Latin Rhythm Albums on the lists this May. — J.R. 12. Noreh, A Film By La Vida RealOn his sophomore album, and debut under 5020 Records, Noreh opened up about the 'good and bad things that have happened to me' in his 27 years. The result? A 15-track set called A Film By La Vida Real that is reflective, emotional, sensual, and an ode to identity. 'I always believe that a piece of material should have that contrast and be honest enough to resonate with the people who listen to it,' the Venezuelan singer-songwriter previously told Billboard. 'I had this concept of taking it through movies and TV shows because I felt it was necessary for each song to tell a story.' The album, where he navigates heartfelt ballads (some meshed with tropical music, others with electronic), includes collaborations with Sin Bandera, Jay Wheeler, LAGOS and Corina Smith. — J.R. 11. Bomba Estéreo & Rawayana, AstropicalWhat happens when Caribbean tropical rhythms meet the world of astrology, feminine energy and spirituality? A colorful supergroup called ASTROPICAL is born. The group created by Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana — two of the most beloved contemporary bands from Colombia and Venezuela, respectively — took the world by storm at the beginning of the year when they released the song 'Me Pasa (Piscis),' announcing that it was only the first single of an entire project that would soon follow. In March, their 12-track album — one for each sign of the zodiac — arrived, blending electronic cumbia and reggae with Afrobeats and tropical rhythms in titles including 'Brinca (Acuario),' 'Siento (Virgo),' 'Una Noche en Caracas (Tauro),' and 'Otro Nivel (Capricorn).' It is unknown if Bomba Estéreo and Rawayana will reunite again. For now, we are grateful that the stars aligned this year for Astropical. — S.R.A. 10. Christian Nodal, ¿Quién + Como Yo?In an era seemingly dominated by singles, where each song competes to shine on its own, Christian Nodal opts for a cohesive narrative in ¿Quién + Cómo Yo?, an album that interweaves universal themes of love and heartbreak. Reaffirming his artistic identity through mariacheño music, Nodal delivers a production that prioritizes authenticity, with arrangements that highlight the richness of traditional instruments such as trumpets, guitars and accordion. The 12-track album features collaborations with Natanael Cano on 'EBVSY,' Alfredo Olivas on 'Se Vienen Días Tristes,' and Tito Double P on the corrido tumbado 'La Loba.' With ¿Quién + Cómo Yo?, Nodal demonstrates that traditional Mexican music not only remains relevant but can also connect with new generations without losing its essence. — LUISA CALLE 9. Christian Alicea, Swingkete Vol. 1 – MaratónSalsa music has seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to a new generation of artists who are adding their own swing to the traditional genre. Alicea is among that group — and with Swingkete Vol. 1, he doubles down on his commitment to continue to push salsa music to the forefront. Throughout the set, the Puerto Rican artist — who earlier this year signed to Bad Bunny's Rimas Entertainment — infuses traditional styles like bomba, plena and salsa with cumbia and Afrobeats, with featured collaborators Jowell & Randy, J Álvarez, Frabian Eli and Eliot 'El Mago D Oz' in tow. — G.F. 8. Natti Natasha, Natti Natasha En AmargueNatti Natasha is Dominican to the core, but she had never done a full bachata album until Natti Natasha En Amargue. The set highlights an outstanding side of Natasha, a vocalist with range and pathos who can carry a full range of emotions, from the opening, deliciously spiteful 'Desde Hoy' — with lyrics like 'May you have a horrible ending/ The worst possible' — to the sultry 'Vendaje,' a big-band bolero. En Amargue has the added of bonus of having been written and produced in its entirety by Romeo Santos, and the songwriting is a delight to listen to. Natasha's return to her roots is actually a step up. — LEILA COBO 7. Cazzu, LatinajeRomance, remorse and folklore stitched from Argentina's northern roots collide in Latinaje, an album that feels like stepping into Cazzu's most intimate world. It opens with a 'copla' (poetry) to her homeland, before 'Mala Suerte' sweeps in — a carnival-esque lament that tumbles into a sleek hip-hop beat. Heartache shapes much of the album (seemingly informed by the artist's very public breakup with her baby daddy, Nodal) with tracks like the haunting tango 'Ódiame' and 'Con Otra,' a tearjerker that transforms its sadness into a cumbia villera. There's range here, too, with Elena Rose's bolero-infused 'Engreído' and Maka's flamenco-tinged 'Ahora' adding depth. But Cazzu shines brightest alone, offering moments like 'Inti,' a lullaby wrapped in a lo-fi trap for her daughter. Latinaje is a celebration of Latin sounds — old and new — powered by heartbreak and fierce cultural pride. — I.R. 6. DannyLux, LeyendaDannyLux's Leyenda is a dazzling dark fantasy affair that tells tales of eternal skies, mermaids, and otherworldly legends through whimsical sierreño music. The album kicks off with 'Tristeza de Lux,' buoyed by steely guitars that weave an uneasy shimmer into the melancholy lyrics about disenchantment. Then, it effortlessly genre-hops into '90s-inspired trip-hop ('2025') and lo-fi electronic music ('Q.D.E.P.'). He also invites Jasiel Nuñez to join him in on the stormy 'Cielo Eterno,' Yng Naz on the whimsical corrido 'Viaja Conmigo' and Juanchito on the tololoche-driven 'Mis Loqueras.' With its fusion of regional Mexican instrumentation and subtle electronic elegance, DannyLux delivers imaginative storytelling throughout. — I.R. 5. Joaquina, Al Romper La BurbujaFor her anticipated debut LP — following a 2023 Latin Grammy win for best new artist — Joaquina presented a project filled with nostalgia, featuring 14 songs that speak directly to the heart. From previously released singles like 'Quise Quererte,' 'Escapar de Mí,' 'Desahogo' and 'Pesimista,' to 'Carta a Mí,' 'Capricho,' an alternative version of 'El Alquimista,' and 'Gracias Por Estar Aquí,' the Venezuelan singer-songwriter offers a fusion of poetic folk-pop and classic rock. The work is brilliantly co-produced, for the most part, by the artist herself, alongside renowned Colombian musician Julio Reyes Copello. With her ever-heartbreakingly honest lyrics, Al Romper La Burbuja represents a pivotal moment in Joaquina's artistic and emotional evolution, with a mature, authentic and reflective approach. — S.R.A. 4. Karol G, TropicoquetaKarol's latest album couldn't be more different from her blockbuster set Mañana Será Bonito, and it seems intentional — and also truly what makes it all the more fun of a listen. Tropicoqueta — an ode to the sounds and music icons of Latin America — really pushes Karol's sonic boundaries, as she records in ranchera, Colombian vallenato, cumbia villera, mambo and merengue, just to name a few Latin genres included in the album. Defying predictability, Karol does a deep dive into what has influenced not only her musical palette, but has historically contributed to the richness of Latin music. A passion project from beginning to end, Karol recruits legendary acts like Thalia, Marco Antonio Solís, Manu Chao and Eddy Lover to help her tell the story of how she went from bebecita to bichota to now tropicoqueta. The set debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, Karol's third top 10 on the tally. — G.F. 3. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso, PapotaIn 27 minutes, PAPOTA serves up a musical feast on steroids, as its name suggests: jazz, hip-hop, percussion, horns and humorous truths on every track. The album follows the viral success of the duo's hit Tiny Desk performance, which has accumulated 38 million views to date and has put Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso in the spotlight. It's also accompanied by a clever short film in which the Argentinians satirize the keys to success in the industry, from lifting weights to speaking English, while showing real vulnerability. PAPOTA is witty, daring, necessary, and one of the most original works of 2025. — L. CALLE 2. Bad Bunny, Debí Tirar Más FotosBad Bunny delivered Debí Tirar Más Fotos on a Sunday, coinciding with Three Kings Day, an unusual release day but fitting for Bunny's unorthodox nature. In Debí, which scored the Puerto Rican star his fourth No. 1 on the Billboard 200 — Benito goes on a musical journey through the corners of Puerto Rico, blending traditional sounds like plena ('CAFé CON RON),' a lively celebration of the style infused with contemporary elements, salsa ('NUEVAYoL'), in a captivating tribute to the legendary El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and the group's music that has soundtracked the island for generations, and jíbara music ('Pitorro de Coco'). Still, Bunny doesn't completely detour from his signature reggaetón beats, with plenty of tracks to appease his fanbase. The 17-track set — produced by Tainy, MAG and La Paciencia and Big Jay, among other hitmakers — highlights the diverse influences that have and continue to shape Benito's creativity, making this album a compelling and dynamic representation of the superstar's sonic evolution. — I.F. 1. Fuerza Regida, 111XPANTIARegional Mexican music erupts into uncharted territory with 111XPANTIA, Fuerza Regida's audacious and groundbreaking ninth studio album. In May, the San Bernardino group made history, landing at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 — the highest position ever achieved by a regional Mexican album in the chart's 69-year history — outpaced only by global icon Bad Bunny. The album kicks off with 'GodFather,' a commanding opener that nods to the iconic '70s film. Known for their ability to push beyond the traditional bounds of música mexicana, the group blurs genres with thrilling precision. Folky banjo melodies thread through tracks like 'Peliculiando' and 'Nocturno,' while they lean into reggaetón-dembow hybrids on the Anuel AA-assisted 'Lokita' and the high-energy 'Lababubu' featuring Bellakath. The closing track, 'Marlboro Rojo,' is a tour de force — raw, electrifying and unrelenting. Fueled by one of the most dynamic arrangements in the genre of the year, it melds tight tuba blasts, blazing trumpets, and the grit of JOP's vocals to create a sonic adrenaline rush. Named after the Náhuatl word for 'manifest,' 111XPANTIA feels like a declaration of identity and creative freedom: a visceral, high-octane manifesto of Fuerza Regida's unstoppable ascent. — I.R. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Refinery29
2 hours ago
- Refinery29
Watching Becky G Embrace Her Gray Hair Helped Me Change How I See Mine
When Becky G recently went on TikTok and revealed weeks' worth of grown out grays down the front and middle parts of her hair, I realized something: I couldn't think of ever seeing another Latina celebrity around my age admit she has gray hairs. As the 28-year-old Mexican-American singer sarcastically talked about her 'old age' and being a 'viejita,' at least in the eyes of TikTok's generally younger user base, she tilted her bouncy hair downward and ran her fingers through silvery strands. 'No, I do not care that my canas are showing,' Becky says in the video. 'It's natural. I call them my sparkles and so I need my sparkle gang to pull up, because I know I'm not the only one that doesn't just feel bonita but is 'stressita' too.' As a graying brunette, this helped me feel seen. I found my first silver strand in middle school and have been begrudgingly dying my grays since college. I found solace while scrolling through the thousands of comments on Becky G's video as countless other people commented 'sparkle gang,' shared their graying stories, and even replied with photos of themselves letting their grays grow out as well. ' "No, I do not care that my canas are showing. It's natural. I call them my sparkles, and so I need my sparkle gang to pull up." becky g ' 'Found my first gray at 14 years old,' Becky G wrote in her caption. 'Could be that I am the eldest daughter of a Mexican-American household, started working at 9, the fight-or-flight response, which involves the release of norepinephrine, can contribute to hair graying, simply genetics, or ALL OF THE ABOVE. No pues como que no voy a tener canas guys, like be for real.' It's 2025 and still rare to see Latina celebrities open up publicly about having gray hair, let alone a Gen Z star like Becky G. In a Vogue 'Beauty Secrets' interview, actress Salma Hayek also recently shared that at 58 years old, she doesn't dye her hair. But when she does want to tame her 'rebellious' grays, she swipes on some Benefit's Roller Lash mascara. Latina creators like Heren Mercedes, behind Silver Curls, and Kat Lovelis are also making content to help other women embrace their grays at any age. Yet we know the burden on women to maintain youthful appearances isn't limited to Hollywood or the online world. The stigma held toward Latina with gray hair permeates across age, income, and the many cultures that comprise Latine identity. Latine beauty standards generally mirror, if not amplify, Western societal ideals, which discourage women from displaying any visible signs of aging. It's not surprising women feel pressure to conform, given studies have found that women with gray hair are more likely to be perceived as less trustworthy and are likelier to experience ageism. These factors indicate that there's a social cost of not following beauty norms, explains Katie M. Duarte, a postdoctoral fellow in Latinx Studies at Smith College and researcher on the natural hair movement among Dominican women. ' "Latine beauty standards generally mirror, if not amplify, Western societal ideals, which discourage women from displaying any visible signs of aging." zameena mejia ' 'Because gray hair is associated with being 'old' and, therefore, supposedly incompetent or undesirable, women with gray hairs are socially encouraged to dye their silver strands for a youthful appearance to combat these stereotypes. This is true regardless of race or ethnicity, as many women deal with the beauty standard and social pressures of appearing young,' Duarte shares. 'Women who forgo dying their gray hairs report that others consider them less competent in the workplace, more physically fragile, and less attractive. For some women, the decision of dying their gray strands comes from personal choice and preferences, while for others it is about avoiding these social stigmas of 'letting go' of their beauty and feeling socially invisible and, therefore, socially irrelevant.' Duarte also calls attention to the role the media plays in reinforcing these standards. While beauty standards vary across Latine communities, generally, the ideal beautiful hair look for Latinas is understood as dark or blonde, long, straight or wavy (but not kinky), and it should be obviously styled, looking feminine and distinct from men's hair. Think: Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Karol G, Shakira, and Selena Gomez. While dominant beauty standards will continue to privilege straight over kinky textures and presumably youthful, dark or blonde hair over gray hair, Duarte notes that the growth of the natural hair movement — in which some Latinas, especially Afro-Latinas, are accepting their naturally kinky, curly, or wavy hair — and moments of vulnerability from celebrities and influencers can help other Latinas accept their graying hair. ' "Because gray hair is associated with being 'old' and, therefore, supposedly incompetent or undesirable, women with gray hairs are socially encouraged to dye their silver strands for a youthful appearance to combat these stereotypes." Katie M. Duarte ' 'For Latinas that have embraced their natural hair, many have also wanted to stay away from chemically altering hair treatments, like hair dye,' Duarte says. 'I believe there will be more Latinas accepting their naturally graying hair as those in the natural hair movement age into gray and silver strands.' In Becky G's TikTok, she added that viewers might notice her grays in videos because covering her grays was expensive, time consuming, and because, ultimately, they are natural. When she asked others to chime in if they also have gray hair, one commenter, Annette Greenham, left a photo of herself — smiling while rocking long, styled gray hair — and wrote that she started getting gray hairs as a kid. 'I started growing gray hair in elementary school. I felt embarrassed that I had them at a very young age,' Greenham tells Refinery29 Somos. While growing up in a multigenerational Mexican household, she saw her family members covering and dying their gray hair every few weeks, but no one ever explicitly talked about it. As an adult, she started dying her hair almost every two weeks as she felt the pressure to maintain her look for holidays and get-togethers. But in 2022, she saw people grow out their hair due to the Covid-19 lockdown conditions and she decided to let hers grow out as well. 'I feel so much better now that I let my gray hair grow out. My mom has now even started to let hers grow out, too,' Greenham says. 'I am happy with the decision of growing out my grays and I get a lot of compliments.' We spoke with five additional Latina women who shared their journey toward accepting their own gray hair, how they have overcome cultural norms, and how this decision has impacted their relationships with loved ones and themselves. Jacqueline Cordero, 34, California I was around 12 years old when I became aware of my grays. Middle school was really stressful, but my mom reassured me it was my Puerto Rican father's genetics. There weren't many, but they definitely stood out against my long dark hair. Students and even teachers pointed them out. As I grew older, they showed up more. While I was in high school, I was no stranger to a straightening iron and quickly learned my grays were unruly. I could never really control them. Then in my 20s, as I began a career and real adult life, I had a mix of my hereditary grays and my stress-induced grays. Society told me grays were a sign of stress and age and something worth hiding. My mother would always encourage me, saying they were gifts of wisdom. Still, she was influenced by U.S. beauty standards. Her face card has always been incredible, but societal pressures prevailed when it came to covering her grays. She allowed me to color my hair for fun, and even though covering her grays was a must, she never put that expectation on me for my grays. As I'm navigating my new identity in motherhood and my 30s, I've thought about covering them up in an attempt to look more youthful. I'm grateful for my Trinidadian and Puerto Rican genes for prolonging wrinkles and other signs of aging, but the grays have become their own entity within my hair. My grays symbolize my heritage, my family. They represent all the growth I've made in my life. They are a reminder that I'm right where I need to be and showing up how I need to. Anyuli Ramos Lopez, 33, Texas The first time I noticed I had gray hair was around senior year of college. I was 22. At first, I was embarrassed and in denial that I was graying early. I would pluck them out, dye my hair, or just style my hair differently to cover it up. Straight out of college, I started teaching in rural Texas and our salary was not one to be envied. I was paying rent, bills, and bought a new car. I would go to a salon to get my roots dyed every six-to-nine weeks because of how fast my hair grew out and the price each time was $90. I tried to box dye my hair to help with the cost, but that was damaging my hair. Around the summer of 2019, I decided to embrace it and grow out my grays. I went to a salon and dyed a part of my hair that grew out platinum blonde so that it could 'blend,' and when Covid-19 hit, I just let it grow out. Even to this day, my 83-year-old grandmother still dyes her hair to hide her grays. My grandfather on my paternal side had a head full of grays, so when mine started growing out, my father would call them brillos. He was proud that I had inherited this from his side of the family. I lost my father back in 2020 to the pandemic, and I feel as though my hair is a part of him that I can carry with me every day. I've come to truly love my grays. It symbolizes my individuality and how much I have grown in my own self-confidence. I'm not going to lie, I do smile and feel 'cool' when I get compliments from strangers. I love that I have used less chemicals on my hair, so my natural curls and waves have been able to come back. Kat Lovelis, 30, North Carolina I noticed my first gray strands at 15 years old. I immediately yanked them out because I didn't want to feel old. Growing up, I didn't really hear much about gray hair because my mom would always dye her hair. The ladies in my family would encourage me to cover mine up. I guess they didn't want to look old, and that pressure passed on to me, too. That sent an unspoken message that gray wasn't something to be shown. I grew up watching my dad have full gray hair, but he would cover it up, too. My mom always dyed her hair. No one really embraced it. I started going gray at 29 after I decided I no longer wanted to keep covering them up. At first, I didn't like them, but as they grew longer, I started to love the salt and pepper look. Now, my family loves my gray hair and it has inspired my mom and sister to let their gray hair grow out. To me, my gray hair symbolizes loving all of me, even the parts that used to make me feel insecure. It's a daily reminder to accept myself fully and not feel like I have to hide or change to be beautiful. I love that celebrities like Becky G and Salma Hayek are embracing their grays and encouraging others to do the same. Embracing my gray hair has helped me gain so much confidence. I used to feel embarrassed and try to hide them but now, I show them off proudly. They're part of who I am. Samantha Carranza, 32, Texas When I got my first couple of gray hairs at 28, I felt so confused. At 30, I noticed more grays coming in. I started to feel insecure when I realized I couldn't pull my hair back without the grays being noticeable. As a little girl, I noticed my grandmother always dying her hair to cover up her grays. I never heard her complaining about it, but my grandmother never exposed her grays in public. My mother now does the same. Looking back, I think witnessing my abuelita and my mami dye their grays had influenced me to want to do the same. I recently got my hair professionally done and instead of covering my grays up completely, like I have in the past, I decided to blend in my grays with a new hairstyle. I had every intention to get my hair done and cover up my grays, but Becky G's TikTok post really inspired me and made me feel less alone. I want to break the cycle by embracing my grays. It symbolizes strength and resilience. It reminds me of being a mother and of going through difficult seasons but still pushing through. I want to be able to inspire other women to love themselves completely. I have vivid memories as a little girl of when my great grandmother would visit from Mexico and I would brush her hair or run my fingers through her beautiful thick white hair. I want one day for my granddaughter to run her fingers through my hair. Dulce Maria Rodriguez, 32, Texas The first time I noticed I had gray hair I was around 17 years old. I would pluck them out of embarrassment. Around the age of 20, it started to get more noticeable and no one in my family embraced it. Funnily enough, even my dad covered his gray hair. I started dying my hair black or dark red with box dye at home because it's all I could afford. My parents didn't understand why I dyed it, even though they did the same thing. Growing up in a Latine household, I was told gray hair was caused by stress. But I never understood why I was getting gray hair so young if I wasn't feeling stressed. Looking back, I realize all of the pressure I was under as a kid and understand I had grown used to underlying stress for things such as always needing to translate for my parents and getting scolded for not understanding everything. Hearing, 'Entonces para qué vas a la escuela!' At 21, I took a more subtle approach to my gray hair. Instead of dying it one color, I incorporated highlights to blend with my grays. At first it was a style that was 'in,' but as time went on I started embracing it. Now, I feel like I have broken a cycle. Embracing my gray hair has been a journey. I am now 32 and I don't feel like I need to be embarrassed about my hair. I am lucky to be able to enhance it with the help from my hairstylist, but I feel empowered now. I wish younger me was as open about her struggles with gray hair as I am now, but I feel like it's just the way we as women are. My advice to younger generations is to be open about your feelings about getting gray hair. It's valid to feel insecure and the emotions have to be felt, but it's hair. Speak to your family members and believe them when they say it isn't a big deal because we are all headed to gray hair at some point, but a few of us get our sparkle sooner.
Eater
3 hours ago
- Eater
A Magical Mexican Restaurant Leads the July Openings in Houston
is an editor for Eater's Texas region. She lives in Dallas, where she's written about James Beard-celebrated and Michelin-recognized restaurants and she loves nachos. This periodic column highlights notable restaurant openings in and around Houston. Catch up on more news about Houston restaurant openings right here. Know of a new or soon-to-open restaurant that should be on Eater Houston's radar? Get in touch by emailing houston@ 811 Buffalo Park Drive, Suite 130 in Houston Named after the ancient Aztec goddess who watched over the maguey (agave) plant and its production of liquor, this fine dining, modern restaurant in Montrose's Autry Park features heirloom corn sourced from Mexico that is ground daily to make masa. Keeping the ingredients seasonal and local is a priority, and so is featuring foundational flavors of Mexican food such as vanilla, cacao, and coffee. Look for dishes including beef carnitas croquette with salsa taquera and cilantro-lime aioli, tacos mar y tierra with Gulf shrimp in adobo and beef cheek confit, and cochinita served with black bean purée and tortillas. There is also a chef's tasting menu that highlights the best of what the restaurant is serving on any given night. Inside, gold rules the decor, echoing the sacred use of the metal in ancient Mexican societies. Time to belly up to the bar at Bar Buena. Brian Kennedy 2002 West Gray Street in Houston Mezcal is the star at this new bar from Goode Co. in River Oaks. On the menu are drinks like the Oaxacan Old Fashioned (reposado tequila, mezcal, piloncillo, and mole bitters) and Tequila y Tonic (blanco tequila, agua de jamaica, lime, cucumber, aloe, and tonic) along with bar bites such as Gulf crab tostadas with smashed avocado and chili arbol aioli, plus pato tinga memela (braised duck leg, refried beans, and pickled onions) and a taco stuffed with rib-eye and salsa morita. The dimly lit bar has a rustic Mexican aesthetic, with leather, brass, and a tin ceiling. 2416 Brazos Street, Suite A in Houston Want to drink like a rock star? Maybe don't drink exactly like Koe Wetzel, who is known to be a Texas-style party animal, but visit the second location of his bar chain (the first is in Fort Worth), which is now open in Midtown. It's got all the beer and liquor you can imagine, and for bar bites there are Chicken Wannnngggs (please, ask for them exactly like that) with Buffalo hot sauce, lemon pepper, or barbecue sauce; a couple of salads if that's how you roll; a couple of burger options a chicken tender platter; and fried pickles; and a chicken sandwich called the Cluck Norris. 7623 FM 3180 Road in Baytown Ready for a barbecue truck to take you to outer space? This one from pitmaster Logan Glenn (Big Woodrow's, Chi'Lantro BBQ), features a menu of brisket ($16/half pound), spare ribs ($13/half pound or $40 for a full rack), turkey ($13/half pound), pulled pork ($12/half pound), sausage and boudin ($7 per link), and pork belly burnt ends ($14/half pound) that won't break the bank. The sides are inventive, with options including burnt end pinto beans and corn bread casserole, while fun dishes like barbecue nachos and the Space Jam burger are sure to tempt diners.
