Irina Werning has spent nearly two decades capturing the essence of Latin America's long-haired women, chronicling their stories through her photography series Las Pelilargas. In her new book, she highlights the cultural significance of long hair beyond mere aesthetics.

The tradition spans generations and communities in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru, where cutting one’s hair is considered a threat to life itself. Werning discovered that young women often cite simple reasons for their long locks, but the true meaning lies deeper, rooted in ancestral beliefs about identity and connection with nature.

Her journey took her through remote mountain towns, where she placed signs in schools and organised hair competitions. The result is a collection of nearly 90 images that tell a story of cultural pride and evolving traditions.

With Las Pelilargas, Werning aims to preserve these stories for future generations, showcasing the beauty and resilience of indigenous cultures through their hair. From Argentina’s Kolla community in 2006 to her last portraits in 2024, she captures the essence of a practice that connects past and present.

This book is not just an artistic endeavor; it is a testament to the enduring power of cultural traditions and the human spirit.