Atlanta Native wins NAACP Image Award for hair styling on Hulu’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’

DECATUR, Ga. — If you’ve watched Reasonable Doubt—filmed in and around Atlanta—you’ve likely seen the work of Deaundra “Dee Dee” Metzger, even if you didn’t realize it.

The College Park native serves as the show’s head of the hair department, helping bring its characters to life through carefully crafted styles that support the story on screen.

From sharp courtroom looks to relaxed everyday styles, Metzger’s work plays a key role in shaping the visual identity of the legal drama.

“I was always a hairstylist in high school. I loved doing hair,” Metzger said with a laugh. “I ruined my mother’s carpet. She lost deposits because of dye and color on the carpet.”

On Reasonable Doubt, hair is more than just appearance—it’s part of the storytelling. Metzger says the goal is to represent a wide range of Black hair textures and styles authentically.

“We have to target a woman with texture, a woman with afro, a woman with straight hair, a woman with a bob, a woman with a pixie,” Metzger explained. “So we are literally making a space for every look.”

One of her most intentional styling arcs centers on the show’s main character, Jax Stewart, played by Emayatzy Corinealdi. Metzger says Jax’s hairstyles evolve alongside the character’s personal and professional journey.

“She starts out in braids that may assimilate more in certain communities,” Metzger said. “Then she ends up with those soulful Black girl braids. All of that is intentional because it goes with the storyline of her building her confidence to run her own firm.”

Metzger’s attention to detail recently earned national recognition. Last month, she won an award at the NAACP Image Awards for her work styling the cast.

“I’m so grateful to God,” Metzger said. “I was raised in College Park, and the response has been overwhelming—people sending flowers, text messages. It was people I didn’t even think liked me,” she joked.