In 'Cultivated: Plants, Hair, and the Aesthetic of Control,' Jeffrey Hoelle, an anthropology professor at UC Santa Barbara, explores the cultural meanings behind cultivated landscapes and personal grooming. Drawing from his extensive research in the Brazilian Amazon and urban settings in the U.S., Hoelle reveals how societal values around cleanliness and order shape perceptions of both plants and hair. He notes that 'clean' pastures in Brazil signal hard work and contribute to broader narratives of progress, while similar standards apply to personal grooming, particularly affecting women and Afro-Brazilians. Hoelle highlights the influence of beauty procedures, such as the Brazilian wax and blowout, which reflect societal pressures to conform to certain aesthetic ideals. The book draws parallels between the cultivation of landscapes and the management of personal appearance, questioning the implications of these practices for sustainability and equality. As Hoelle argues, understanding the cultural logic behind these 'covers' is crucial for fostering a more just and sustainable world, challenging inherited assumptions about order and control.