The "Afro" hairstyle was initially worn by African Americans during the '60's and '70's in order to veer

from the mainstream Caucasian hairstyles that predominated in fashion. To achieve Caucasian hairstyles, African American women would have to go to great lengths to straighten and relax their hair. With the Civil Rights movement came Black Pride and the idea that African American hair could be beautiful the way it naturally grew; a new standard of beauty was set that exemplified the physical differences between Blacks and Whites. While the Afro hairstyle was mainly popular with African American men and women, the Afro has been worn by people of all ethnicities. Today it holds a special position in pop culture and fashion history. While Afros are a symbol of an era, they are also a symbol of the natural and diverse beauty that can be achieved while affirming one's own cultural and ethnic background.
What Is Black Hair? Black hair, obviously, is the hair that African American people have. Because their hair is very distinct, there exists a billion dollar industry that produces ethnic hair care products specifically for Blacks. Many refer to Black hair as "kinky hair" - which is offensive to many, but a compliment to others. Typically, their hair is not naturally soft and moist. Instead, it is dry and brittle. However, through various products - this can be altered. Although just a minority, African Americans are extremely influential with their hair. People all over the world imitate their hairstyles, and use them in fashion shows, music videos, and more. For instance, hair braiding was created by Africans by reinvented by African-Americans. However, hair braids are commonly worn by women in places like France, Germany, and even Russia. Black men were the first to wear their hair platted and as afros. Through the years, this too has been adopted by cultures worldwide. Jamaicans and Africans were the first to wear dreadlocks, and this too is imitated by Europeans. Despite this international glorification, it is not unusual for African Americans to be stereotyped and discriminated against for their hair style. For example, a man who wears braids in his hair is often classifed as a drug dealer or trouble maker. This can prevent him from getting a job, being accepted into college, and it may even result in his arrest by police. Why Do African Americans Have Pride In Their Hair? Mainstream media and the beauty industry has portrayed Black hair as non-desirable. However, many African Americans have pride in the all-natural appeal of their hair. Most African American women and men do not have straight hair, but instead have curly or "kinky" hair. Black musicians have created songs to counteract the negative interpretation of Black hair. One song by singer Erykah Badu was entitled "I Am Not My Hair", and encourages listeners to not judge her by the way she wears her hair. The pride African Americans have is similar to the pride that most people have about their country and their origins. Their reasoning is to not be ashamed of what their ancestors have passed along through genetics. In addition, they see nothing wrong with their hair and therefore have no reason to feel guilty or undesirable. What Are Some Popular Black Hairstyles? Popular black hairstyles include dreadlocks (locks), braids, corn rows, the afro, and the fade. Many African Americans wear wigs and extensions, and straighten their hair as well. Shorter haircuts have become popular amongst men and women in recent years. Several of these hairstyles have come and gone through the years, as fads change. Interestingly enough, several of them go in and out of style. For instance, the afro was very popular in the 1970's but disappeared by the mid-1980's. In the 1990's though, it regain popularity amongst young urban kids. By 2000 though, it had gone back out of style. The same occurs for fingerwaves, pigtails, and other hair fashions - depending on the location and the time period.

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The Afro A popular Black hairstyle in the 1970's that reappeared in the early 1990's amongst young people. Many with afros get their hair cornrowed. Dreadlocks (locks) Originally popular amongst Africans and Islanders, many American men and women have adopted this hairstyle Black Hair Wig In the late 1990's, many Black women began wearing wigs, extensions, and hair pieces specifically designed for them Braids The hairstyle of braids were created by Africans, but have been reinvented by African-Americans in recent years High Top Fade Popularized by rap group Kid-N-Play (pictured), this haircut involved growing an afro and having it shaped up and faded Finger Waves This hairstyle became popular in the 1980's and re-emerged in the 2000's after singer Fantasia began wearing it. It is especially popular in the South.