As a young black girl, I often drooled on posters of celebrities with long flowing hair. Or, I would dote on my doll’s hair because it was the standard already set on TV commercials. However, growing has made me realize there is no one definition of beauty, and black women are beautiful in myriad ways. Whether they wear their hair naturally or relaxed, in braids or locs, there is no correct way to wear it.
Black women are often subjected to unrealistic standards of beauty, but the truth is that they are beautiful no matter what. They are often trendsetters, not only in fashion but also in beauty. They pave the way for other women to embrace their own unique beauty.
Hair That Defies Gravity
Historically, our hair has always been considered a crown, one never to be taken for granted. It is a natural accessory that beautifies the black woman, representing her family background, tribe, marital, and social status.
Whereas other ethnicities’ hair can be straight, wavy, or curly, most black people’s hair is tightly curled to various extents.
It can take the form of spirals, coils, loops, zigzags, or other curves. This explains why it grows upwards instead of downwards and therefore can form gravity-defying forms like afros and puffs.
Because of this unique quality of black hair, profound reflections are placed on how it is treated, maintained, and styled.
The most prevalent methods are either braids, locs, or afros, while natural herbs like Chebe powder and Dairy butter are often used for treatment.
The Diversity of Black Hair
There was a time when Black women felt compelled to comply with euro-centric beauty standards and were ashamed to wear their natural hair to work or school.
However, thanks to the Natural Hair Movement, Black women are now beginning to embrace the diversity and versatility of their curls, and boy, do we love to see it!
From braids to twist-outs, to weaves to afros, Black women are showing the world their hair is art and they are all shades of beautiful.
Afro
When you hear the word “Afro,” what comes to your mind? If you immediately think of the hair of American activist Anglea Davies, Beyoncé transformed as Foxxy Cleopatra in Goldmember (2002) or John David Washington and Laura Harrier in character in BlacKkKlansman (2018), then you are spot on.
The “afro” is a hairstyle created when kinky hair is allowed to grow naturally, forming a halo of hair.
The hairstyle is made by combing the hair away from the scalp in such a way that the hair stands, instead of falling, and assumes a rounded shape similar to a cloud or puffball.
Afro’s come in different shapes and sizes, depending on the length and texture of the hair. However, whether it’s a full-blown out or a teeny weeny afro, hair that defies gravity is nothing but breathtaking.
Bantu Knots
This is a unique hairstyle that originated in Africa and is made up of small buns of coiled hair and braids, usually separated by triangular section partings.
The term “Bantu” is actually a word that refers to several indigenous tribes in Southern Africa. However, the Bantu hairstyle is considered to have been developed by the Zulu tribe.
These beautiful twisted sections of hair have been rocked by top celebrities like Rihanna, Lauren Hill, and Uzo Aduba.
Box Braids
This is a popular protective style among the Black community. It consists of three-strand plaits, arranged in such a way that the parts resemble squares on the scalp.
This style is versatile and can be worn in varying lengths, sizes, and colors. And on a Black woman, they definitely give the “Wow” effect.
Cornrows
Cornrows are three-strand braids that made firm on the scalp and plaited on the inside. It is one of the oldest hairstyles for black women, going all the way back to about 3000 B.C.
Each cornrow is separated by clean partings, and they can either be made with just the natrual hair or with added extensions.
The cornrows could also be styled in different patterns from straight rows to words, shapes and zigzags. The plaits could also be given an extra touch by adding stacks of beads threaded on to the end of the hair.
Cornrows are worn by several persons, although if you may not see them, as they serve as the foundation of other popular black hair styles like weaves and crochets.
Locs
Dreadlocks or Locs are created by twisting or allowing hair strands to curl around each other till independent ropes of hair called “locs” form. The thickness and quantity of locs varies from person to person, but there are numerous loc varieties to choose from: sisterlocks, two-strand twists, goddess locs, freeform locs, and faux locs.
Wigs
A wig is a head covering of false hair made from human hair, animal hair or synthetic fiber. The hair strands are tethered to a cap that can be easily taken off or glued down for a more permanent style, and they provide the a wide range of colors and styles.
Nowadays, wigs can be made to look very natural and undetectable with lace frontals and closures.
Gone are the days when Black women were scared of being judged because of the way they chose to their hair.
As a Black woman, there are limitless possibilities of what you could do with your hair, whether you have short hair, medium hair or long hair.
When we see our natural hair, we aren’t worried about what we are obligated to do. Instead, we see a hairstyle that defines us.
Our individuality is present in these curls, coils, and waves. No doubt, it makes the world a more exciting place.
