African American Hairstyle History
African-American hair has a storied history, with numerous variations on popular styles and introductions of new products and appliances taking place throughout the years. The texture of this hair type is versatile; allowing African-Americans to wear their hair in styles that range from dreadlocks and braids to chemically altered straight and wavy looks. The history of this hair type displays this versatility and offers an intimate look into how hair plays a central role in African-American culture. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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When Europeans first began trading slaves on the coast of Africa, they were able to view the range of hairstyles worn by this culture, including plaits and twists. However, because slaves were considered to be inferior humans, their hairstyles were also degraded. Called "wool" by white American slave owners, these hairstyles began to disappear within the culture as African-American slaves came to the New World, giving way to more simple styles, such as ponytails and buns. African-American slaves attempted to tame their hair to be more reflective of the hairstyles prevalent in their new culture.
Significance
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As African-Americans began to replicate European hairstyles, innovative products began to have a stronghold on the culture. In 1865, when slavery ended, the concept of "good" hair became a driving force in African-American hair care. Just 15 years later, the hot comb made its way to America, giving African-Americans a viable way to make their hair look more like their white counterparts.
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Products
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Widely considered the first American female to make millions on her own, Madame C.J. Walker developed hair care products geared towards African-American women who wanted options to make their hair less kinky. Her press-and-curl style gave African-Americans the opportunity to have finer, more manageable hair. However, critics of her products said they made African-American hair look too "white" and encouraged a loss of pride in natural hair.
Effects
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As former slaves explored a free existence in America, a new movement to embrace natural hair became prevalent. According to Naturallycurly.com, Marcus Garvey, a "black nationalist," began a movement to get African-Americans to take pride in their natural hair, rejecting new products that tamed kinky hair. This movement continued as African-Americans made large, looming Afros popular in the 1960s, a style made popular by African-American revolutionary Angela Davis.
Style Types
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African-American hairstyles have continued to evolve. Original styles worn by African slaves are now intermingled with chemically altered hairstyles within the African-American community. Moreover, the introduction of synthetic hairpieces allows African-Americans to further experiment with their hair. The natural hair care movement is also a core part of this culture, with dreadlocks, braids, twists and Afros prevalent among many African-American communities.
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References
- Photo Credit play with my hair image by Frenk_Danielle Kaufmann from Fotolia.com
