Reclaiming Our Textures; The Evolution of Black Hair #21

Happy Friday, Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Black History Month!

I am still keeping to my word on educating everyone about black history and excellence unapologetically this month????!

Black hair. A glorious, gravity-defying, shape-shifting, cultural phenomenon that has sparked conversations, controversies, and countless trips to the beauty supply store. From intricate braids that carried maps to freedom, to the iconic afros that made the ‘70s the golden era of cool, Black hair has been an evolving masterpiece of resilience, pride, and sometimes—just plain unapologetic drama!

The Roots

Back in the motherland, African hairstyles were more than aesthetics; they told a story. Hair signified status, tribe, marital standing, and even spiritual beliefs. Cornrows weren’t just a practical style; they were art, heritage, and sometimes a map to liberation as intricate braid patterns were used to encode escape routes during slavery. Talk about revolutionary styling!Read more about this in my book Crowning Glory ; A history of Indigenous African hairstyles.

Colonization and Conformity: When Edges Were Laid and So Was Oppression

Enter the colonial era and suddenly, the beauty standards shifted. European ideals crept in, and Black hair was labelled as “unprofessional.” Hot combs became the MVPs of respectability, and Madam C.J. Walker made history as the first female self-made millionaire with her haircare empire—because where there's discrimination, Black people will always find innovation!

The ‘Fro, The Fight, and the Funk

Then came the 1960s and ‘70s—the age of the Afro! A crown of resistance, a badge of honour. Angela Davis’ afro wasn’t just a style; but a statement. Black hair became political. It shouted, “I am here, I am Black, and I am proud!” And let’s be real, no other hairstyle in history can make people uncomfortable quite like an unapologetic, perfectly picked-out ‘fro.

The Perm Press and the ‘90s Obsession with Straight Hair

Fast forward to the ‘80s and ‘90s, when relaxers ruled the world. If you didn’t have that Just for Me box in your house, were you even Black? We traded hot combs for chemicals, and straight hair symbolized success.The sad fact is that perms left behind some serious damage like burned scalps and broken strands.

The Natural Hair Renaissance

Then, the 2000s screamed, “Enough is enough!” The natural hair movement stormed in like a Shea Butter-scented revolution. From the big chop to protective styles, Black folks reclaimed their textures, proving once again that Black hair is not a trend—it’s a legacy. Social media gave us tutorials, influencers, and endless debates over which oil is supreme.

Black Hair Today: Professional, Political, and Still Personal

Today, Black hair is as diverse as ever—locs in boardrooms, braids on magazine covers, wigs for versatility, and edges laid to perfection. But the struggle isn’t over. The fact that laws like the CROWN Act are necessary to stop discrimination against Black hair in schools and workplaces proves that we still have work to do.

So, What’s Next?

Beyond race, beyond beauty trends, Black hair is about ownership. It’s about honoring history while shaping the future. It’s about choice—whether you rock a bald head, a silk press, or waist-length box braids that deserve their own ZIP code.

Call to Action: Let’s Celebrate Black Hair Beyond Black History Month!

The world is obsessed with Black hair—so let’s ensure it’s respected, not just appropriated. Support Black-owned hair businesses. Teach kids to love their natural textures. Advocate for policies that protect hair freedom in schools and workplaces. And most importantly, remind the world that Black hair isn’t “unprofessional”—it’s iconic, powerful, and forever magical.

So, whether you’re twisting, braiding, wrapping, or just letting it all out in a glorious ‘fro, wear your hair like the crown it is—because history proves it always has been!

Purchase your copy from my book Crowning Glory : A History Of Indigenous African Hair Styles- https://lnkd.in/gVPr2J-9

Olunosen Louisa Ibhaze

Happy reading!

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