(Picture: Pinterest)

Black History Month, celebrated in February in the US, is a time to honour the contributions, resilience, and legacy of Black Americans throughout history. One important yet often overlooked part of this history lies in the significance of Black hair. It is a symbol of cultural identity, political resistance, and societal progress. In this post we'll take a closer look at the journey of Black hair in America, exploring the challenges faced, and its enduring role as a source of pride and empowerment.

Afro Hair as a Symbol of Identity

For centuries, Black hair has carried deep cultural meaning. Afro hair has been an important marker of identity for generations. Many of the intricate hairstyles that are popular today were worn by different tribes and regions to communicate a person’s tribe, social status, age, marital status, and religion.

However, the transatlantic slave trade disrupted this cultural heritage. When enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to America, much of this significance was stripped away. Enslaved people were often forced to shave their heads, erasing a key part of their identity. Despite these dehumanising practices, hair remained a form of quiet resistance. Cornrows, for instance, were used by enslaved women to communicate in code, map escape routes, and even conceal gold fragments, rice, or seeds - making the style a tool for survival.

Afro Hair as a Symbol of Resistance

In post-slavery America, Black hair continued to be politicised. Eurocentric beauty standards still dominated and Black beauty standards deemed Black hair “unprofessional” and “unattractive”. Due to this Black people faced immense pressure to alter their hair to fit in. Many used straightening treatments such as hot combs or relaxers and wigs to achieve a Eurocentric look.

Fortunately, with time this slowly changed. The United States became the epicentre of significant Black hair movements that celebrated natural hair as a source of pride and resistance. A pivotal change occurred during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 1970s. Figures such as Angela Davis and members of the Black Panther Party embraced the slogan “Black is Beautiful” and wore Afros as a rejection of Eurocentric beauty norms. The Afro became a powerful political symbol of resistance, pride, and cultural identity.

The Role of Social Media in the Natural Hair Movement

Although significant progress has been made in accepting natural hair, discrimination remains, and the journey towards full acceptance is ongoing. In recent years, technology and social media have played a transformative role in empowering Black people to embrace their natural curls and the beauty of Afro hair. Online communities have provided spaces for individuals to share their natural hair journey and tips. This has helped inspire and give confidence to Black women to do the same.

Additionally, content creators and celebrities have contributed to this movement by confidently showcasing natural hairstyles on social media, on red carpets, on television, and at major events. Their visibility has not only inspired the Black community but also helped to challenge stereotypes and promote wider acceptance of Black hair.

Kerry Washington attending Hollywood Walk of Fame event 2019

(Photo: Bauer-Griffin/ Getty Images)

Lupita Nyong'o at the Met Gala 2021

(Photo: Kevin Mazur/ Getty Images)

Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the resilience and cultural pride of Black communities throughout history. Black hair is far more than a fashion statement; it is a powerful symbol of identity, resistance, and pride. As we honour Black History Month, let us continue to love, embrace, and celebrate the beauty and significance of natural hair.