Five years ago, wearing out natural hair was for the majority of black women an aesthetic taboo. Natural hair was seen as unmanageable and unstylish. “Good hair” was wavy, bad hair was kinky. Braids, relaxers and weaves were the only way to have a nice and smooth hairstyle.
Today, things have changed considerably. Natural hair is slowly becoming the new classy and stylish hairstyle for Afro women. Magazines, websites, blogs, video tutorials on youtube, have been focusing on natural hair and the different styles that can be obtained with them. Natural hair products lines have increased in the last 2-3 years and consequently also, the salons devoted to natural hair care.
ALSO SEE: NATURAL HAIR ICON: LUPITA NYONG’O THE QUEEN OF TRESS.
This trend is embraced by celebrities as well. Notorious examples are Shingai Shoniwa, Solange, Janelle Monae, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who contributed to making natural hair a real fashion.
The traditional ‘Afro’ continues to be an unmissable hairstyle. However as the natural movement developed, new styles were created and other rediscovered. Twists and twist outs, updos, Bantu knots (just to list few of them), are all incredible ways to style afro hair.
Weaves have been for long considered a must for formal and classy events such as balls and galas, but there are many ways to style natural hair for this occasions. Bantu knots out with the back pinned up are an easy and versatile option. A classic updo can make anyone look chic and elegant. Also using curlformers and rod sets can be useful to add definition to the hairstyle.
ALSO SEE: Going Natural – Black Women Embracing Their Kinky African Hair.
Natural afro hair is now worn with confidence and pride, and black women are increasingly accepting and treasuring their textures. With all the different styles and options available, natural hair is destined to become the new ‘good hair’!
As a result, earlier this month, at the, an Evening with Dionne and Joy makeup and hair event that took place in Black Velvet London, professional hair stylist, Dionne Smith concentrated on showing the different ways you can style afro hair as well as how to use curlformers (photo above).
By Susanna Ajayi
