"It has been debated whether hair straightening practices arose out of a desire to conform to a Eurocentric standard of beauty." It would seem that the European influence did have a lot to do with the evolution of black hairstyles because so much effort was put into trying to make the highly textured hair straight, smooth, and flowing. Many individuals endured intense discomfort just to get "that look." Remember that scene from The Temptations movie.
"The civil rights movement and black power and pride movements of the 1960s and 1970s in the U.S. created an impetus for African Americans to express their political commitments and self-love by the wearing of fairly long, natural hair." This is unfortunately why people still have the mindset that anyone wearing natural hair is all about fight the power and extremely Afrocentric. Loving yourself does not mean that you hate all others. Many movies from that era also reflect the change in hairstyles.
"However, most Black women in the West, continue to relax their hair. For, despite the rise in the popularity of these natural hair styles, people are discouraged from wearing their hair in a natural style in the workplace and/or by their families, friends, or significant others." This is a sad truth that far too many of us can relate to. Someone we find the strength to keep it kinky, curly, coily, highly textured, and healthy. Good hair is healthy hair.
Evolution of Style
(not an all inclusive list)
Afro
Cornrows
Dreadlocks
Conk
Perm/Relaxed
Jheri curl
Hair weave
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