It’s Black History Month, #MelaninBae! ✊🏾

Ayye!!! It’s Black History Month, #MelaninBae! ✊🏾 As we take the time to remember, honor, and appreciate the rich history of those who’ve come before us, let’s also check in on the hairstyles that came along with them! 🎉 Buckle up as we explore Black hair throughout time!

Early 1800s – 1900s

Before the 1900s and during ancient times, Black hair took on many forms, and represented the social and political status of the individuals who sported them. African tribes all across the continent embraced natural hairstyles and rocked braids, locks, bantu knots, and stylish headpieces. Hair was adorned with cowrie shells, jewelry, and even clay! With the invention of the relaxer in 1909, Black hair took on a variety of new forms in America.

1920s to 1930s

Short hair was all the rage in the ‘20s and ‘30s! Sleek flapper hairstyles could be seen on Black women across the country. Marcel waves, finger waves, pinup curls, and short bobs with bangs were front and center during the Harlem Renaissance! 🎭💃🏾 Josephine Baker’s iconic slicked-down pixie cut with swirled tips gives us a tiny glimpse of hair during this time! ➰

1940s

The love of short hair continued in the ‘40s, and straightened hair with curls was in! ➰ Some popular hairstyles included:

The Croquignole Curl ➿ – A method by which straightened hair is curled tightly to the scalp.

Victory Rolls🌀 – Achieved by sectioning a large chunk of hair and rolling it towards the scalp.

Hair was worn wavy during this time as well!

1950s

In the 1950s, the rise of the pompadour and beehive took the Black community by storm! From the stage 🎙 to the streets, big voluminous rolls were seen everywhere! 😍 The 1950s also gave way to the first sew-in, 🪡🧵 patented by Christina Jenkins in 1951. #BlackGirlMagic💫

1960s

With the civil rights movement well underway, a call to embrace natural hair textures gave rise to the afro! However, straight hairstyles were still trending, with big bouncy waves being thrown into the mix!

1970s

By the 1970s, afros became more mainstream as big fluffy ‘fros graced the screen and magazine covers! 🎥🍿 Movies like Cleopatra Jones and Foxy Brown showcased Black women rocking their natural hair textures. Traditional tribal hairstyles also made their way through Hollywood! 🙌🏾🎉 In 1973, Cicely Tyson graced the cover of Jet Magazine with her stunning cornrow braids!

1980s – 1990s (The best era – don’t @ us 😜😆💯)

Hello Jheri curls! 👩🏾‍ Looser textured coils were in, and Black women and men alike rocked them on and off the stage. With the rise of fame for the group Salt-n-Pepa, asymmetrical bobs with bumped ends also became a popular hairstyle during this time.

The love for asymmetrical bobs continued in the ‘90s, and short sleek pixie cuts were seen all over! With the release of Poetic Justice in 1993, box braids and other braided hairstyles were also trending!

Interested in achieving an ICONIC ‘90s look? Check out Naptural85’s box braid tutorial for beginners! 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EezPsPFfJ7I&t=5s 

2000s

The early 2000s brought a slew of trendy hairstyles for the Black community. Men during this era could be seen rocking cornrows(straight backs) and waves! 🌊 Women in the 2000s were rocking a variety of braided hairstyles with intricate designs and beads as well. Straight hair with ends flipped out was also very popular (thank you, Kelly Rowland), alongside sew-ins, side bangs, and press and curls! Lacefront wigs grew in popularity, and the online hair community opened the doors for even more styles, and the second wave of the natural hair movement! 🙌🏾

2010s

The growth of the online natural hair community continued to bring natural hair textures to the forefront. Love for braid outs, twist outs, bantu knots, and other natural hairstyles began to grow. Alongside the natural hair movement, different colors and hair lengths of wigs were also on the rise! 🌈💆🏾‍♀️ Other trendy hairstyles included the wash and go, 🚿🏃🏾‍♀️ crochet braids, and the sock bun (or hair donut)! 🧦🍩

Ready to time travel? ✈️🕜 Check out Naptural85’s hair donut tutorial! 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7H3WFdI-y6M&t=331s 

2020 and beyond

Right now, all sorts of hairstyles are in, and all different textures and hair types are visible online and in the media! 🎊🤸🏾🎉 Although we’re very early in the decade, Black hair is celebrated–with more and more people feeling comfortable rocking their tresses just the way they like them! ❤️🌈🥰  We can’t wait to see which hairstyles trend in the future!

Have a favorite hairstyle that you used to LOVE in your teens?! Let us know in the comments! 👇🏾

Whether you’re rocking a heatless blowout or a sleek pixie cut, 💇🏾Melanin Haircare has got you covered! Formulated for all hair types and textures, the Melanin Haircare Signature Collection will have your tresses moisturized, 💦 all while promoting hair growth and a healthy scalp! Grab your must-haves TODAY at MelaninHaircare.com, The Melanin Haircare App, Sephora.com, and your local Ulta Beauty stores! 🛍🥰