Black hair and the African American beauty culture

Black hair; and its styling has become a hot topic issue because of African American’s late history. Hair is a source of beauty for all women, and the African American women are no different. Black hair only became a source of controversy; when African culture came into contact with Eurocentric ideals.

As a result of African American history; hair care and styling is complex, and the way you wear your hair has consequences. Women in this community have learned that their choice of hairstyle influence many aspect of their lives. Traditionally women with longer hair would have their choice of matess which improved their status in the community. The other women in the community responded by devising ways to straighten and lengthen their hair.

Some people would say their response was no different from what we see in our present society. Brunettes are dyeing their hair blond in response to the myth that says blonde’s are more beautiful. Women are having breast-implants, and some are slaves to the tanning salon. So perhaps African American women are pioneers in using the aesthetics of another race to achieve their goals.

Currently; the fury over black hair is boiling over because of the synthetic and natural silky hair that the women are buying. There are people in and outside the community who’re appalled by the waste of time, and money that’s spent acquiring these styles. While others are concerned that African Americans have a pathological need to look like Caucasians.

As it stands now; we are no longer sure where the pathology begins or where it ends. For some; the desire for longer and straighter hair is simply a convenience. One cannot assume that a woman who is relaxing or coloring her hair has problems that stems from racism, or class- ism. The same woman might be wearing dreadlocks or pose with a shaved head the next week.

Black hair beauty standard has always followed trend. The black hair is very versatile because it comes in so many different shades and texture. This allows for an array of styles. Relaxing the hair is the most popular and enduring styling technique. Braiding is another popular style which can be used on a person’s natural hair or synthetic hair. Dreadlocks are also very in, right now, and both men and women wear this style.

We’ll wait to see what will be popular next. The community dictates the trend. Some African American beauty concepts are here to stay while others will become good material for comedians.