Are Afros coming back in style?

One thing is for certain – Afros never truly go out of style. If anything, Afro hairstyles are becoming bigger, better and more sensational than ever.

Let’s explore 5 key reasons why Afros seem to be coming back in grand style.

Afro Hair Empowerment

For decades, Afros were unfairly labelled as a symbol of rebellion and deemed unprofessional to rock in the workplace. And so, this outdated misconception has led to so many people, suppressing their afros, and using harsh chemicals to change their natural hair textures to straight sleek hair, or often, what looks like conventional Eurocentric styles just to fit in.

However, times are changing. Recent movements celebrating self-love, self-image awareness, body positivity and natural beauty have reduced these stereotypes. People are now embracing their afro curls unapologetically – and the world is finally appreciative of our natural afro curls.

Personal Style

While Afros were popular in the past, in recent times, more people have come to the realisation that their hair type is not an instrument of rebellious demonstration, rather, an extension of their personal styles. Afro queens and kings started expressing themselves independent of external factors, and creatively enjoyed the versatility the Afro hair offered.

Celebrity Influence

It is almost impossible to talk about the increase in the acceptance rate of rocking afros without the celebrity influencer figure. With more famous people rocking afro hairstyles at red carpets and international events, this sends a powerful message. Natural afro hair is beautiful and professional – we have seen more people openly declaring that afro isn’t a thing to be associated with unprofessionalism – and this has led to even a massive increase in the confidence for rocking afro hairstyles.

Inspiration from History

In the media, we have seen countless of high school children bullied because of their hair textures, mothers using hot equipment on their children’s hair so they could fit in, ladies wearing straight sleek wigs to work so as not to be joked about. Whereas interview candidates with Afro hair would gladly tell you they would rather put on a wig to a work interview just because they are unsure of the environment’s possible reaction to their afros.

Now – what has changed?

The black history month has more than emphasised on one fact – That the afro hair is a representation of our culture, heritage and most importantly: history. Making it a focus to correct the age-long misconception. This has helped people understand their history and liberated people from ignorance. Thus, leading to higher rate of acceptance. The best part of taking inspiration from such a rich history is that it allows us to modernise important parts of our culture in unique ways!

The Crown Act

One major body that’s helping the massive movement against the discrimination of natural hair texture would be the Crown Act which is a synonym for “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This Act prohibits race-based hair discrimination. No doubt, thus has been instrumental in eradicating denial of employment, educational, and other opportunities because of natural hair discrimination.

Afros are not just back, but they are bigger and thriving. And today, natural hair is being celebrated worldwide.

Want more tips, or styling inspirations?

Dive into our website, at Tees Afro hair blog, we have got the guides and love to help you rock your texture with confidence.