Hair is such a unique feature ​that allows so many women to ​comfortably express themselves. ​Many of the hairstyles we know ​today have such a rich history ​that allows us to delve deeper ​into the cultural norms at the ​time, while appreciating their ​evolution today.

Afros

Afros became very well known with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement in the 60's and 70's. Famous stars at the time such as Angela Davis and Diana Ross were known for sporting the afro, which came to represent an act of empowerment and reclaiming one’s cultural roots. Many factors at the time urged the black community to stop damaging their hair in order to assimilate with eurocentric standards and instead embrace their natural textures. Unfortunately, there was plenty of criticism of stars looking ‘unkempt’ and ‘unprofessional’ from many haters. However, to this day the afro symbolizes racial pride and recognition.

Braids

chinese hairstyles:

Many of the hairstyles we now associate with Chinese culture have actually been around for millenia. For instance, one of the most common associations many think of for Chinese hairstyles is having one’s hair worn down. There were several reasons for doing so throughout history. Wearing one’s hair down or in very plain styles represented a woman’s youth. By the time of her 15th birthday, she would go through a coming of age ceremony, and after the ceremony was complete, she was officially considered eligible for marriage.

traditional updos:

Unlike the youthful representation of unmarried women, married women consistently wore their hair in updos. For instance, a tied knot was common amongst Chinese women and was a symbol of marital status. Some women would add adornments to their hair that varied from pins, flowers and combs. However, hair adornments that helped elevate one’s appearance varied from a woman’s societal and economic status. Wearing one’s hair up was also more practical for married women because it allowed them to complete common domestic duties. You may have noticed that both the styles mentioned require longer hair, which is no accident. According to Chinese traditions, cutting one's hair was considered barbaric, as hair was seen as a gift from one’s parents. Keeping one’s hair clean helped to present someone as attractive and in good health. Dirty hair was considered the opposite and was seen as irresponsible, unhygienic and dishonorable. However, the similarities that both styles share are that wearing one’s hair in a certain way represented a woman’s marital status, which was considered the most common way for a woman to bring honor to her family in Chinese culture.

braids

natural curls

Throughout history, Mexican women have had their hair worn in several styles, but braids were most commonly depicted. Wearing one’s hair in braids had both practical and stylish uses. Braids allowed for Mexican women to complete domestic work without one’s hair getting in the way, while also keeping one cool from heat and humidity. Braids represented (and continue to do so) a symbol of acceptance to one’s unique cultural heritage that also allowed for the wearer to feel confident with herself as well.

Natural curls and hair in Latinx culture has always been one of controversy: it is a deeply rooted cultural expectation to abide to eurocentric ideals,of straightening one’s hair. The term ‘pelo malo’ (meaning ‘bad hair’) has been a recurrent term to degrade women’s natural locks, and encourages them to embrace straight hair. We can continue to see the detrimental effects of the idea in different Latinx communities today.

As a fashion adornment that has been prominent for centuries, headscarves are no stranger to the fashion ​industry. However, the reasons surrounding the use of the headscarf, whether political, religious, or simply ​a fashion statement, have certainly evolved over the past several decades, causing much controversy.

The head covering has been prominent in numerous different groups: the Jewish, Christian, and Hindu ​communities have worn headscarves f100's0's of years, but in our modern day, the headscarf is most ​commonly associated with Muslims. As mentioned earlier, the headscarf has been worn for many reasons ​but has been associated with a symbol of resistance throughout history. For instance, the Mothers of the ​Plaza de Mayo (a group of Argentine women) wore pañuelos to represent their unity against the ​disappearances of their children back in the 70's (for reference, pañuelos are white headscarves tied under ​the chin). These women represented some opposition to the traditional constraints placed upon women in ​Latin America.

Some of the lasting effects of the headscarf are still seen across the fashion industry as we know it today. ​Headscarves have become a fashion statement: in the 60’s, they were a symbol of daring and advanced ​fashion movements, and they also became associated with the 90's hip-hop culture, which we can still see ​the effects of today.

Resources:

History of Black Hair:

• Tangled Roots: History of Black Hair
  
• A History of African Women's Hairstyles
• The History of Black Hair

History of Asian Hair:

• Ancient Lifehack: Haute Coiffure-Fashion Do's and Don'ts (Shen Yun)
  
• The Confucianization of Women's Hairstyles in Joseon Korea
• Vintage Indian Clothing: All About Hair

History of Latin Hair:

• Chicana/Latina Hair: A Discussion About Identity and Your Pelo Journey!
  
• National Hispanic Heritage Month: The Latinx Legacy in the Natural Hair ​Community
• Traditional Mexican Braids History

History of Headscarves:

• Muslim Women and the Politics of the Headscarf
  
• Conservative, rebellious, culture-defining: A brief history of the headscarf