Black hair has always been more than just hair. It is history, culture, rebellion, creativity, and self-love wrapped in coils, curls, locs, waves, and even straight strands. From the tightly coiled afros of the ‘60s to the sleek, laid edges of the early 2000s, Black hair has evolved alongside our society, reflecting the times, the trends, and most importantly, the personal choices of those who wear it.
Generations of Black Hair: From Then to Now
Each generation has shaped Black hair in its own way. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, the afro was a symbol of pride, power, and resistance, worn by activists like Angela Davis and everyday people who embraced the natural state of their hair. The ‘80s and ‘90s ushered in a new era of experimentation—jheri curls, box braids, and finger waves became the go-to styles. The early 2000s saw a shift towards straight, sleek styles, with perms and relaxers being a staple in many Black households.
Today, Black hair exists in a space of ultimate freedom. Natural hair, locs, wigs, weaves, and bold-colored cuts all coexist. But while we've come a long way, there's still an ongoing conversation about how we, as a community, judge each other for our personal hair choices.
The Double Standards Within Our Own Community
One of the biggest contradictions we face is how we celebrate and criticize Black hair at the same time. Natural hair is praised for its authenticity, but it is also scrutinized for being "unprofessional" or "too much work." Wigs and weaves are admired for their versatility but judged as being "fake." Bold hair colors and edgy cuts are seen as creative by some but deemed "attention-seeking" by others.
The truth is, Black hair is versatile, and that should be celebrated, not criticized. Whether someone rocks a lace front one day and a twist-out the next, it doesn’t make them any less connected to their Blackness. Hair is an extension of self-expression, and every choice—from color to texture to style—deserves respect.
Perms vs. Natural Hair: The Debate That Defined a Generation
For many of us, perms were the norm. Growing up, I got relaxers because that’s all I saw around me—it was the standard. It was what was "in" at the time, and managing thick, coily hair wasn’t something we were taught to embrace. Natural hair, on the other hand, was often deemed unmanageable, too time-consuming, or not as "polished."
Fast forward to the 2010s and beyond, and the natural hair movement changed the game. More and more people started embracing their curls, learning about their hair textures, and discovering that their hair wasn’t difficult—it just needed the right care. Still, the journey isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some women return to relaxers, not necessarily because they dislike their natural hair, but because they prefer a different look. And that’s okay! The key is choice—every Black person should feel free to wear their hair how they love it, without fear of judgment.
Celebrating Black Hair in All Forms
At the end of the day, every style—natural, relaxed, braided, colored, short, long—deserves tender love and care. Black hair is one of the most diverse, artistic, and beautiful expressions of identity.
This is the message I want Syani Symone to project— celebrating Black hair in all its forms. We are here to uplift, educate, and inspire future generations to love their roots while also embracing the endless possibilities of styling. Whether you’re rocking your fro, a silk press, locs, pixie cut, waves or a 30-inch buss down, YOU are beautiful. And that’s what truly matters.
As we continue to embrace and celebrate the beauty of Black hair, it’s important that we keep the conversations going. I want Synai Symone to encourage healthy dialogue within our community because these discussions are essential for growth, unity, and self-love. By opening up and sharing our experiences, we create a space where understanding and empowerment can flourish, helping us all appreciate the unique beauty of Black hair and the strength it represents. So let's continue to teach, uplift, and encourage Black hair love—because no matter how we choose to style it, our hair is and will always be magic.
