Natural Hair Hooplah

You've seen it trending over the last few years, but I'm here to tell you that #naturalista looks have BEEN in! (That basically means, you're LATE LOL) Anywho, let's flash back to the 1960s. In the Black community, people demanded respect and aimed for achieving unification among all people. These demands were made differently than most bills or political announcements that were made. The determination was demonstrated not solely in the words they spoke and the signs they held, but in how they fashioned themselves.

Freedom of expression relates directly to Black women's empowerment during the 1960s and continues to be a figurative form of vocal communication today. As Women's History Month has already begun, I thought it was only right to reflect on some images of powerful women figures and their "(hair)do's"!

In the photo above, women stood together, fighting for equality and recognition of their own humanity, not only as women, but Black women. They yearned for respect, and they spoke with words, but mostly with their persistence and body language. Women have always been held to beauty standards considered acceptable to society's (AKA men's) approval. Black women were considered the lowest of the low, and appearance was always a challenge when first, you weren't a man, and second you're black, with hair that wouldn't "cooperate" to look like this year's Debutante or moviestar.

Speaking of stars, Dorothy Dandridge, one of the most beautiful and talented women, was a beauty icon and fashion idol of her time. Here you can see that her hair is natural (no weave), texturized with chemicals (who knows), but is styled perfectly. Even in the 1940s, she was embracing her look, her natural beauty, her power, and style.

Just as women cut their hair in the 20s, Black women picked their hair out in the 1960s. In the 70s and 80s women embraced their natural texture's versatility and have explored even more styles. Diana Ross, pictured above, is iconic for her "big hair"! I saw her in concert a couple years ago, and her natural hair styles are just as fabulous as this one with her fur.

History alwaysssss repeats itself, and although #trending seems new and fresh, let's always remember to retrace our steps, and go back to our roots. Kinky, curly, relaxed, natural, braided, locked... However you rock your natural is beautiful. Most importantly, make sure to walk in confidence wherever you may be. The ladies of the early to mid 1900s didn't have much say in how they presented themselves, and today, I believe we struggle with bringing our true selves into society or the workplace, without fear of judgement or comparison. Be your you. That's something only you can be.