A Brief History Of Natural Hair Movements

Natural hair isn’t just about curls and coils— it’s about culture, identity, and power. For decades, Black hair has been deeply tied to social movements, resistance, and reclaiming space in a world that often told us to “tame” or hide our hair, textures, and its power.

Let’s take a journey through time and explore the powerful history behind the natural hair movements!

Pre-Colonial Africa: Hair as Heritage

Before colonization, hairstyles across African nations reflected tribal identity, social status, religion, and even marital status. Hair was a source of pride, artistry, and even connection. Braiding and styling were often done in community, a sacred and bonding experience passed through generations. Natural hairstyles like cornrows, bantu knots, and afros weren’t just fashion, they were cultural storytelling.

The Impact of Slavery: Erasure and Control

During enslavement in the Americas, Black people were stripped of their cultural identity, including their hair traditions. Hair was often forcibly shaved or neglected, and it wasn’t just physical, it was emotional and spiritual. Eurocentric standards were forced as the ideal, with emphasis on the European beauty standards of straight, fine hair. But, some enslaved women used scarves and wraps to cover their hair, which later evolved into the iconic headwraps still worn with pride.

This period created the harmful foundation for the idea that straight hair was “clean” or “acceptable”, while textured hair was “unkempt” or “wild.” Unfortunately, these stereotypes still linger today.

The 1960s and 70s: Black is Beautiful

The Civil Rights and Black Power movements sparked a major shift. Afros became symbols of pride, power, and protest. Symbols of self-determination, unity, and pride in being Black. To wear your natural hair, big, bold, and unapologetic, was an act of defiance against racism and Eurocentric beauty standards.

Iconic figures like Angela Davis and Kathleen Cleaver wore their Afros with purpose, showing the world that Black hair is powerful and political, as not just “a look”, but as a revolution. The phrase “Black is beautiful” came to life through this movement, reminding Black people (and the world) that natural features, including hair, were worthy and powerful.

The 1980s and 90s: Relaxers and Repressed Curls

During this era, relaxers and straight styles became the norm again. The media promoted sleek, pressed styles as “professional” and “polished,” pushing many to chemically alter their natural hair for acceptance. The rise of relaxers and chemical straightening (like Jheri curls) reflected growing pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards, especially in professional settings. Black women in the public eye, like news anchors or artists for example, were often expected to straighten or slick down their curls to be seen as "presentable." This era was also when harmful beauty myths took deep root in schools, workplaces, and even within Black communities.

Natural hair wasn’t absent though, in barbershops, homes, and some community spaces, natural styles like braids or locs persisted quietly. It just wasn’t embraced publicly like before.

The 2000s-2010s: The Natural Hair Renaissance

In the 2000s, things started to shift again. More people began to do the “big chop” (cutting off chemically treated and processed hair) and "going natural." Youtube, natural hair blogs, and Instagram created spaces for a new generation to learn, connect, and celebrate their curls. They gave people with tighter curls and coils a space to learn and share, something many had never seen growing up. Independent Black-owned hair brands emerged to meet real curl needs. This was truly the beginning of a community-driven movement, where representation, education, and empowerment were key.

Overall, natural brands emerged, tutorials flourished, and it became clear that natural wasn’t just a trend, it was a return self, a return to cultural identity even.

Today: Hair as Activism, Expression, and Love

Even as natural hair became more celebrated, discrimination continued, particularly in schools and workplaces. Kids were suspended for wearing braids or locs, and adults were told to "fix" their hair to keep their jobs. That is where the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair) Act came in. First passed in California in 2019, this law protects people from hair-based discrimination. Other states and cities have followed, and a federal version has been introduced. Today, natural hair is visible everywhere, from TV shows and runways to classrooms! We're seeing more Black-owned hair brands, textured-hair hairstylists, and more kids growing up knowing that their curls are beautiful just as they are.

We still face challenges, but we’re also reclaiming our beauty and making space for future generations to love their texture from the start.

Final Thoughts and Why This History Matters

Natural hair is history and the movement isn't about trends, it's about reclaiming identity. It’s healing. It’s a connection to our roots and a way to say, “I am enough as I am.” Every twist, puff, curl, and kink tells a story. When we wear our natural hair, we honor those who came before us, challenge harmful norms, and create space for future generations to feel seen and celebrated.

Whether you’re just starting your natural journey or you’ve worn your curls with pride for years, know this: you’re part of something bigger. Every coil, kink, and curl carries power.

Let’s Chat!

Did any part of this history resonate with you? What does your hair represent to you? What does your curl journey mean to you? Feel free to leave a comment telling your story!

Thank you for being here!