Blast From the Past: Black Hair

AKUA ADU-NYAKO | STAFF WRITER

Have you ever heard the saying “History repeats itself?” well, it’s about that time! Many Black hairstyles that were once deemed “played out” are now back in the spotlight and on the heads of many African Americans. Hairstyles such as dreadlocks for males and the “natural” look for females date back farther than slavery. These styles along with many others have been spotted on NCSU’s campus.

Dreadlocks actually had spiritual meaning and people would grow dreads as part of a vow of purity that they entered with God. Rastafarians of Jamaica were one of the first people to wear this look. Dreads were introduced into pop culture by Bob Marley as a way of honoring his Rastafarian beliefs. Since then, Dreadlocks have made their way back into Black culture as a fashion statement. Recently, African American males have been greatly influenced by rappers Lil’ Wayne and Waka Flocka

Flame’s dreadlocks. Walking around NC State’s campus, I have spotted many men (and a few women)

who have dreadlocks.

I have begun to notice that more females are now wearing the “natural look” leaving behind perms and allowing their hair to become chemical-free. Natural hair has ALWAYS been present in the Black community because of the main fact that we’re born with it, but it has always been suppressed by the perm. Many Black women have conformed to permed hair because it is what is “accepted” in society today. Women now have come to the realization that natural hair is just as professional looking as straight or permed hair. Women nowadays are embracing their natural hair and loving the curls God gave them.

Natural hair is so versatile, meaning that there are numerous things you can do to it. Twist- outs, ponytails, wash-and-go, up-dos and mini fro’s, are styles that accentuate curls and have been seen on NC State’s campus. You can even get a press ‘n curl which straightens your hair and gives the allusion that you have a perm. Forget what you’ve heard, natural hair does NOT mean that a woman is too lazy to get her hair done. In fact, being natural is a lot of work and consumes much time but it is a beautiful style that saves a lot of money once you learn how to manage it. People look at the “natural look” as a trend, but I think it’ll be here to stay. After all, what woman doesn’t want strong, healthy hair?

A new style I have seen that is rapidly gaining popularity among Black women is “Senegalese Twists”. Although unpronounceable to many, Senegalese Twists have gained admiration throughout the Black community here at NC State. This look is similar to micros but compared to braids, they are considered more elegant or “fancy” looking. Senegalese twists can be worn straight and long or curled at the ends. They are usually expensive and priced anywhere from $90-$200, maybe even more, because they are harder to do than braids.

Black hair has always been a topic of interest. Walking around NC State’s campus, I’ve come across people sporting different types of hairstyles. Whether you have braids, dreads, twists, a perm, or you’re natural, be proud of your hair and rock it. No matter what style you wear, it is likely that you’ll be asked multiple times the ever-so-popular question from the Youtube video “’Stuff’ White Girls Say To Black Girls”, “Can I touch it?”