Hair Glossary

The Afro appeared in the 1970s as a specific African American hair fashion statement. Worn prominently by rights activists Angela Davis, it was also popular in the black entertainment fields. The full and natural African American hairstyle was proudly worn by Michael Jackson, Jesse Jackson and other popular entertainment folks. The style was created with the use of a hair pick designed to maximize the natural kinkiness of black hair. The Afro is remembered as a symbol of black power. Ironically, Samantha on Sex And The City wore an Afro wig in the last season of the popular show to cover hair loss from breast cancer. The Afro was also sometimes referred to as The Fro or A Fro.