Whoever said that natural hair and protective styles were ‘untidy, unprofessional and inappropriate’ is looking pretty silly right now. In a world where hair discrimination abolishment is something Black women still have to campaign for, (both in the UK and across the pond), it’s very refreshing to see so many of them sporting these beautiful, authentic and unique hair looks on the most prestigious events including the Oscars.
Afro-textured hair has carried everything from stigma, stereotypes, pain and dismissal, to celebration, empowerment, and the ultimate rejection of Caucasian beauty archetypes and privilege. The power it holds for Black women all over the world is indescribable. The prejudicial issues within the UK education system, which sees pupils being punished for ‘inappropriate‘ hair styles, is something we are still fighting for to this day. In fact, you may be familiar with the Halo Code – which schools and companies have been pledging to which promises members of the Black community the “freedom and security to wear all afro-hairstyles without restriction or judgement”.
Seeing these powerful and successful Hollywood stars sporting looks that we were once scorned and teased about is one of the best things to happen on this year’s Oscars red carpet. Let this serve as a reminder to every Black girl that got told otherwise, that the hair that grows out of your hair is and will always be good enough.
Don’t worry, you won’t have to scour the internet to find them. From Viola Davis’ classy yet edgy afro-hawk, to Tiara Thomas gorgeous feed-in braids which tie into a bun with her beautifully laid baby hairs / kiss curls and Celeste middle parted free-flowin-fro, we have so many looks we are obsessing over.
We have gathered together our fav natural and proactive styles by Black Women that chose to come through for the culture and wear natural and protective styles at the Oscars 2021, for some major inspo for us all…
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona