Afros

The afro is a hairstyle featuring natural, tightly curled hair worn in a rounded silhouette away from the scalp. It is typically associated with Afro-textured hair and can range in size from small to full, depending on hair type and styling choices. The term "afro" is short for Afro-American and entered common usage in the 1960s.

The afro has roots in traditional African hair practices and was adopted as a political and cultural symbol during the Black Power and civil rights movements. In the United States and other parts of the world, it signified pride in Black identity and resistance to Eurocentric beauty standards. Its popularity has waxed and waned with changing social norms and fashion, and it remains a visible expression of natural hairstyles.

Care and styling vary with hair texture and personal preference. Afros require regular washing and conditioning, careful detangling, and moisture management; many wearers use wide-tooth combs or hair picks to shape the crown and prevent matting. Some styles are tapered or shaped for versatility, and protective practices and low-heat methods are common to reduce damage. The afro has continued to influence fashion and media, with numerous public figures adopting the hairstyle. Notable figures include Angela Davis, Pam Grier, Whoopi Goldberg, Lupita Nyong'o, and many others.