Listings of web sites, magazines, and products for African American hair
The Afro
A popular Black hairstyle in the 1970's that reappeared in the early 1990's amongst young people. Many with afros get their hair cornrowed.
Dreadlocks (locks)
Originally popular amongst Africans and Islanders, many American men and women have adopted this hairstyle
Black Hair Wig
In the late 1990's, many Black women began wearing wigs, extensions, and hair pieces specifically designed for them.
Braids
The hairstyle of braids were created by Africans, but have been reinvented by African-Americans in recent years.
High Top Fade
Popularized by rap group Kid-N-Play (pictured), this haircut involved growing an afro and having it shaped up and faded.
Finger Waves
This hairstyle became popular in the 1980's and re-emerged in the 2000's after singer Fantasia began wearing it. It is especially popular in the South.
African
Hair Online
A website developed as a resource for African
American hair. The site is full of articles,
reviews, galleries, and even a forum.
www.africanhair.com
African
Wonders
Based in Los Angeles, this haircare treatment
line is developed specifically for curly and
black hair with the finest botanical ingredients
found throughout the world.
www.africanwonders.com
Afro
Care
This company in the UK provides hair extensions,
accessories, extension care, etc for African-English
men, women and kids.
www.afrocare.com
Afrohair
Website dedicated to promoting healthy hair by providing
centralized access to hair care services, hair care
products & hair styling information.
www.afrohair.com
All
Braiding
This company based in Oakland California produces
a web site about hair braiding. It features
unique hair styles, salons, how-to’s,
treatment and removal, goods and services, and
more.
www.allbraiding.com
American
Health and Beauty Aids Institute (AHBAI)
An internationally renowned trade association representing
the world's leading Black-owned companies that manufacture
ethnic hair care and beauty related products featuring
the Proud Lady Symbol.
www.ahbai.org
Ampro
Based in Memphis, Tennessee this company has
been a forerunner in African American hair care
for over 50 years. They develop 22 hair care
products - including shampoos and conditioners.
www.amprogel.com
Bella
Beauty Supply
This online hair supply store sells wigs, weaves,
braids, ponytail hair styles and black hair
care products to improve women's hair.
www.bellabeautysupply.net
Black
Beauty and Hair Magazine
Website for the popular African American hair
magazine. Offers articles, gallery, hair care,
and a whole lot more.
www.blackbeautyandhair.com
Black
Hair: The Korean Takeover
This documentary by Aron Ranen reveals how the
African American hair industry is shockingly
controlled and dominated by Koreans.
www.blackhairdvd.com
Black
Hair Media
Hair care and beauty information for women of color.
Gives beauty tips, a salon directory, and lots more.
www.blackhairmedia.com/hairstyles
Black
Hair Planet
Your complete black hair directory. There are a vast
amount of black hair categories, all in one site.
www.blackhairplanet.com
Black
Hair Project
“The Black Hair Project is taking positive actions
that will make a difference in our communities, with
black manufacturers, distributors, salons and barbers.”
www.blackhairproject.com
Black
Hair Talk
A website based forum where African Americans
can talk about hair care issues, challenges,
product reviews, etc.
http://blackhairtalk.proboards30.com
Black
Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA)
This organization has the mission of establishing
more Black-owned beauty supply stores nationally
and internationally. They also promote education
about the industry through scholarships.
www.bobsaone.org
Braids By Breslin
Founded by professional hair braider Marquetta Breslin, this is the #1 website on the internet for hair braids, weaves, and black hair!
www.braidsbybreslin.com
Bronner
Bros.
A family-owned company that produces various Black
hair products, Upscale Magazine, and Bronner Bros.
International Hair Show. This company is one of the
largest black haircare companies, and one of the oldest.
www.bronnerbros.com
Especially
Yours
Popular catalog and online shopping portal for African
American women. The company sells quality wigs, such
as the Patti Labelle Collection. They also sell hats,
handbags, and dresses.
www.especiallyyours.com
Going-Natural
Based on a book by author Mireille Liong-A-Kong,
this website is designed to celebrate the journey
of going back to your roots. This website contains
inspiring pictures and stories.
www.going-natural.com
Good
Hair
This website provides styles and hair talk.
It also offers a free ezine with feature articles
and interviews each month.
www.goodhair.com
His
and Her Hair
Only the highest quality hair extensions are sold
on HisAndHer.com. Human hair, clip in, curly, straight,
skin weft and more to meet your hair extension needs
all on one site.
www.hisandher.com
Hype
Hair
The biggest hair magazine for women of color. Through
the site you can find a salon and take part in the
forum.
http://www.hypehair.com
Jazma Hair Inc
This influential black hair salon in Canada
uses innovative styling techniques, and has
received high ratings from Essence Magazine.
www.jazma.com
Locks
and Links
Articles, tips and information on black hair care,
black hair styles and the black hair care industry.
www.locksandlinks.com
Luster
Products
This company is the leading African-American owned
and operated manufacturer of premium personal care
products servicing people of African descent worldwide.
www.lusterproducts.com
Motions
A professional line of black hair care products
that uses advanced moisture technology to revitalize
dry and damaged hair. Their products are particularly
for African American women.
www.motionshair.com
Nappturality
Nappturality.com is your resource for the style and
beauty of Natural Black Hair. You can find photographs,
journals, websites, forums, information and links
about the care, maintenance and politics of natural
hair.
www.nappturality.com
Natural Epiphany Brand Products
A black owned and operated hair and skin care company that specializes in natural Hair and skin care treatment. Their products cater to hair that's "hot and hair that's not".
www.natural-epiphany.com
Natural Hair Digest
A popular e-zine and web resource dedicated
to the natural hair for African Americans. It
showcases various websites and talents of salons
and black hair stylists.
www.naturalhairdigest.com
Naturally
Solid Gold Magazine
This publication offer exclusive hair photos
and hairstyle tips. They are well-known and
respected in the industry for their color and
uniqueness of their hair designs.
www.nsgmag.com
Naturally
You! Magazine
The website of Naturally You! Magazine. Find articles,
stylists, salons, and a whole lot more, all in this
site.
www.naturallyyoumag.com
Our
Hair
Offers you shortcuts and suggestions to make your
hair look its best while leaving you plenty of time
to take care of those important people and issues
in your life.
www.ourhair.net
Revolution
Health
Provides information on daily hair care, scalp problems,
hair problems, and many articles for you to get informed.
www.revolutionhealth.com
Salon
Sense Magazine
Salon Sense Magazine’s website, offering a lot
of information that you can and cannot get with the
magazine.
www.salonsense.com
Salons
of America
An extensive directory of all the black-owned
hair salons, barbershops, and nail salons. Also,
features photos and reviews of the latest hair
styles.
www.salonsofamerica.com
Sophisticate’s
Black Hair Style and Guide
Whether you have a subscription to this magazine or
not, this is a great site for some great information.
www.sophisticatesblackhairstyles.com
Texas
Beauty Supply Magazines/Hairbooks
Whether you own a beauty salon or just like to have
some mags with various hairstyles, here is a variety
to choose from.
www.texasbeautysupplies.com
Treasured
Locks
Black hair care tips, styles, and frequently
asked questions. This site is full of information
on getting your hair in tip-top shape.
www.treasuredlocks.com/
Ultra
Black Hair Products
This web site sells black hair supplies and publications.
Based in Denver Colorado, this company is a leading
resource in the black hair industry.
www.ultrablackhair.com
Universal
Salons
A great site to come to if you are looking for a new
hair style or a salon. They also have a forum with
more great information.
www.universalsalons.com
What
Is Black Hair?
Black
hair, obviously, is the hair that African American
people have. Because their hair is very distinct,
there exists a billion dollar industry that produces
ethnic hair care products specifically for Blacks.
Many refer to Black hair as "kinky hair"
- which is offensive to many, but a compliment to
others. Typically, their hair is not naturally soft
and moist. Instead, it is dry and brittle. However,
through various products - this can be altered.
Although just a minority, African Americans are extremely influential with their hair. People all over the world imitate their hairstyles, and use them in fashion shows, music videos, and more. For instance, hair braiding was created by Africans by reinvented by African-Americans. However, hair braids are commonly worn by women in places like France, Germany, and even Russia. Black men were the first to wear their hair platted and as afros. Through the years, this too has been adopted by cultures worldwide. Jamaicans and Africans were the first to wear dreadlocks, and this too is imitated by Europeans.
Despite this international glorification, it is not unusual for African Americans to be stereotyped and discriminated against for their hair style. For example, a man who wears braids in his hair is often classifed as a drug dealer or trouble maker. This can prevent him from getting a job, being accepted into college, and it may even result in his arrest by police.
Why
Do African Americans Have Pride In Their Hair?
Mainstream media and the beauty industry has
portrayed Black hair as non-desirable. However,
many African Americans have pride in the all-natural
appeal of their hair. Most African American women
and men do not have straight hair, but instead have
curly or "kinky" hair. Black musicians
have created songs to counteract the negative interpretation
of Black hair. One song by singer Erykah Badu was
entitled "I Am Not My Hair", and encourages
listeners to not judge her by the way she wears
her hair.
The pride African Americans have is similar to the pride that most people have about their country and their origins. Their reasoning is to not be ashamed of what their ancestors have passed along through genetics. In addition, they see nothing wrong with their hair and therefore have no reason to feel guilty or undesirable.
What
Are Some Popular Black Hairstyles?
Popular black hairstyles include dreadlocks (locks),
braids, corn rows, the afro, and the fade. Many
African Americans wear wigs and extensions, and
straighten their hair as well. Shorter haircuts
have become popular amongst men and women in recent years. Several of these hairstyles have
come and gone through the years, as fads change.
Interestingly enough, several of them go in and out of style. For instance, the afro was very popular in the 1970's but disappeared by the mid-1980's. In the 1990's though, it regain popularity amongst young urban kids. By 2000 though, it had gone back out of style. The same occurs for fingerwaves, pigtails, and other hair fashions - depending on the location and the time period.