The Biggest Black Hair Trends: from the ‘80s TO Now

The History of Black Hair 

There’s tons of articles out there that talk about the older history of Black hair. You can get lost exploring the rich history of our curls, from how identity in ancient African cultures was and often still is based on how their hair adorns their head, or the role natural hair played in liberating Black people in the antebellum South during the civil rights movement. 

But what about the strides and innovations in Black hair that have taken place in recent history, from the 80’s till now? In today’s article we’ll give you the 411 on the recent history of Black hair. 

The 80’s 

This decade saw a boom in pop culture. Black stars like Grace Jones, Michael & Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, and even Mr. T brought something fresh to Black hair, adding on to the legacy of braids, fro’s, and locs that came before them. 

High Tops 

When you think about Black men in the 80’s, one of the first hairstyles that comes to mind is the hightop. Paired with a fresh fades and clean line-up, high tops were a fun go to for Black men of the time. But high tops weren’t only for men. Gender-bending celebrities like Grace Jones and alternative Black teens of all genders also wore angular high-tops to strike a balance between racial pride and their unique interests. 

Jheri Curls 

Whether you wanted to emulate Michael Jackson on his Thriller album cover or you simply wanted to feel your Soul Glo, Jheri Curls were the iconic curly hair style of the 80s. Traditionally achieved through the use of a relaxer and perm rod set, Jheri Curls could be quite damaging to your hair. However with the hairstyle starting to regain popularity in pockets of the Black community, a healthier chemical-free method for achieving this legendary style has been developed. 

The 90’s

With an aesthetic slightly calmer than the 80’s, the 90’s still refreshed the arsenal at the disposal Black hair enthusiasts. The 90’s breathed life back into finger waves and micro braids while also bringing mushroom bobs, crochet hair, and the creativity of hair shows to the table. 

Micro Braids 

Micro braids had long been worn in different African countries but the style wasn’t really utilized by Black Americans until Brandy rocked them in Moesha. She displayed the versatility of this classic hairstyle and inspired Black women and femmes around the nation to do the same. 

Mushroom Bobs 

The cutest hairstyle worn by your favorite aunty, mushroom bobs were another 90’s staple that was usually achieved either on straightened/ relaxed hair or with a wig. As the name suggests Mushroom bobs were inspired by mushroom or bowl cuts but with a tapered twist. Who else but a Black woman could pull off this hair style. 

Crochet Hair 

Like micro braids, crochet hair is another highly versatile style. But unlike micro braids, this style and method of doing hair actually originated in the 90’s. Originally called the “latch-n-hook” method, the method was inspired by the textile craft of the same name. 

Crochet hair enabled Black women or femmes to recreate their favorite natural and straight hairstyles quickly and on their own. 

The 2010s & 2020s 

Though we’re only 20 years into the 21’s century, these last two decades have seen a resurgence in textured hair pride. And with it has come some new and interesting hairstyles that many Black people hadn’t heard of until now.  

T.W.A.S

Starting with a style that isn’t exactly new but wasn’t exactly popular, TWAs or Teeny Weenie Afros have become a staple amongst women or femmes who are starting their natural hair journey or simply wanna embrace having shorter hair. TWA’s come in a host of different shapes and styles that are as unique as the people who wear them.  

Wigs

For those who have a flair for the dramatic or want to flaunt different styles without manipulating their natural hair, wigs have made a huge comeback. From long straight wigs with HD lace to vibrant wigs doused in color, there’s an option for everyone.

Wigs have long been a part of Black hair culture but the late 2010s was the first time the stigma around wigs began to lift and it became more socially acceptable for Black women or femmes to sport colorful wigs in public. 

Cornrows, Burst Fades, & Curls 

The 2010s and 2020s have done a lot for men’s natural hair care. A lot of Black men have been going on their own natural hair journeys and have experimented with ways to keep up their curls. Aside from learning how to do their own wash-n-gos, men in the 2010s have learned a lot on burst fades and braids of nearly every style. Cornrows with varying types of designs have always been popular amongst black men but have seen a spike in recent years. Need help deciding if a Fade could be your next big fashion move? Check out our article on Fresh Fades and other types of men’s haircare.

Knotless Braids, Bubble Braids, Passion Twists, & Goddess or Butterfly Anything

What would these past two decades be without Goddess Locs, Butterfly Braids, and everything between. Styles that have “Goddess” in the name typically feature loose strands of curly hair that have been pulled out of their braid or loc. Similarly, “Butterfly styles” also feature loose, but not completely pulled out, strands of hair that lend classic styles a fun ethereal look.

Now we get to a set of styles that are distinctly 2010s. Starting with the most recent trend out of the bunch, knotless braids have become insanely popular amongst black women or femmes for their sleek look and gentler after effect on natural hair. 

Another style that has been quietly making waves in the Black community is bubble braids. A mature and more elaborate take on a childhood classic, bubble braids are a surprisingly easy to do protective style for the natural who wants to stand out from the crowd. 

Passion twists are a fan favorite that was created by Miami-based stylist Kailyn Rogers A.K.A the Boho Babe.  Passion twists are an artsy and free reinterpretation of two strand twists. The style utilizes Freetress Water Wave Hair to give it that signature look. 

Black hair is arguably the most diverse type of hair in the world. Simply look at the material and you’ll see how Black people across generations have displayed their creativity by pioneering innovative new styles and putting the extras on old classics. 

---

Have You Met Your Match? ❤️

Try Curl Cupid™ to discover your next favorite curly hair product!

---