Afro-textured hair, and brief history of hair in African culture. Afro-textured hair is a term used to refer to the natural texture of Black African hair that has not been altered by hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (through perming, relaxing, or straightening). Continental Africa Historically, sub-Saharan Africans, as in every culture, developed hairstyles that defined status, or identity, in regards to age, ethnicity, wealth, social rank, marital status, religion, fertility, manhood, and death. Hair was carefully groomed by those who understood the aesthetic standard, as the social implications of hair grooming were a significant part of community life. Dense, thick, clean and neatly groomed hair was something highly admired and sought after. Hair groomers possessed unique styling skills allowing them to create a variety of designs that met the local cultural standards. Hair was usually dressed according to local culture. Communities across the continent invented diverse ways of styling Afro-textured hair. Historically often the head female of the household groomed her familys hair and taught her craft to her daughters. In some cases, an elder facilitated the transfer of hair grooming skills. In many traditional cultures, communal grooming was a social event when a woman could socialize and strengthen bonds between herself, other women and their families. Historically, hair braiding was not a paid trade. Since the African diaspora, in the 20th and 21st centuries it has developed as a multi-million dollar business in such regions as the United States and western Europe. An individuals hair groomer was usually someone whom they knew closely. Sessions included shampooing, oiling, combing, braiding, and twisting, plus adding accessories. For shampooing, black soap was widely used in nations in West and Central Africa. Additionally palm oil and palm kernel oil were popularly used for oiling the scalp. Shea butter has traditionally been used to moisturize and dress the hair: a yellow variety is popular in West Africa, and a white variety in East Africa. In North Africa Argan Oil was applied to the hair and/or scalp for protection against the arid environment and intense sun. Hair grooming was considered an important, intimate, spiritual part of ones overall wellness. It could last hours or days depending on the hair style and skill required. The European slave trade and the height of the Arab Slave Trade disrupted numerous traditional cultures in sub-Saharan Africa. Diasporic Africans in the Americas have been experimenting with ways to style their hair since their arrival in the Western Hemisphere well before the 19th century. During the approximately 400 years of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, which forcibly extracted over 20 million people from their indigenous homeland, their beauty ideals have undergone numerous changes. Imported slaves were mostly young, generally between the ages of 10 and 24. Upon arrival to the Americas, slaves lacked the skills, tools and ability to continue their traditional practices. In addition, they were often separated from people of common ethnicity. The issue was most particular to women. There was no time for extended hair grooming, as slave masters worked their subjects 12–15 hours a day, 7 days a week. [citation needed] The conditions disrupted their practices and they did not have specialized tools. American slaves sometimes had matted and tangled hair, instead of the well maintained, long, thick and healthy tresses worn by the elite in Africa. Slaves adapted, finding sheep fleece carding tools useful for detangling their hair. They suffered from scalp diseases and infestations due to their conditions. Slaves invented remedies for disinfecting and cleansing their scalps, such as applying kerosine or cornmeal directly on the scalp with a cloth as they carefully parted the hair. For field work, male slaves shaved their hair and wore hats to protect their scalps against the sun; female slaves wore scarves and handkerchiefs. House slaves had to appear neat and clean. The men sometimes wore wigs mimicking their white masters, or similar hairstyles, while the women plaited and braided their hair. In the 19th century, some Southern states passed laws setting aside Sunday for allowing workers to attend church, and socialize in other ways. [citation needed] This might included hair styling, especially among women. They removed their scarves and allowed their curls (formed on cotton rollers), to hang past their shoulders. Men began using axle grease to straighten and dye their hair. Cooking grease such as lard, butter, and goose grease were used to moisturize the hair. Female slaves sometimes used hot butter knives to add curls. Overloaded with the suggestion that straight hair was more acceptable than natural, kinky/curly hair textures, slaves and freedmen began exploring solutions for straightening, or relaxing, their tresses. One toxic solution was a mixture of lye and potato which burned the scalp upon contact. Among whites and African- Americans alike, those with lighter skin and straighter hair textures were better embraced socially, and were offered the luxury of upward mobility. Afro-textured hair was often referred to as wool, along with darker skin tones, this physical characteristic was generally seen as something bad that needed to be fixed. Read more here en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-textured_hair
Posted on: Fri, 04 Apr 2014 14:08:41 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015