Remember when Black hair made bold statements without saying a word? The 60s, 70s, and 80s gave us iconic Afro hairstyles that celebrated natural texture and cultural pride. These styles weren’t just about looking good – they represented freedom, identity, and the beauty of embracing your roots. Let’s revisit these timeless looks that continue to inspire today’s natural hair movement.
1. The Classic Spherical Afro
Nothing says Black pride quite like the perfectly rounded Afro that dominated the 1970s. This revolutionary style required regular picking and shaping to maintain its impressive circumference.
Worn by icons like Angela Davis and Pam Grier, the spherical Afro became a powerful symbol of resistance and self-acceptance during the Civil Rights Movement.
2. Afro Puffs
Playful and practical, Afro puffs brought joy to countless school pictures throughout the 70s. Sectioning natural hair into two or more rounded puffs created this adorable yet powerful style.
Parents loved the simplicity while kids enjoyed the bouncy feel. The style has made a major comeback with today’s natural hair movement.
3. The Asymmetrical Afro
Breaking all the rules, the asymmetrical Afro featured one side dramatically higher or longer than the other. Hairstylists in the late 70s began experimenting with these edgier shapes to make a fashion statement.
Musicians especially gravitated toward this bold look to stand out on album covers and stage performances.
4. The Mini Afro
Short, neat, and perfectly shaped, the mini Afro offered a professional alternative to its larger counterpart. Men and women alike embraced this versatile style throughout the 70s and 80s.
Regular shaping with scissors kept the rounded silhouette intact. This approachable look balanced making a statement while fitting into more conservative environments.
5. The Afro Hawk
Combining the traditional mohawk with natural texture, the Afro hawk featured shaved or closely cropped sides with a strip of fuller hair down the center. This edgy style gained popularity in the late 70s among fashion-forward men.
Musicians like Mr. T helped popularize variations of this bold look throughout the 80s.
6. The Afro Fade
Skillfully blending barbering techniques with natural hair styling, the Afro fade featured a gradual transition from shorter sides to a fuller top. Barbers in the late 70s developed this technique to create a more sculpted look.
The style became a staple in Black barbershops, offering endless customization possibilities while maintaining a clean appearance.
7. The Picked-Out Afro
Maximum volume defined the picked-out Afro, where hair was stretched to its fullest length using wide-toothed combs and picks. This dramatic style made unforgettable appearances at discos and social gatherings.
Maintaining this look required special care to prevent breakage. The iconic afro pick with a raised fist handle became a symbol of this era.
8. The Shaped Afro
Geometric precision characterized the shaped Afro, where barbers and stylists carved natural hair into squares, rectangles, or other angular forms. This architectural approach emerged in the mid-70s as stylists pushed creative boundaries.
Special tools and techniques ensured these shapes maintained their crisp edges throughout the week.
9. The Afro With Headband
Accessorizing took center stage with this iconic 70s look. Colorful fabric headbands wrapped around full Afros created a sporty yet stylish aesthetic that worked for both athletic and social occasions.
Tennis star Arthur Ashe helped popularize this functional style that kept hair in place while making a fashion statement. Various headband materials from leather to printed fabrics offered endless options.
10. The Afro With Cornrow Details
Creative fusion defined this style, where precise cornrows adorned portions of an otherwise full Afro. Stylists in the late 70s began incorporating these braided sections to create unique patterns and designs.
This versatile look allowed for personal expression while maintaining the impact of a traditional Afro. The style showcased the versatility of natural hair.
11. The Side-Parted Afro
Sophistication met natural texture with the side-parted Afro, which introduced an element of classic styling to the revolutionary hairstyle. This refined approach gained popularity in professional settings during the mid-70s.
A deep side part created asymmetry and flow while maintaining volume. The style offered a more structured alternative to the traditional full Afro.
12. The Tapered Afro
Elegance and practicality merged in the tapered Afro, where hair gradually increased in length from the neckline to the crown. This sophisticated style gained popularity in the late 70s as an alternative to uniformly sized Afros.
The shape flattered facial features while requiring less maintenance at the nape and sides. Many considered it the perfect balance of statement and subtlety.
13. The Curly Afro
Celebrating natural curl patterns, this variation showcased defined spirals rather than the picked-out texture of traditional Afros. Products like Jheri Curl activator emerged in the late 70s to enhance these natural patterns.
This softer approach appealed to those wanting a more relaxed aesthetic. The style required specific moisture-retaining products to maintain definition and shine.
14. The Sectioned Afro
Creativity flourished with the sectioned Afro, where hair was divided into multiple parts using colorful bands, clips, or thread. This playful style appeared frequently in school yearbooks throughout the 70s.
Each section could be shaped into its own mini Afro or puff. The versatile look allowed for endless variations while keeping hair neat and manageable.
15. The Afro With Shaved Designs
Pushing creative boundaries, this bold style incorporated intricate patterns shaved into the sides or back of an otherwise full Afro. Barbers in the early 80s began showcasing their artistic talents through these personalized designs.
Geometric shapes, stars, and even portraits could be carved into the hair. This high-maintenance look required frequent touch-ups to maintain the crisp lines.