Famous Black Women with Natural Hair
Successful Actresses, Singers and Models Rockin' the 'Fro
Sep 4, 2009
The Black Power movement of the '70s gave women of colour the confidence to wear their hair the way God gave it to them, but since then the natural look has fallen out of favour with the Black community.
Today the long and sleek look is in and women spend plenty of money and hours in the salon in their quest for 'good hair'. But these four women have gone against the misconception that using relaxers and wearing weaves is the only path to success:
Solange Knowles
Yes, you read that right. Solange Knowles, singer and sister of the bountifully-long-haired Beyonce has shaved off all her hair. Pictures of the once wavy weave wearer taking the short cut unleashed such a barrage of commentary that she was forced to respond via Twitter: "I just wanted to be free from the bondage that Black women sometimes put on themselves with hair" she said. "This phase of my life, I want to spend the time the energy and the money on something else not in the hair salon."
Alek Wek
Another lovely lady with a low cut is Alek Wek, whose entire look is so revolutionary you either love it or hate it. Whether modelling haute couture for Calvin Klein or on the cover of Vibe magazine, the Sudanese-born model's bravery in keeping her hair short is remarkable. She said "I'm so happy that I didn't have to sacrifice anything about myself to get to where I am."
Sophie Okonedo
The star of Hotel Rwanda and Secret Life of Bees, Sophie Okonedo wears her hair in a natural up-do or bob both on and off film sets. Although her mixed heritage (Nigerian father and Jewish mother) means her mound of short curls is tighter and sleeker than if both her parents had been Black, her determination to resist the flat-iron when she doesn't have to and to continue to stand out beautifully in a sea of weaves is commendable.
Whoopi Goldberg
Although the Oscar winning actress and star of Color Purple and Ghost is not a conventional beauty icon, her boldness in defying society's version of femininity is immense. Often derided for her casual fashion sense and 'I don't care' attitude, Whoopi's long locks are still impressive and she's one of very few high profile Black women refusing to play the 'Europeanised Vision of Beauty Only' game.
Long and wavy may be in vogue, but as more and more women, emboldened by their personal convictions, natural hair style icons or the recession say no to chemicals, the stage will be set for the next generation of Black girls to rock the 'fro with confidence.
See also: Review of Hair Growth Vitamins and Essential Night Tiime Routine for Natural Hair
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