Internet's Influence On African-American Hair

She always kept her hair natural and in intricate braided styles (Byrd & Tharps 2014: 179). Another example was show in television with Tracee Ellis Ross in the show Girlfriends. She wore her natural, big curls out in many of the episodes (Byrd & Tharps 2014: 180). Along with the celebrities embracing their natural hair, there was also a magazine out called Honey. The magazine often featured natural haired women on the cover (Byrd & Tharps 2014: 180). This seemed to be the boost of confidence that black women needed. They were back to embracing their hair because they saw many of their favorite icons doing so. The internet was also there to aid women with their new looks. Many women and hairstylists did not know how to take care of natural

In 2001, it was still evident that there were a variety of hairstyles. Rapper Lil’ Kim wore a platinum blonde weave, while singer Macy Gray rocked and afro. Some black women had perms, some pressed, and others wore natural styles (Strawberricurls). In 2003, there was another example of black people being shamed for their hair. Amari Diaw, a young child, was not allowed to perform in her dance recital because she had her hair braided into a bun rather than pulled straight back (which it could not do because of its texture;) (Strawberricurls). Another example was in 2006 when the Baltimore police department put a ban on cornrows, dreadlocks, and twists in their new professional standards (Strawberricurls). There were also two major standout moments for African-American hair which were thanks to Michell Obama and Willow Smith. In 2008, during her husband’s campaign, Michelle Obama’s hairstyle became extremely popular along with her fashion. She had black women everywhere asking for the “Obama Blowout” in the salon (ESSENCE). Also Willow Smith wore long braids in her music video and inspired people to whip their hair back and forth in her hit song “Whip My Hair” in 2010