Issue Nine: Sep/Oct '22

( 1 9 4 0 s - 1 9 5 0 s ) ( 1 9 6 0 s ) “Pre-1950, natural hair was the it thing,” Saskia says. “Then, celebrities such as Diana Ross and The Supremes began to change the tide. They, among others, opened the floodgates, and since then, we’ve seen weaves and wigs evolve in so many ways. Weaves tend to divide Black women in quite a big way, but I think weaves and wigs are a great way to express yourself while protecting your natural hair.” “Back in slavery times, unkept hair was associated with those on the plantations. ‘Tamed’ styles became associated with our oppression,” shares Saskia. “An afro takes up space. It was an appropriate symbol of Black people reclaiming their heritage, culture, look, and freedom. The afro did for those in the 60s what cornrows did for those in slavery; it showed people the way to liberation.” BLACK HISTORY MONTH