Natural black hair is increasingly popular among Black women in recent years. The natural hair movement has empowered Black women to embrace their natural coils, curls, and kinks. But just how common is it for Black women to wear their hair in its natural state?
What is natural black hair?
Natural black hair refers to the texture and style of black hair that has not been chemically straightened or relaxed. This includes tight coils, loose curls, thick kinks, and tight waves. The natural hair pattern and volume are determined by genetics.
When black hair is allowed to grow out without any chemical processing, it grows up and outwards rather than hanging straight down. The natural shape is curly or coily. Natural black hairstyles allow the hair’s natural curl or coil pattern to show.
The transition to natural black hair
Many black women decide to transition from chemically straightened hair to their natural texture. This transition period can take several months to years. During this time, the previously straightened hair grows out while the new natural hair grows in.
Transition styles include braids, weaves, and wigs that blend the two hair textures. When ready, the last of the relaxed ends are chopped off in a “big chop” to fully reveal the new natural hair.
Natural hair stats and figures
According to various surveys and reports, an increasing number of Black women are now embracing their natural hair:
- A 2018 study found that 64% of Black women reported wearing their hair natural, compared to just 27% in 2010.
- Market research firm Mintel reported that the number of Black women who wear a natural hairstyle jumped from 21% in 2011 to 36% in 2016.
- A 2020 survey by Dove found that 80% of respondents report wearing their natural hair now more than ever before.
The natural hair movement has grown substantially thanks to social media, blogs, YouTube tutorials, and hair product lines targeted to natural textures. Natural black hairstyles from Afros to twist-outs are widely celebrated.
Natural hair usage by age
Younger Black women are more likely to wear their natural hair than older generations:
| Age Range | Percentage with Natural Hair |
|---|---|
| 18-24 | 69% |
| 25-34 | 70% |
| 35-44 | 63% |
| 45-54 | 57% |
| 55-64 | 48% |
| 65+ | 44% |
This data from a 2018 study shows that around 70% of Black women under 35 wear their hair natural. This drops to under 50% for those over 55. The generation gap likely reflects both changing styling trends and evolving social perceptions of natural hair.
Regional differences
Another factor affecting natural hair numbers is location. Studies show regional variations in how common natural hairstyles are:
- Western states like California have higher rates of naturals, around 75%.
- Southern states like Louisiana and Mississippi have lower rates, around 45-50%.
- Midwest and northeast states fall in the middle with 55-65%.
Cosmetology industry experts attribute these regional gaps to differences in social norms and standards of beauty. States with more diversity and progressiveness tend to have more natural hair acceptance and representation.
Natural hair in the media
In recent years, natural black hair has become increasingly visible and celebrated in media and pop culture. Some examples include:
- Beyonce, Solange, and Zendaya frequently spotlight their natural curls.
- The Disney animated film The Princess and the Frog featured Tiana, the first black princess with natural textured hair.
- Models like Chanel Iman, Ajak Deng, and Oluchi Orlandi walk the runway with natural hairstyles.
- TV shows like black-ish, Insecure, and grown-ish showcase natural hair as the norm.
As more Black celebrities ditch relaxers and wigs, natural hair gains popularity and acceptance. These media representations are both a reflection of and catalyst for the natural hair movement.
Natural hair in the workplace
Natural black hair is increasingly common and accepted in corporate environments thanks to diversity and inclusion efforts. Still, issues and bias persist for some professional Black women:
- Per a 2019 Dove study, Black women are 80% more likely than white women to change their natural hair to fit company standards.
- 50% of Black women still feel social pressure at their job to straighten hair.
- Hair discrimination lawsuits continue over policies prohibiting natural styles like braids or Afros.
While progress has been made, activists state more work is needed to ensure protection and acceptance for natural hair in schools and workplaces nationwide.
Challenges for natural hair
Despite the popularity, many black women still face challenges and frustrations when going natural:
- Learning to care for and style natural hair has a learning curve, especially for those used to relaxers.
- Finding the right hair products for your porosity and curl pattern can be difficult and expensive.
- Detangling and managing thick, coily hair requires patience.
- Achieving defined curls can take significant time and skill.
- Dealing with shrinkage as hair dries is a common issue.
The natural hair journey requires an adjustment period. With practice, education, and quality products, most adapt to find styles that work for them.
Benefits of natural hair
When asked their reasons for going natural, black women cite both practical and social motivations:
- Avoiding harsh chemical relaxers prevents scalp burns and hair damage.
- Natural hair is easier and cheaper to maintain in the long run.
- Embracing one’s natural texture boosts confidence and self-love.
- Going natural allows hair to grow thicker and stronger over time.
- Natural styles better resist environmental factors like sun, wind, and humidity.
- Ditching relaxers removes the need for constant touch-ups and growth management.
Both health and social justice priorities fuel the natural hair movement’s growth. For most black women, the positives now clearly outweigh the negatives.
Conclusion
Black women choosing to showcase their natural curls, coils, and kinks are now in the majority. Estimates suggest up to 70% of Black women under 35 now wear their hair natural. Rates continue rising yearly as social views evolve and representation increases. While obstacles remain, natural black hair is finally being embraced as beautiful, professional, and chic.
