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Home · News

The Afro: Then and Now

The Afro: Then and Now
By · Updated October 28, 2020
01
1969, One of the Originals

Political activist Angela Davis popularized larger-than-life hair when she proudly rocked her afro in the 60’s.

The Afro: Then and Now
02
1969, Big, Bold Hair

In the late ‘60s, few afros were as powerfully majestic as Marsha Hunt’s.The singer,actress and model lit up the stage in skintight buckskin pants, belly-baring halters and that awe-inspiring cloud of hair.

The Afro: Then and Now
03
1970, Beautiful Bouffant

Actress Diahann Carroll is one of the great beauties of our time. Her luxurious halo of curls is simply stunning.

The Afro: Then and Now
04
1972, Fab Fro

In the Seventies, Pam Grier made a name for herself not only for her iconic roles in blaxploitation flicks like Foxxy Brown, but also for her super-big, sexy afro.

The Afro: Then and Now
05
1973, Diva ‘Do

On her first solo tour of Britain, Diana Ross rocked a head full of voluminous ringlets—a real departure from the structured Supremes bouffants of the Sixties.

The Afro: Then and Now
06
1990, Fashion ‘Fro

At a party with photographer Steven Meisel, Naomi Campbell rocked an oversized, Angela Davis-esque afro.

The Afro: Then and Now
07
1976, LemmeRockYa Chaka Khan

Chaka hits the stage with Rufus rocking an enormous, fluffy ’fro.

The Afro: Then and Now
08
1999, Sexy Spirals

Iman hit an Interview party sporting a cherry red mane overflowing with face-framing, high-volume spirals.

The Afro: Then and Now
09
2002, Golden Glow

Out of all the years we’ve been Beyonce fans, this lavish ‘do is the biggest hair we’ve ever seen on Bey!

The Afro: Then and Now
10
2003, One of a Kind

Erykah Badu stays true to her roots rocking a striking, full afro.

The Afro: Then and Now
11
2003, Statement Mane

Macy Gray has made her full, flourishing afro into her trademark hairdo over the years.

The Afro: Then and Now
12
2004, Go-There Hair

When Kelis first landed on the scene, curly girls everywhere were in love with her big, bright spirals.

The Afro: Then and Now
13
2006, Vintage Glamour

At an Oscar party, Lauryn Hill sported an oversize coily wig and Harlequin-style makeup. Don’t you love this look?

The Afro: Then and Now
14
2007, Big Deal

At one of her concerts, Jill Scott channeled ’70s glamazons with her oversized, multi-hued afro.

The Afro: Then and Now
15
2008: Blonde Ambition

Tanika Ray creates fro-like appeal with this full style in rich, golden-brown hues.

The Afro: Then and Now
16
2009, Afro-Chic

Never one to shy away from a show-stopping ’do, Erykah Badu hits the stage in an all-encompassing afro.

The Afro: Then and Now
17
2010, Curly Girlie

All eyes were on Kelly Rowland when she traded in her signature, sleek hair for huge, Chaka Khan-esque tresses.

The Afro: Then and Now
18
2011, Rockin’ Ringlets

Serena Williams scored big when she rocked a cascade of full, lush ringlets.

The Afro: Then and Now
19
2011, Natural Woman

Marsha Ambrosius sported a modern take on the ’fro with a tumble of natural ringlets with subtle highlights. Love it!

The Afro: Then and Now
20
2011, Lustrous Locks

We don’t know what’s more impressive, that Esperanza Spalding took home this year’s Best New Artist Grammy…or her perfectly shaped, lustrous afro!

The Afro: Then and Now
21
2011, Loosen Up

Jada Pinkett Smith modernizes her fluffy hair by creating looser curls that frame her face perfectly.

The Afro: Then and Now
22
2011, Curls of Summer

Kimberly Elise made a bold mane statement when she let loose her natural curls for a care-free summer style.

The Afro: Then and Now
23
2011, The Big Bounce

With her clear caramel skin and riot of natural ringlets, Vanessa A. Williams is absolutely glowing.

The Afro: Then and Now
24
2011, Eclectic Curls

Nicki Minaj remixes the classic afro by giving her platinum tendrils an angular shape.

The Afro: Then and Now
25
2011, Over the Top

Beyonce made waves- literally and figuratively- when she debuted her new, shoulder-length spirals this summer.

The Afro: Then and Now
26
2011, Red Alert

Rihanna went for high-drama with a fierce, frizzed-out style in a crimson hue we adore!

The Afro: Then and Now
27
2011, Spiraled Halo

At the ESSENCE and BET party honoring Tracee Ellis Ross, the lady of the hour looked lovely wearing a lush, curly ’do.

The Afro: Then and Now
28
2011, Au Naturale

Solange is currently the leader of the pack when it comes to flaunting her beautiful, kinky-textured tresses.

The Afro: Then and Now
29
2011, New Wave

Solange takes her hair to new heights by adding a funky and chic side part.

The Afro: Then and Now
30
2011, Do it Big

Whether short or long, we’re coveting Solange’s afro-chic looks!

The Afro: Then and Now
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