Black History Month: Past and Present Natural Hair Icons

Black women have a rich history of making bold hair statements and, as we kick off Black History Month, we’re paying homage to the most iconic naturalistas of all time.

Who can forget the era of trailblazers such as Angela Davis and Pam Grier, who intrepidly flaunted their fab ‘fros in the ’70s? A few decades later, Janet Jackson (in “Poetic Justice”) and Brandy inspired us to become braided beauties. Today, stars like Solange, who proudly rocks her “Big Chop,” and Esperanza Spalding, who flaunts a fearless ‘fro, have become our modern-day natural hair idols.

Take a look at some of the natural hairstyles of the past and present that have left an indelible mark on Black hair history.