African-American beauty
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Defining African-American Beauty
[edit]African American beauty focuses on the beauty of African Americans, as beauty is viewed differently by various groups.[1] Similar to other cultures, ideals of beauty in African-American communities have varied throughout the years. Influenced by the racial perspectives on beauty, lighter skin tones and straight hair have been considered desirable characteristics by different groups, including African Americans.[2][3]
African-American beauty encompasses the diverse cultural, historical, and aesthetic traditions that shape beauty standards and practices within the African-American community. Rooted in African heritage and influenced by the social and political landscape of the United States, African-American beauty has evolved through hairstyles, skincare, and cosmetics that celebrate Black identity. From the resilience of natural hair movements to the rise of Black-owned beauty brands, African-American beauty has played a crucial role in challenging Eurocentric standards and redefining mainstream aesthetics.
History
[edit]Racialized perspectives on beauty which led to lighter skin tones being considered desirable characteristics by different groups including African Americans can be traced back to slavery.[4][5] The view of lighter skin tones as the ideal beauty standard are linked to colorism, which affects African Americans perceptions of themselves, with African women being disproportionately affected.[6][7]
The history of African-American beauty is deeply intertwined with the experiences of Black people in the United States, reflecting both cultural resilience and societal challenges. Enslaved Africans brought traditional grooming practices and hairstyles, such as braids and twists, which carried cultural and spiritual significance. However, during slavery and segregation, Eurocentric beauty standards were imposed, leading many Black individuals to alter their hair and skin to conform to mainstream ideals. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s sparked the natural hair movement, with Afros becoming a symbol of Black pride and resistance. Over time, African-American beauty has continued to evolve, with movements like #BlackGirlMagic and the rise of Black-owned beauty brands advocating for inclusivity and representation in the global beauty industry.
Beauty Standards
[edit]African-American beauty standards have been shaped by a complex mix of cultural heritage, societal expectations, and resistance to Eurocentric ideals. For much of American history, lighter skin, straighter hair, and Eurocentric features were promoted as the beauty norm, influencing how Black individuals navigated personal and professional spaces. However, movements like Black Is Beautiful in the 1960s and the rise of the natural hair movement have challenged these standards, celebrating Afro-textured hair, dark skin, and traditional African aesthetics. Today, representation in media, fashion, and the beauty industry continues to grow, with Black-owned brands and cultural movements redefining mainstream beauty ideals.
Hair
[edit]Hair has been a central aspect of African-American beauty, serving as both a form of self-expression and a reflection of cultural identity. Rooted in African traditions, styles like braids, twists, and locs have carried deep historical and spiritual significance. However, for much of American history, Eurocentric beauty standards pressured many Black individuals to straighten their hair to conform to societal norms. The natural hair movement, gaining momentum in the 1960s and resurging in the 2000s, has encouraged the celebration of Afro-textured hair in its natural state. Today, protective styles, wigs, and natural hair are embraced across mainstream media and the beauty industry, reinforcing the idea that Black hair is versatile, beautiful, and deeply significant.
Effects of beauty standards
[edit]The dominance of Eurocentric beauty standards has historically impacted the self-esteem, identity, and social experiences of African Americans. Many Black individuals have felt pressure to conform by altering their hair, skin tone, or features to be deemed acceptable in professional and social spaces. This has led to the widespread use of skin-lightening products, hair relaxers, and other cosmetic changes. However, the push for representation and inclusivity in media and the beauty industry has helped challenge these restrictive norms. Movements like #BlackGirlMagic and the rise of Black-owned beauty brands have empowered African Americans to embrace their natural beauty, fostering greater self-acceptance and cultural pride.
Media
[edit]Media has played a powerful role in shaping and challenging African-American beauty standards. For much of the 20th century, mainstream media promoted Eurocentric ideals, often marginalizing darker skin tones, Afro-textured hair, and Black facial features. However, the rise of Black representation in film, television, and fashion has helped redefine beauty norms. Icons like Diana Ross, Naomi Campbell, and Lupita Nyong’o have influenced global beauty trends, while platforms like Essence, BET, and social media have amplified diverse Black beauty. The digital age has further empowered African Americans to control their own narratives, with influencers and Black-owned brands using social media to celebrate natural hair, darker skin tones, and traditional African aesthetics.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Duncan, Margaret Carlisle; Robinson, T. Tavita (February 2004). "Obesity and Body Ideals in the Media: Health and Fitness Practices of Young African-American Women". Quest. 56 (1): 77–104. doi:10.1080/00336297.2004.10491816. S2CID 144642186.
- ^ Patton, Tracey Owens (2006). "Hey Girl, Am I More than My Hair?: African American Women and Their Struggles with Beauty, Body Image, and Hair". NWSA Journal. 18 (2): 24–51. doi:10.2979/NWS.2006.18.2.24 (inactive 10 January 2025). JSTOR 4317206. Gale A149460405 Project MUSE 199496 ProQuest 233235409.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of January 2025 (link) - ^ Mbilishaka, Afiya M.; Apugo, Danielle (2020-09-02). "Brushed aside: African American women's narratives of hair bias in school". Race Ethnicity and Education. 23 (5): 634–653. doi:10.1080/13613324.2020.1718075. S2CID 213377397.
- ^ Turnage, Barbara F. (2005-04-26). "Influences on Adolescent African American Females' Global Self-Esteem: Body Image and Ethnic Identity". Journal of Ethnic and Cultural Diversity in Social Work. 13 (4): 27–45. doi:10.1300/J051v13n04_02. S2CID 144552052.
- ^ Rozie-Battle, Judith L. (2002-09-25). "African American Girls and the Challenges Ahead". Journal of Health & Social Policy. 15 (2): 59–67. doi:10.1300/J045v15n02_06. PMID 12413107. S2CID 40764745.
- ^ Harper, Kathryn; Choma, Becky L. (2019-06-01). "Internalised White Ideal, Skin Tone Surveillance, and Hair Surveillance Predict Skin and Hair Dissatisfaction and Skin Bleaching among African American and Indian Women". Sex Roles. 80 (11): 735–744. doi:10.1007/s11199-018-0966-9. S2CID 150156045.
- ^ Balcetis, Emily; Cole, Shana; Chelberg, Marie B.; Alicke, Mark (2013-01-01). "Searching Out the Ideal: Awareness of Ideal Body Standards Predicts Lower Global Self-esteem in Women". Self and Identity. 12 (1): 99–113. doi:10.1080/15298868.2011.639549. S2CID 143048134.
