Afro facts for kids
An Afro, often called a 'fro, is a cool hairstyle. It's worn by people with kinky hair that grows naturally outwards. For them, it's often called a natural. People with curly or straight hair can also style their hair this way. The Afro is made by combing hair away from the scalp. This makes the hair stick out from the head in a big, round shape, like a cloud or a ball.
If someone has naturally curly or straight hair, they usually use creams, gels, or other products to help hold the Afro shape. This hairstyle became very popular in the African-American community during the late 1960s and early 1970s. People often use a special wide-toothed comb called an Afro pick to shape and keep their Afro looking good. The word "Afro" comes from the term "Afro-American".
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What is an Afro Hairstyle?
An Afro is a unique hairstyle that lets hair grow out from the head in a big, rounded shape. Think of it like a fluffy cloud or a ball around your head! It's especially popular for people with Afro-textured hair, which naturally grows in a tight, kinky pattern.
How is an Afro Created?
For people with Afro-textured hair, the Afro often forms naturally as their hair grows. They just need to comb it outwards. If someone has curly or straight hair, they can still get an Afro. They use special hair products like gels or creams to make their hair hold the big, round shape.
Tools for Styling an Afro
To keep an Afro looking its best, many people use a special comb. This comb is called an Afro pick. It has wide teeth, which makes it easy to comb through thick, curly hair without pulling or damaging it.
The History of the Afro
The Afro hairstyle has a rich history. It became very popular in the African-American community during the 1960s and 1970s. During this time, the Afro was more than just a hairstyle. It was a symbol of pride and identity.
Afro as a Symbol of Identity
In the 1960s and 1970s, the Afro became a powerful symbol. It represented African-American pride and the "Black is Beautiful" movement. Wearing an Afro showed a connection to African heritage and a celebration of natural hair. Many famous people, like Angela Davis, wore Afros, making the style even more iconic.
Images for kids
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Natural afro
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One of P. T. Barnum's Circassian beauties wearing an afro
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Global hair texture distribution
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Angela Davis (center, no glasses) enters Royce Hall at UCLA for her first philosophy lecture in October 1969.
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A young girl wearing a hairstyle of several sections of hair bound with elastics, a style called afro puffs
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A young man sporting a 'Jewfro'
See also
In Spanish: Afro para niños
