African American Beauty Culture from the Politics of Respectability to Black is Beautiful

Black beauty once mirrored mainstream norms until the '60s, when activists embraced Black Power and natural styles.

As early as the 19th century and into the 20th century, African American beauty standards often mirrored those of mainstream society believing that such practices would assist in the dissolution of racism and intolerance. The Civil Rights Movement and the 1960s saw traditional hairstyles and modes of dress challenged by young Black activists and artists who critiqued practices that negated Black people’s facial features, skin tones, and hair textures. They created a sociopolitical movement that celebrated Black Power and coined phrases such as Black is Beautiful. Over a ten-year period, Black women’s beauty products and style of dress reflected this Black cultural movement.