From the old school bouffants of the early 1900s (we see you, Madam C.J. Walker!) to the natural hair movement we’re embracing today, below, we’re sharing a timeline of iconic hairstyles that embody black girl magic beauty trends throughout the decades.

From the birth of ‘good hair vs. bad hair’ in the 1700s through to Michelle Obama wearing her hair natural, here are eight standout moments in Black hair history to remember.

Ancient Origins. From box braids to dreadlocks and afro shape-ups, many of the most iconic Black hairstyles can be found in drawings, engravings and hieroglyphs from Ancient Egypt.

Black hair is a fundamental part of Black History. From braids to afros to locs, our hair tells a story about the Black experience and our heritage. How we wear our hair can be a sense of self-expression and identity and is an integral part of Black culture that has transcended generations.

Writer Quani Burnett explores the history of Black hair, from cornrows and bantu knots in Africa to popular culture today.