For centuries Black communities around the world have created hairstyles that are uniquely their own. These hairstyles span all the way back to the ancient world and continue to weave their way...

The 1960s were a revolutionary time for black Americans and the hairstyles reflected that. Big hair was the move with beehives, teased hair and wigs, but the Black Power Movement gave people the confidence to wear their natural hair for the first time.

Historically, hair has remained at the center of Black identity formation. Hair comes in various textures and can be crafted into a variety of styles. Some of these styles, like Bantu Knots and cornrows, have become staples among Black populations who have repeated them over millennia.

For Black History Month, we looked at the last 100 years of black hair and discuss the most iconic Black hairstyles that made their mark.

African Americans can trace their hair roots to the countries of West and West Central Africa including Senegal, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria. Among the societies of the Wolof, Mende, Mandingo, and Yoruba, hair was integrated into the fabric of the culture.