Afrofuturism hairstyles

What is Afrofuturism?

Afrofuturism, a term coined in 1994, describes a cultural and artistic movement that combines various elements, including fantasy, science fiction, Afrocentrism, and history, to represent black individuals and their relations to the future, present, and past (Larkin, 2022). Afrofuturism hairstyles explore various themes, such as race, identities, art, and technology.

The concept focuses on challenging traditional narratives and reimagining a world whereby desperate African cultures play a significant role in shaping future communities. It focuses on reimagining black identity’s past, future, and present by purging the potential for liberation and implementation.

Afrofuturism guides individuals to reflect on the present state of affairs, hypothesize the trajectory of society, and challenge some of the norms, either in the present or the past, that subjugate Black individuals (Toliver, 2021). Therefore, Afrofuturism tends to reimagine the current state of affairs, the past, and the future of Black individuals’ identity. In this article, I will focus on hair, a key feature in Afrofuturism, and the various hairstyles evident in this artistic movement.

Here are some of the primary components of Afrofuturism:

1. Reimagining the future:  Afrofuturist works play a role in questioning dominant narratives such as historical Black figures and events and exploring alternative interpretations. Afrofuturism reimagines the future and history, filtered via Black society’s lens (Amoah, 2020).
2. Technological: Technology is one of the primary elements of Afrofuturist narratives; particularly, it focuses on technological innovations’ role in empowering marginalized communities and shaping future societies. Afrofuturistic hairstyles are infused with various innovative technologies.
3. Liberation and Elevation of Black individuals – Central to Afrofuturism concerns the liberating, uplifting, and celebrating of Black individuals (Toliver, 2021).
4. Social Commentary: Afrofuturist works, and Afrofuturism hairstyles serve as tools for political and social commentary by touching on sensitive topics such as colonialism, systemic oppression, and inequality. According to Toliver (2021), afro-futurists bring to light concepts such as systemic oppression into body and earth by presenting these issues through characters and intangible ideas.

Afrofuturism Hairstyles

What are Afrofuturism Hairstyles?

Given the definition above, Afrofuturism hairstyles blend fantasy, science fiction, and technology and reimagine the future: Afrofuturism fashion and hairstyles celebrate resilience, creativity, and technology. I will delve into some futuristic hairstyles that can inspire your next look. Afrofuturism hairstyles are more than aesthetics; they are a source of empowerment and provide an opportunity to reimagine history and the future. By adopting these hairstyles, people may dispel myths about Black hair, encourage self-love, and imagine a time when Black beauty is unabashedly appreciated. They have great hairstyles that express and celebrate Black culture. Besides, these hairstyles represent some form of rebellion against cultural conventions. Through Afrofuturism hairstyles, Black women can create a future where Black hair is fully celebrated and cherished. Here are some hairstyles that scream Afrocentric:

Futuristic Mohawk

This is one of my best futuristic hairstyles. A futuristic Mohawk is not your contemporary mohawk. Instead, it combines various elements, including spikes or futuristic cyborgs.

Neon-Colored Afros

Did I say that a futuristic mohawk was my favorite? I had not seen neon-colored Afros. Just check out the pictures below and tell me you do not fall in love with the vibrant neon colors such as hot pink in this Afro hairstyle. The Afrofuturism hairstyles are adorned with flowers, making them even more stunning and vibrant.

Futuristic Baldhead

With Afrofuturism, bald heads do not have to be boring. Instead, they can be decorated with fun and bright colors and patterns, such as the ones below. Futuristic baldheads have made it to some films, such as Black Panther, where Danai Gurira, who played Okoye, rocked a baldhead with tribal prints to signify her discipline, strength, and commitment to Dora Milaje. Her hairstyle challenges traditional norms on beauty standards and black hairstyles and reimagines a future incorporating black culture into hairstyles.

Afrofuturism hairstyle: Dreadlocks Adorned with Gold Metallic accessories

Dreadlocks adorned with gold metallic accessories symbolize an integration between black tradition and technology. Besides, it will include improved colours, such as neon greens and greys, to give a futuristic look. The dreadlocks are decorated with metallic accessories and clothes.

Afrofuturism Braided Hairstyles

I was very curious to see futuristic braided hairstyles, as I expected to see something new and fresh, but from the pictures, it turns out that black women are already rocking these futuristic styles. These braided hairstyles are similar to jumbo knotless braids and tribal braids. Futuristic braided hairstyles are typically neon coloured or integrate accessories, such as metallic beads and coils. However, a key distinction between the traditional and futuristic braids is that the latter seems to be larger and grandiose in appearance.

Conclusion

Overall, Afrofuturism hairstyles combine technological innovation, African tradition, and cultural pride. These hairstyles reimagine the future of black hairstyles by incorporating self-expression and creativity. Some shared features in futuristic hairstyles include brightly colored, metallic accessories, which are very large and incorporate geometric patterns and styles. Some hairstyles are already embraced as individuals blend their cultural roots and the future. Afrofuturism has thousands of individuals who can see future hairstyles. These hairstyles are a great form of cultural empowerment and expression.

References

Amoah, M. A. (2020). FASHIONFUTURISM: The Afrofuturistic Approach to Cultural Identity in Contemporary Black Fashion (Master’s thesis, Kent State University). https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/etd/r/1501/10?clear=10&p10_accession_num=kent15960737328946

Larkin, L. (2022). Afrofuturism. The Encyclopedia of Contemporary American Fiction 1980–2020, pp. 1, 1–10. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/9781119431732.ecaf0229

Toliver, S. R. (2021). Afrocarnival: Celebrating Black bodies and critiquing oppressive bodies in Afrofuturist literature. Children’s Literature in Education, 52(1), 132-148. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10583-020-09403-y