5 Celebrity Looks Inspired by Afro-Styles (That We Love!)
By Raeah Carroll
Here at Puffcuff we are passionate about making it easier for everyone to embrace their roots and feel comfortable and confident wearing their natural hair. One huge obstacle that has stopped many people from having that confidence is the social stigma that has come along with wearing Afro-styles. In the past many of these styles were seen as unprofessional and unpolished.
Today, that stigma is fading thanks in large part to popular culture embracing these styles. In honor of Black History Month, we want to highlight some of our favorite celebrities that have embraced rocking Afro-inspired hairstyles and helping to bring them to the cultural mainstream.
Janet's Box Braids
Janet Jackson at the 36th Grammy Awards in 1993
We are kicking off the list with Janet Jackson’s iconic box braids. This look has stood the test of time and continues to be a “must have” protective style for curly girls everywhere. Janet showed the versatility of this style, rocking it on stage, in photoshoots and on Hollywood red carpets. If you are looking for a style that you can easily transform into multiple looks, this is the one for you. Remember that box braids can be heavy and place tension on your precious edges, so always opt for tension free styling tools like our signature PuffCuff.
Stacy Abram's Afro
Photo credit: Peyton Fulford/The Guardian
No list of trailblazing naturalistas would be complete without Stacy Abrams. This political phenom has never been afraid to show up rocking her curls freely and unapologetically. Abrams was first thrust into the mainstream spotlight in 2018 when she ran for Governor of Georgia, making her the first African-American female major-party gubernatorial nominee in the United States. If you want to rock your curly fro like Ms. Abrams, there’s one huge factor to keep in mind, moisture. We recommend our curl revitalizing mist to keep your curls looking luscious at all times.
Rihanna's Bantu Knots
We can always count on Rihanna to bring edgy looks to the forefront of fashion. Bantu knots are an afro-style that originated with the Zulu people of South Africa. The thing that makes this look such a showstopper is the precise parting and sleek presentation of the hair. We all know that getting curly hair to lay down can be a struggle, which is why it’s important to use a product that will give you a stong hold at the base of your bantu knots.
Zendaya's Cornrows
Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Zendaya has been seen showcasing her cornrows on multiple red carpets over the years, which comes as no surprise since this style has long been a staple in the curly hair community. This popular braiding style dates back centuries and is said to have originated in Ethiopia with warriors and royalty utilizing it to display their high ranking status in society. Nowadays this afro-style continues to be used as a form of artistry through intricate patterns and designs. We recommend using a braid pomade while recreating this look to keep your curls conditioned and in place.
Ciara's Locs
Photo cred: Glamour.com
Ciara is a prime example of how sexy and feminine loc styles can be. Many historians believe that the origins of locs can be traced back to ancient Egypt. This style has become a huge part of modern culture largely due to its protective nature and the ability to help people with textured hair retain length. Whether you are starting a natural loc journey, or want to give faux locs a try, be sure to keep your scalp healthy by incorporating nourishing oils into your routine.
- Written by Raeah Carroll
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