• Farrah
     
    Rating: 4.66/5 (114 Votes)
  • Lydia
     
    Rating: 4.39/5 (57 Votes)
  • Jayme
     
    Rating: 3.89/5 (27 Votes)
  • Suzu
     
    Rating: 3.25/5 (12 Votes)
  • Tifanny
     
    Rating: 2.70/5 (10 Votes)
  • Angela
     
    Rating: 2.75/5 (8 Votes)
  • Lydia O
     
    Rating: 2.38/5 (8 Votes)
  • Marilyn
     
    Rating: 1.00/5 (6 Votes)

America's Next Natural Model 2013

Black Hair in History

It's Black History Month and natural hair is a great way to celebrate our roots. It's my believe that no story tells the story of our history the way our strands do. In a nutshell:
In Africa a hairstyle was more then just a hairstyle. It was your identity, a social status. People could read your social status and know what tribe you belonged to by looking at your hair.

When we were brought to the Western world, they shaved our heads taking away our identity. When we were on the plantations we didn't have time to do our hair, so we used rags to cover our often ungroomed tresses. Then we started to emulate straight hairstyles in search for a better life and good jobs because they represented a better life.

The afro of the 60's challenged the western beauty standards and became a militant hairstyle. 

Soon after the relaxer was invented and everybody started straightening. Years later we all started braiding because of the damage. Then came the all too popular weave to camouflage the damage. Now at the same time that the weave is as popular the natural hair movement is growing.

Going Natural Hair Care ProductsSponsor of this Challenge is the Going-Natural.com WebShop.
More info about sponsorship: Info for sponsors.

For this challenge I want you to express and take pictures of hairstyles which to you represent the different times in history our hair strands went through. So from slavery to now where a Black President is elected for the 2nd time. Take a total of 5 photos and upload them including a writeup where you explain your choices.

Contact info
Need more info? Click here to contact us.

 

Tiffany

Rating: 2.70/5 (10 Votes)
Details
Written by Mireille Wirht
Hits: 740
Tiffany
This first challenge I have to say BUT GOD because I didn't even think I would be able to make it happen, let alone complete it. When everything seems to not be going as you expect you have to keep Read more:
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Jayme

Rating: 3.89/5 (27 Votes)
Details
Written by Mireille Wirht
Hits: 1325
Jayme
I was really excited for the first challenge of ANNM. What better way to celebrate Black History Month than to honor the hairstyles that paved the way for Black Hair today! For this challenge I Read more:
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Farah

Rating: 4.66/5 (114 Votes)
Details
Written by Mireille Wirht
Hits: 1844
Farah
Being the Vice President of Black Student Union, during the month of February we are required to host events for "Black History Month". When I heard that the first competition was to create themes Read more:
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Suzu

Rating: 3.25/5 (12 Votes)
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Written by Suzu
Hits: 878
Suzu
African Queen: With a West African father and American mother, I am very much connected with my African roots. I wanted to reflect the strength, beauty, and pride of the African people in this Read more:
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Lydia O

Rating: 2.38/5 (8 Votes)
Details
Written by Suzu
Hits: 524
Lydia O
Picture 1: Gift of Life Before we were uprooted from our beloved motherland, we valued the strength and fullness of our hair in its natural state. It signified who we were and where we came from. Read more:
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Angela

Rating: 2.75/5 (8 Votes)
Details
Written by Suzu
Hits: 549
Angela
The Harlem Renaissance always intrigued me while growing up. Since I am a lover of artistic expression it's easy to see why. It all started in 1920 when many African Americans participated in the Read more:
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Lydia

Rating: 4.39/5 (57 Votes)
Details
Written by Suzu
Hits: 972
Lydia
I began exploring my roots, which funny enough started at the exact time that I did my “big chop”…and I have NEVER gone back.  This challenge speaks to my love of history, and most Read more:
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Marilyn L

Rating: 3.00/5 (1 Vote)
Details
Written by Marilyn Louis
Hits: 265
Marilyn L
I created five looks: - Pre-Slavery/West African loo - 1900s Aunt Jemina - 1960s Black Power - 1970s Kungfu Fighter - 1980s Whitney/Madonna Read more:
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