World Afro Day 2024: How Afro Hair Shapes and Reflects Who We Are
Stories of Pride, Empowerment, and Self-Love
By Isabel Beresford-Cole, featuring Anna Irving from Race Equality Matters
World Afro Day, celebrated on the 15th of September, is more than just an event—it’s a powerful movement of celebration and liberation. As founder Michelle De Leon describes it, this global day is dedicated to honouring Afro hair and the identities it represents. For too long, Afro hair has been subject to discrimination, shame, and the pressure to conform to narrow beauty standards. But World Afro Day challenges that narrative, reclaiming Afro hair as a symbol of beauty, strength, and cultural pride.
This day uplifts Afro hair as a reflection of heritage and identity, encouraging us to embrace what makes us unique rather than hide it. In this article, we’ll share personal stories of pride, empowerment, and the deeply personal journey to self-acceptance through the lens of Afro hair. With stories from A-list celebrities, such as the likes of Mel B, Lupita Nyong’o, and Viola Davis, to members of our very own Race Equality Matters Team, Isabel and Anna, we aim to show the power that hair holds in shaping identity, challenging norms, and inspiring confidence and pride in one’s heritage.
By celebrating World Afro Day, we take a stand for diversity, championing a future where every texture, style, and story is respected and celebrated.
A Brief History on Afro Hair
Afro hair has a rich history, closely connected to identity, culture, and pride. In many African cultures, hair was much more than just a style. The way people wore their hair—whether braided, twisted, or styled in other ways—often had special meaning. It could show which tribe they were from, how old they were, or even if they were married. Hair was seen as a crown, a source of personal and cultural pride.
However, this connection to hair was disrupted by the transatlantic slave trade and colonisation. In many Western societies, Afro hair became unfairly judged. Black people were pressured to change their natural hair to fit in with Eurocentric beauty standards. Straight hair was seen as more acceptable, and people with Afro hair were made to feel like their natural textures were “unruly” or “unkempt,” as if their hair needed to be “fixed.”
But even in the face of discrimination, Afro hair has remained a symbol of strength and pride. During the Civil Rights and Black Power movements in the 1960s and 70s, the Afro hairstyle became a powerful way for people to express their pride and identity. Wearing natural hair was not just a style—it was a statement, rejecting the pressure to conform and embracing Black beauty and culture.
Mel B’s Story: A Fight to Keep Afro Hair in the Spotlight
Mel B’s journey is one of self-love and empowerment. When she filmed the iconic “Wannabe” video, she was told her big, curly hair didn’t fit the “pop star mould” and that she should straighten it. But Mel B refused to change herself to fit in. Instead, she proudly danced and sang as her authentic self, showing the world who she truly was.
Growing up in 1970s Leeds, Mel B faced challenges because of her mixed-race heritage. She was teased and singled out, often for her wild, curly hair, which didn’t fit into the typical beauty standards. But when she entered the world of showbiz, she held on to her identity, defying those who told her to conform.
Supported by her Spice Girls bandmates, she embraced her natural beauty, not realising how much that decision would inspire thousands of little brown and Black girls watching her on screen. Today, Mel B says “I’m proud to support World Afro Day in its call for the Equality Act to protect against afro hair discrimination in the UK.”
Her story is a reminder to love who you are, stand your ground, and celebrate your uniqueness.
Lupita Nyong’o’s Story: Celebrating Afro Hair and Challenging Beauty Norms
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o has made it clear that her natural hair is more than just a style—it’s a statement.
Whether on red carpets, in films, or on magazine covers, Lupita consistently chooses to wear her natural texture, challenging the narrative that kinky, African hair is less beautiful. In an interview with Porter magazine, she shared that her mission is to inspire young people of colour to embrace their natural beauty. “I want kids to know they’re beautiful just the way they are,” she said, rejecting the idea that Black hair is uncivilised or unprofessional.
Her children’s book, Sulwe, further spreads this message, telling the story of a young girl’s journey to self-love. It was inspired by Lupita’s own experience growing up with dark skin and natural hair in a world that often celebrates lighter complexions and straighter hair. Lupita understands firsthand the importance of reaching children before they internalise harmful beauty standards.
When Grazia magazine photoshopped her hair out of a cover in 2017, Lupita didn’t stay silent. She took to Instagram, writing, “I cannot support the omission of my native heritage.” Her message was clear: Black beauty, in all its forms, deserves to be seen and celebrated. With the hashtag #dtmh—don’t touch my hair—Lupita reinforced that her natural hair is a proud reflection of her identity.
Viola Davis’ Story: A Red Carpet Revolution
In 2012, Viola Davis made headlines when she walked the Oscars red carpet with her natural Afro, breaking away from the wigs and hairpieces she had worn for years. Nominated for Best Actress for her role in The Help, Viola’s decision to reveal her natural curls wasn’t just about changing her look—it was a bold statement. For Viola, embracing her natural texture was a way of pushing back against the Eurocentric beauty standards that have long pressured Black women to conform.
Viola spoke openly about the deeper meaning behind her decision. “It goes back to hiding,” she shared, referencing the ways Black women have been conditioned to feel invisible or less beautiful. “We carry that mentality, even in ways we don’t realise.” Her natural hair was not only a personal act of self-acceptance but also a silent protest against a culture that often erases Black beauty. By choosing to show up as herself, Viola challenged the very system that had long dictated what it meant to be “red carpet ready.”
That night, Viola found the balance she had been seeking for years. “When I took the wig off, I felt amazing—like I had finally found myself,” she reflected. Her decision was about more than hair; it was about reclaiming her identity and embracing her authenticity. Viola’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that true beauty lies in self-acceptance, and her bold choice continues to empower others to proudly embrace who they are.
Isabel’s Story: My Journey from Fitting In to Standing Out
From Race Equality Matters
Growing up in predominantly white areas, my hair always made me feel like I stood out like a sore thumb. While my friends flaunted their long, straight locks in various styles, I struggled with managing my own hair, settling for frizzy plaits that left me feeling less confident.
When I first straightened my hair, I was showered with compliments and felt genuinely seen. It seemed like straight hair was the key to beauty and acceptance. I noticed that I only received such attention when my hair was straightened, which made me feel pressured to maintain the look. Looking back, I realise that the admiration was more about the change in appearance than any inherent beauty.
I continued straightening my hair throughout school, sacrificing its health for the sake of fitting into Eurocentric beauty standards. My hair became damaged and lifeless, but I convinced myself that this was the price of being attractive and accepted.
However in 2020, likely spurred on from the promotion of black beauty during the Black Lives Matters movement, I decided to restart and cut off my hair. Walking into the salon and asking for my curls back was a step towards reclaiming my true self.
Leaving the salon with short, rejuvenated curls was initially a shock, but seeing my curls bounce back was incredibly liberating. The response from my friends was heartwarming—this time, their compliments focused on the natural beauty of my curls. They told me things like, “Your natural hair is so beautiful,” and “I wish I could have hair like yours.” It felt wonderful to stand out for my uniqueness in a positive light.
Now, I wear my curls with pride, fully embracing their beauty. World Afro Hair Day holds a special place in my heart because I know many girls are going through the same journey I did. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to celebrate their natural beauty and find pride in their own unique hair.
Anna’s Story: Standing Up for Natural Hair in the Professional Spaces
From Race Equality Matters
In learning more about my hair, I’ve discovered deeper parts of myself—my identity, my culture, my Blackness, and the beauty that comes with it. Hair in Black culture is more than just an aesthetic; it’s an expression of where you come from and who you are and embracing it has given me a lot of freedom.
When I was younger I was severely bullied because my hair defied gravity and resisted traditional European styling. This led to lots of feelings of inadequacy because somehow my hair seemed to inspire disappointment, stress and frustration.
I tried my best to conform with perms and straightening and at 17, I used my very first pay cheque to buy GHD straighteners, which I relied on daily until one day while out, I noticed severe hair breakage and thinning, that moment scared me, and became a turning point. I gave up my straighteners and started trying alternative ways to style and look after my hair even though I didn’t realise it, it was the start of going natural.
Over time, the shame and discomfort started to fade and I started to enjoy the versatility and the freedom to express myself. And I began receiving a lot of support from friends, family and strangers and somehow just existing became easier because I wasn’t trying so hard to fit in.
However, the professional world brought new challenges. In my first corporate job, I reverted to straightening my hair, feeling like I had to adhere to some type of ‘professional standard’ and there was pressure and I felt out of place again. It was as though I was wearing a mask, which contributed to me eventually leaving that role.
In another role I embraced my curly hair and one of my most difficult experiences was when a manager once took me into the office telling me my hair wasn’t appropriate and showed me images of the women with straight European hair telling me I needed it to be more like that. I felt inadequate and angry and although I initially swallowed my feelings, I realised I needed to speak up and I did which led to me receiving an apology and a promise that it wouldn’t happen again.
In corporate environments, you can face microaggressions, uncomfortable looks, and comments, along with constant questions that can feel exhausting. Sometimes, people even want to touch your hair. It takes a lot of energy to keep showing up and maintaining boundaries, but in my case, it has happened less and less—working remotely has likely contributed to that too.
Since then, I’ve seen the corporate world slowly become more inclusive, with versatility in styles and a change in what corporate and professional styling actually means and while there is still a way to go.
I know that it’s important to take up space authentically and I embrace my natural hair with pride, understanding that it’s a key part of who I am and it has been powerful being able to be myself at work and being part of an organisation that works to inspire change.
Embracing Authenticity: Steps to Support Afro Hair in the Corporate World
To truly celebrate Afro hair and create inclusive work environments, companies must take concrete steps toward change. This starts with education and training, ensuring that all employees understand the impact of hair discrimination. Diversity programs should focus on the cultural significance of Black hair and provide resources to help prevent discrimination. By doing this, organisations can foster a workplace that not only accepts but celebrates natural hair.
Next, companies must review their workplace policies to ensure they are inclusive of Afro-textured hair and natural hairstyles. Policies should not perpetuate Eurocentric beauty standards but instead embrace the full spectrum of cultural expression. Revising grooming guidelines to reflect this inclusivity sends a powerful message that every employee has the right to wear their natural hair without judgement or penalty.
Creating safe spaces for open conversations and addressing incidents of discrimination is crucial. Adopting frameworks like the Halo Code offers a proactive approach, protecting employees who wear their hair in styles that reflect their racial and cultural identities. By taking these steps, companies affirm their commitment to authenticity and self-expression in the workplace.
Finally, organisations should use their platforms to advocate for change beyond their own walls. Supporting movements to end hair discrimination, such as campaigns by the Halo Collective , and raising awareness about World Afro Day can inspire a larger cultural shift.
Embracing Afro hair is a powerful step toward creating a truly inclusive workplace, where diversity is celebrated and every individual feels empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.