If there was an award given to a fearless woman who continues to push the envelope with her hair, it would have to go to Beyoncé. As if we needed further proof, many of the hairstyles in Beyoncé's "Lemonade" completely celebrate all types of African style - something not often seen in mainstream entertainment media. While we often think of pushing the boundaries of textured afro hair as only the biggest, most natural thing to do, the styles in Bey's latest masterpiece also celebrate relaxed hair, natural hair, and weaves, proving that there's no one way to have black hair.
Looking at old photos of Beyoncé is one way to discover the many styles you covet, but you can save time googling just by watching Lemonade . Afro-textured curls fill the screen for the first five minutes, then Bey appears simply in a Badu-esque headscarf, followed by her familiar wavy locks flowing by. The most powerful thing about seeing these amazing styles fly across my screen is that at some point in history, most of these "dos" were banned - if not by law, then because Social stigma that prevents black people from wearing their clothes. Hair is naturally lush. Not only do these hairstyles take us back to all of Beyoncé's best looks, they also remind us how far Afro-inspired hair has come... and how far it still has to go before videos like this make the difference . Here are 14 things worth celebrating in a visual album.
1. Golden ears of corn
Cornrows are one of the best protective hairstyles for those who don’t have time to take care of their fragile hair. These same cornrows were considered "ghetto" or "unprofessional" until recently when they started appearing on the heads of white celebrities. Women of color still face the stigma of cornrows, but Bey's blonde cornrows prove this protective style is anything but unprofessional.
2. Badu style headscarf
The first look we saw in Lemonade was Bey wearing a Badu-like headscarf with a knot in the front that framed her beautiful face. Centuries ago, African American women were prohibited from wearing their hair down in public. Therefore, many people tie their hair into colorful Tignons or wrap it up to cover up their natural curls. Today, however, many people think of these wraps as "caps," meaning it's not uncommon for people to have to remove them for work, school events, or when taking a new photo for their driver's license. However, our curly hair is still restricted in companies, schools, and the military.
3. Those glorious afros
Like the beginnings of Black Hair in America, Lemonade 's Beginnings showcases all the big, beautiful, and different hair textures of black women in America. This moment reminds me that our hair is more than just something to keep our heads warm or fussy in the morning: it's the hair of our ancestors.
4. Flat-topped boy
Lemonade reminds us that flat-top shoes aren't just for the '90s. Will Smith, Martin, and Keenen Ivory Wayans have all given us flat tops, and if I say I don't wear them every time I see them If I faint, I'd be lying. As much as I love this hairstyle myself, the fact that kids were being sent home from school not too long ago for wearing flat tops makes this image even more powerful.
5. The little boy with the hair we all dream of
Of course, this kid and his gorgeous hair have become the most fearless hairstyles on Lemonade . Let your hair grow, guys: Girls shouldn't be the only ones allowed to celebrate big hair.
6. twist
For those of you who have been debating wearing this protective style in public, I implore you to let this drummer's twist teach you that you should never question it. This style doesn't have to be perfectly parted or done by a professional, either. Rock your hair with confidence because healthy hair is beautiful.
7. Photos of women with various hairstyles
As the recording declares, "The most overlooked people in America are black women," clips of women wearing wigs, braids, and natural hair are shown. It's one of the brunette's most striking moments in the video. Not all black hair is the same, nor does it have to be. Whether you prefer a natural texture or prefer straight hair and a weave, we can all agree on one thing: the stigma of having black hair is a struggle that has only recently gained public attention.
8. Bay’s Blonde Tribute to Carrie
Bey, no stranger to platinum blonde locks, styled her hair in a familiar style by candlelight and totally rocked it with a lighter touch. Black people wearing blonde hair has long been a bone of contention, but Bey is once again laughing in the face of the haters and confidently showing us that you can still have fun as a Black blonde. Part of having autonomy over your hair texture means being able to wear it however you want.
9. Ride the Tribe Bus
Most of us can't pull off tribal face paint on our daily bus rides, and these hairstyles are envelope pushers and not for the faint of heart. My girl's hair is as wild as her face paint and makes me green with envy.
10. When Bey channels Iman
If you've ever thought you wanted to look like African royalty or Iman (which, let's face it, is kind of the same thing), doing this will give you a blast of "good hair" and confidence. Yes, kids, another reason you shouldn't hate braids is because they can create powerful updos like this one.
11. Bey’s wig
My only hope for the future is that one day I get the chance to wear an elaborate headpiece like Beyoncé does above. It might not be the plain accessory I'm used to, but the heft has to be worth the compliments I get when I wear it.
12. Weird headscarves
Not only do I love the country feel of this song, but I often try to recreate Bey's headpiece. This is one of the easiest hairstyles for medium-length hair; whether you're going relaxed or natural, you can wear your hair up and look elegant...and maybe sing the blues while doing it.
13. Bei’s thick braids
This is a hairstyle I was very familiar with growing up. A quick comb through my messy hair and some elastic on either side gave me two perfect, voluminous braids. I've often wondered if these braids were just for little kids, but luckily, Bey gave me a reason to try the style from my youth.
14. Beyoncé’s straight hair
Straightening African textured hair has been used for centuries. Whether it's an iron, a hot comb, a blow dryer, a straightener or chemical straighteners, straight hair will never be a thing of the past. For many women, straight hair brings freedom, manageable hair and opportunity.
From afros to braids to effortless strands, hair in Beyoncé's visual album speaks to a sense of agency and black individuality that we can't ignore. Plus, it all looks pretty intense .
