Since the ‘60s, the Afro has been a symbol of power, purpose, and pride. Now, with the
resurgence of the natural hair movement, the look is taking center stage again. Four women sporting
fabulous ’fros share the deeply personal ways their iconic hairstyle continues to send a message.
BY NYKIA SPRADLEYIn November 2015, Ebonee Davis had an awakening. After tapping into the
natural hair community online, she decided to quit the relaxers. Some people
in her work circle weren’t happy: “They said, ‘Your rolled-out-of-bed hair isn’t
going to work,’” Davis recalls. “‘Clients aren’t going to want to book you.’”
Davis chose to ignore the warning—and within a month of going natural, she
booked the biggest campaign of her career, with Calvin Klein, in which she wore
a resplendent ’fro. Her commitment to showing up in the way she feels mostWhen I walk into a room with my Afro, I’m taking up space as
a black woman. I’ve earned that space. I claim that space.EBONEE DAVIS, MODEL AND ACTIVISTSweater dress, A.L.C. Earrings, RJ Graziano. Rings, Lady Grey (left) and Jennifer Fisher.comfortable is the kind of authenticity the Afro represents, says celebrity
hairstylist Felicia Leatherwood. In today’s fashion and beauty industries,
the Afro is not only accepted, but celebrated. “‘Fros have more texture and
definition now,” Leatherwood notes. “People are adorning them with
headbands, faux flowers, and satin wraps. It’s a beautiful thing to see.”PHOTOGRAPHS BY Sergio Kurhajec
b e a u t i f u l!
@OPRAHMAGAZINE SEPTEMBER (^201957)