The Glory of 70s Black Hair
A Story of Power and Pride
The 1970s were more than bell bottoms, soul music, and platform shoes. For Black America, the ’70s were a time of unapologetic pride, unshakable unity, and bold self-expression. And nothing captured that energy better than Black hair.
Let me take you back to a time when afros were crowns and cornrows were declarations. When walking into a room with your natural hair wasn’t just a style choice—it was a political statement, a love letter to our people, and a refusal to shrink in a world that wanted us small.
The Rise of the Afro
Picture this: It’s 1973, and you’re stepping out in the most fabulous maxi dress you could find. Your afro is picked out to perfection, big enough to turn heads and bold enough to let everyone know who you are.
The afro wasn’t just hair—it was a revolution. It said, “I love my Blackness, and I’m not toning it down for anybody.” It stood tall as a symbol of resistance, a rejection of Eurocentric beauty standards, and a celebration of the coils and curls we were told to hide.
Angela Davis wore it. The Jackson 5 rocked it. And regular folks across America? They embraced it with pride. The afro told the world, “We’re here, and we’re beautiful.”
Braids: The Blueprint of Strength
Now, let’s talk about braids. In the ’70s, cornrows came back in full force, reminding us that our roots run deep—literally and figuratively.
Every braid told a story. It was tradition meeting innovation. It was a nod to our African ancestors who used intricate patterns to pass down culture, protect their hair, and even draw maps to freedom during slavery.
In the ’70s, women like Cicely Tyson wore cornrows on national TV, sparking a cultural wave. It was a reminder that our hair is history, style, and strength all braided into one.
Pressed & Proud
For some, the ’70s meant straightened styles with flair. Pressed hair wasn’t about hiding our texture; it was about versatility. Black women weren’t just reclaiming natural hair—they were reclaiming all hair. From the super-sleek bobs to feathered flips, it was all about choice.
And we made sure the world knew: Whatever we did with our hair, we owned it.
Black Hair Was (and Is) Black Power
The 1970s were loud in the best way. We spoke through our style, our music, and our hair. Every texture, every strand, every style was a declaration of pride, identity, and defiance. Black hair became the language we used to say: “We are worthy. We are powerful. We are free.”
Today, that energy lives on. When you rock your coils, your braids, your twist-outs, or your silk presses, you’re carrying the legacy of the ’70s. You’re saying, “I see where we’ve been, and I’m taking us even further.”
GYEB Made in Black America: Haircare Rooted in Us
At Grow Your Edges Back, we’re inspired by that same spirit. Our products are an ode to Black excellence. Every bottle, jar, and tube is designed to celebrate your texture, protect your edges, and honor the history that brought us here.
The Future of Black Hair
The 1970s showed us what happens when we embrace our natural beauty and unapologetically own our hair. That legacy continues every time we moisturize, braid, pick, and style with care and pride.
So here’s to the glory of 70s Black hair. Here’s to the afros, the braids, the presses, and the twists. And here’s to every Black woman who carries that same energy into today.
Because no matter the decade, Black hair has always been—and will always be—a crown of glory.