The Ultimate Guide to Black Men’s Hair
The Undisputed Ranking of Black Hair Styles
32 cuts, each showcasing the infinite depth of our follicles and artistry
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Black hair is love. Black hair is power. Black hair is sacrifice. The seemingly simple choice to shape it as we choose is a daily decision that, in effect, activates and extends Black pride, mystique, and flair — not just for us, but to the outside world as well. Wearing our hair exactly how it grows out of our heads is much more than radical; it’s a conversation piece, a common language, ritual, a physiological understanding.
So in the spirit of celebrating the singularity, fabulousity, and unfuckwittability of Black hair, we dove deep into the barbershop poster, and chose the most timeless 32 — then ranked them all based on longevity, versatility, and flyness. These are the looks we rocked throughout our lives, the styles that loom over indelible memories: that year way back when your boy finally got those waves on swim; the deep laughter the crew let out when homie stepped into the cipher with a wild-ass perm; shitting on someone’s ill-advised ducktail, or secretly coveting your man’s new locs. The Undisputed Ranking of Black Hairstyles showcases the infinite depth of our follicles and artistry … not to mention the fact that Black folks ain’t ever had a style they couldn’t freak. Feast.
32. Finger Waves
Peak Era: Prohibition
Celebrity Endorsers: Jidenna, El Debarge, Nat King Cole
Longevity: 1
Versatility: 1
Finger waves have gotten a bad rap for much of their history, and to be fair, it’s mostly earned: In a Jim Crowier time, the style was used to signify class and suavity, often in opposition to kinkier-haired folks. These days, though, it’s virtually nonexistent — even Jidenna left that shit in his “Classic Man” past. Though it’s a maintenance nightmare and a botched wave could permanently damage the scalp, it’s somehow gained a cult appreciation, and is a few brave spokesmodels from staging a comeback that would…
