The History of Hair

St. Paul said "that if a man have long hair it is a shame unto him..But if a woman have long hair it is a glory to her." At certain historical moment, such as the 1920s, short (or "cropped") hair on women was considered a statement of rebellion against established gender roles.

Under slavery, hairstyling was one of the few areas in which enslaved men and women were free to express themselves as they wish. In Africa grooming and styling hair was an important cultural ritual. Many men shaved their heads, while many women elaborately styled their hair. Intricate hair designs were also common in the New World. Many enslaved women braided their hair, wrapped it, or wove shells and beads into their hair.