Natural Hair Movement

More than a symbol, the natural hair movement is a real battle for freedom that touches any American with natural hair. The movement for acceptance and legal protection of natural hairstyles emerged in the 1960s, a time when the African American community was fighting for civil rights. A struggle that touched on every fabric of life for a community that faced institutional discrimination everywhere. 

The 1960s themselves were a tumultuous time. The Vietnam War and the Civil rights movement were key events in a decade of struggle. A period of upheaval with distinctive signs of protest. One significant sign or symbol of that time was long hair. The youth's wearing your hair was a noticeable and straightforward way to protest the establishment. 

Groups in the African American community used this as an outward way to symbolize resistance to oppression. In the case of hairstyles, cultural resistance. A form of independence to norms imposed on them from a position of arrogance. To understand, you have to go back to cultural racism long before the 1960s.

European Oppression And Concepts Of Beauty

European oppression permeated every stage of life for African Americans brought here and enslaved. Lack of freedom was absolute, even in the case of hairstyles and expectations of what was acceptable. Even after Emancipation, European and Victorian ideas of hair and fashion were forced on the African American populace.

The notion that kinky, coily, or natural hair was wrong seemed to permeate fashion and hair standards of the 19th and early 20th century. Products proliferated with one purpose in mind. Straighten or cover the natural patterns of ethnic hair. Straightening implements, extensions, relaxers, and wigs became imposed cultural burdens.

Even today, workplace discrimination for women who choose natural or ethnic styles can be an issue. From management pressure to avoid styles with braids to outright scrutiny from employers, conforming stigma is there. 

It seems silly that one hairstyle would be deemed better or worse than another, but it has been an issue.

Attitudes Are Changing 

The natural hair movement is flourishing in America. It is becoming a standard and accepted

choice from television and movies to your local chain store. A style of hair that is beautiful, no better or worse than any other type of hair. 

Luster hair products are proud to embrace and perpetuate this openness and fairness with our product lines. In an interview with a local news station, Jory Luster Sr. talks about the elation at the growth and acceptance of natural hair. As a result, Luster Products has multiple lines that provide natural ingredients to help grow, nurture and style natural hair.

Luster Hair Products: A Minority Owned Company And Their American Journey

Luster hair products were started in the 1950s by Fred Luster Sr. in Chicago. It is a black-owned, family-owned business. Luster was a pioneer in bringing products exclusively to the black community. Hair represents both a social movement and an outward symbol of personal and community struggle. Choosing your length or your style is a basic form of human expression. No one group can determine what IS or ISN'T beautiful. We are all beautiful and precious as set forth by our creator.

Continue to partner with us in our continued journey to provide safe American-made products to the community.