(PCM) Women’s fashion and beauty magazine Allure has received quite a bit of backlash via social media for a feature they published titled “You (Yes, You) Can Have An Afro” that featured a white model sporting the famed 70’s style Afro hairstyle. The article is further criticized because it made no mention at all about the hairstyles origins.
Many felt that the article overall was disrespectful and they feel that the editorial staff at Allure lack any type of cultural diversity. The history of the Afro hairstyle dates back to the 1970’s “Black Is Beautiful” movement which protested typically white beauty standards that mostly featured completely straight hair.
Allure is defending the article claiming that it is more about women using various hairstyles to express their individual style and creativity. They acknowledge the Afro’s cultural significance, but claim the article was more focused on an individuals personal self-expression.
It is also worth noting what was pointed out by HelloBeautiful.com editor Allison McGenva that the style featured on the model for the article is truly not even an Afro, it is actually a twist-out!
