An afro is a natural hairstyle where hair grows out from the head in a rounded, cloud-like shape. The word comes from “Afro-American,” reflecting the hairstyle's association with people of African descent, whose hair naturally has the tight curls and texture that create this distinctive look.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the afro became an important symbol of Black pride and cultural identity in America. People who wore afros were celebrating their natural hair instead of trying to make it look different. Activists, athletes, musicians, and everyday people wore afros as a way of saying they were proud of their heritage and wouldn't apologize for how they naturally looked.

An afro requires care and maintenance to keep its shape. Some people pick it out with a special wide-toothed comb called an afro pick to make it fuller and rounder. Afros can be small and neat or large and dramatic.

Today, people wear afros both as a fashion choice and as a statement of cultural pride.