<P> Hair styling in African - American culture is greatly varied . African - American hair is typically composed of coiled curls, which range from tight to wavy . Many women choose to wear their hair in its natural state . Natural hair can be styled in a variety of ways, including the afro, twist outs, braid outs, and wash and go styles . It is a myth that natural hair presents styling problems or is hard to manage; this myth seems prevalent because mainstream culture has, for decades, attempted to get African American women to conform to its standard of beauty (i.e., straight hair). To that end, some women prefer straightening of the hair through the application of heat or chemical processes . Although this can be a matter of personal preference, the choice is often affected by straight hair being a beauty standard in the West and the fact that hair type can affect employment . However, more and more women are wearing their hair in its natural state and receiving positive feedback . Alternatively, the predominant and most socially acceptable practice for men is to leave one's hair natural . </P> <P> Often, as men age and begin to lose their hair, the hair is either closely cropped, or the head is shaved completely free of hair . However, since the 1960s, natural hairstyles, such as the afro, braids, and dreadlocks, have been growing in popularity . Despite their association with radical political movements and their vast difference from mainstream Western hairstyles, the styles have attained considerable, but certainly limited, social acceptance . </P> <P> Maintaining facial hair is more prevalent among African - American men than in other male populations in the U.S. In fact, the soul patch is so named because African - American men, particularly jazz musicians, popularized the style . The preference for facial hair among African - American men is due partly to personal taste, but also because they are more prone than other ethnic groups to develop a condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, commonly referred to as razor bumps, many prefer not to shave . </P> <P> European - Americans have sometimes adopted different hairbraiding techniques and other forms of African - American hair . There are also individuals and groups who are working towards raising the standing of the African aesthetic among African Americans and internationally as well . This includes efforts toward promoting as models those with clearly defined African features; the mainstreaming of natural hairstyles; and, in women, fuller, more voluptuous body types . </P>

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