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Cuba: Afro Hair Pride

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Cuban Afro-Beauty Movement Gains Momentum

A New Era of Self-Acceptance and Empowerment

Cuban men and women who embrace their Afro-descended heritage and hair are at the forefront of a growing movement.

La Habanna hosted the island’s first Afro beauty-aesthetics convention in late August, a trend that is gaining traction in the Caribbean nation.

The convention brought together specialized artisan businesses, models, fashion designers, makeup artists, stylists, and the public to discuss the importance of Afro hair and beauty.

A Personal Journey of Self-Acceptance

Thalía Quesada, a medical student turned entrepreneur, had straight hair until 2021. She straightened it with laborious treatments, but decided to break the stereotype of what was considered beautiful, even within her own family.

Now, Quesada proudly shows off the voluminous curls of her Afro hair and has created a line of oils, creams, and waxes based on natural products to benefit the Black community on the island.

Breaking Stereotypes and Empowering the Community

Quesada’s brand, ThaliAfro, participated in the first Afro-aesthetics convention, where she emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and empowerment.

“Nowadays my job is to help people like me, who want to find themselves again, and get rid of the straightening and the torture of the hot comb,” Quesada said.

“Our Blackness and the Importance of Our Hair”

The convention culminated with a competition showcasing hairstyles, and several hundred people discussed the racial context in Cuba, an important issue for the organizer, Annia Liz de Armas.

“You have to understand the emotional and psychological side, the cultural effects, the historic reclaiming of our culture, our blackness and the importance of our hair to us.”

A Look into Cuba’s Past

Cuba’s past is rooted in the island’s sugarcane production, which employed enslaved Africans. Black Africans had already been uprooted to the island prior to the industry’s inception in the late XVIIIth century.

Statistics and Impact

According to official data from a 2012 census, 9% of Cubans are Black and 26% mixed race. The Afro beauty aesthetics convention aimed to address the lack of products for dark skin in Cuba, which are readily available in more and more drug stores and beauty shops around the world, but are expensive and hard to find in Cuba.

In response, 12 specialized local brands have emerged in the economy under embargo, and there are at least five beauty salons that cater specifically to Black women.

Conclusion

The Afro beauty movement in Cuba is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and empowerment. As the movement continues to grow, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of Afro hair and beauty in the context of Cuba’s history and culture.

FAQs

Q: What is the Afro beauty movement in Cuba?

A: The Afro beauty movement in Cuba is a growing trend that celebrates Afro-descended heritage and hair, promoting self-acceptance and empowerment.

Q: What is the significance of the Afro beauty aesthetics convention?

A: The convention brought together experts and the public to discuss the importance of Afro hair and beauty, addressing the lack of products for dark skin in Cuba and promoting the growth of local brands and salons.

Q: What is the future of the Afro beauty movement in Cuba?

A: The movement is expected to continue growing, with a focus on promoting self-acceptance, empowerment, and the importance of Afro hair and beauty in the context of Cuba’s history and culture.

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