Byrdie
In This Article
Welcome toCrowned,our new series about the history of Black hair.
In our newest episode, we deep-dive into the history of bonnets, which have rich cultural significance.
Join us in learning more.
Byrdie
This series is researched and fact-checked byChristine ForbesandOluwatobi Odugunwa.
Still, despite being functional and culturally significant in the 1800s, headwraps had a grim past.
“During enslavement, headwraps and bonnets were weaponized.
They were used to visibly distinguish Black women as lesser or even subhuman,” Donaldson explains.
This stigma has only evolved (more on that later).
“Most protective hair coverings are made with either satin or silk,” Donaldson says.
In addition to bonnets and silk scarves, there are other traditional options like durags to protect your hair.
In 2021 comedian andactress Monique went viral on Instagramfor criticizing women who wear bonnets in public.
“When did we step away from ‘let me be presentable when I leave my home’?
“All I’m saying is: Could you c’mon comb your hair?”
