Here are some images of old photographs of communities wearing Afro hairstyles with defined and structured natural curls (coils/twists) from different eras, ethnic traditions, and cultures.

Some photographs, originally in black and white, have been partially or entirely colourized by the graphic designer AGOBO.

Coils/Tortilles are a hairstyle that defines natural curls, regardless of their size. The curly strands are twisted around themselves to create a more defined look. Hair often simply called "kinky" is naturally curly and therefore has the ability to curl. This can cause it to shrink or stretch.

This hairstyle does not work on chemically straightened, relaxed, burned, or heat-damaged hair. This hairstyle is best suited for well-nourished and hydrated hair.

The size of the extensions is chosen according to the size of your natural curls. The smaller the curls, the finer the extensions should be to avoid creating a locs look if that's not what you want.

Small curls are more visible when they are separated into individual sections. The more sections there are, the more volume there is. And the visibility from a distance also varies depending on the size of the curls. The thickness of the hair sections during the defining process is chosen according to the size of your natural curls. So, the smaller your curls, the smaller the sections you should use so that the hair can spring back and not form locs.

More information on the different buckle sizes can be found here.

There are different techniques for achieving this hairstyle:

- A fine-toothed comb, preferably conical in shape, is used on a detangled section of hair. It is placed at the root of the hair and rotated along with the hair, working downwards to the ends. Continue working downwards as curls form on the hair.

- The fingers, each strand of hair is twisted around itself on a finger.

- a wand , the wick is wrapped around the wand and the wand is twisted on itself.

For short hair, there are techniques using your fingers, a chopstick, or a comb if possible. Otherwise, a stiff-bristled brush, a sponge, a paddle, or a glove can be used : you need to make circular motions on damp, nourished hair.

Thanks to our natural hair versatility, we have the choice between the curly state (defined natural curls), the so-called "kinky" state (loose curls), or stretched hair (loose curls).

The hairstyle known as "Afro" is simply the appearance of natural, loose (untied) curly hair, which takes on different appearances (volumes, lengths, sizes, etc.) and different textures depending on the manipulation of the curls desired by the wearer of this hair, the size of the natural curls, the degree of nutrition and hydration of the hair, the thickness of the hair, the health of the wearer of this hair, the mood of the wearer of the hair and the environment (cold, snow, rain, sun, limestone, heat, etc.).

The hairstyle known as "Afro" has different names depending on the ethnic languages ​​of people with curly hair who style their hair loose.

Here are some examples of names used to describe the so-called "Afro" hairstyle around the world.

Africa

• Among the Igbo ethnic group of Nigeria, the Afro is called " Ntutu, " among other synonyms meaning "hair."
• In Ethiopia, among the Amhara, it is "Goferay".
• In Ethiopia, among the Afar , "Asdago" refers to their afro with defined curls.

Oceania

• Among the Fijians of the Fiji Islands, of the Melanesian ethnic group, the Afro is called " Drauniulu " or " Buiniga " among other synonyms.

• Native Australians call the Afro "Nerranuk" among other synonyms.

America

• The Tchefuncte Native American ethnic group, a people native to Louisiana in the United States, calls the Afro "Pa' Shi" in New Orleans.

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