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Do you remember the days when a trip to the salon or barber was more than just grooming—it was an event? The radio hummed with Motown hits, and the scent of hair pomade or fresh shampoo filled the air. For many, it was a time when hair wasn’t just something you had—it was something you wore. And for those with textured hair, the trusty hair pick, like the bright yellow one you see here, became an indispensable tool not only for achieving the perfect afro but for making a statement about pride, identity, and individuality.
The hair pick lift, with its simple design of sturdy prongs and an easy-to-hold handle, emerged as a staple in the 1960s. But this wasn’t just any comb—it was the comb. While hair picks have ancient origins, often crafted from bone or wood in Africa, the 1960s and ’70s gave this tool a new lease on life. It was no accident that its resurgence coincided with the rise of the Civil Rights Movement and a growing embrace of natural hairstyles within the African American community. Afros, once seen as countercultural, became symbols of empowerment and pride.
This small yet mighty tool was an ally in the fight to defy beauty standards that had long dismissed natural textured hair. The hair pick wasn’t just functional—it was revolutionary. Its long metal prongs could fluff, shape, and define afros, transforming hair into a proud halo of volume and beauty. It wasn’t uncommon to see one tucked into a back pocket or left on a vanity like a badge of honor.
The practicality of the hair pick was unmatched. Whether you were teasing out a full afro or adding volume to coils and curls, the pick did the job effortlessly. Its design, like the yellow plastic version stamped with “Made in Hong Kong,” was durable and portable. Affordable and widely available, it became a household staple in salons and homes alike.
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