When we think of the iconic singer Elvis Presley, we often picture his signature black pompadour hairstyle. However, what many may not know is that Elvis was heavily influenced by the hairstyles of the black community. In fact, his famous pompadour was inspired by the hair of black musicians and performers of the time. Here, we will take a look at the top 10 Elvis black people's hair styles that have become a lasting part of his legacy.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles
One of the most popular hairstyles among black men during the 1950s and 1960s was the conk, a slicked-back style achieved by using a mixture of lye, eggs, and potatoes. This was a favorite among musicians like Little Richard and Chuck Berry, and Elvis was no exception. He often sported a conk in the early days of his career, with the slicked-back style becoming synonymous with his image.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Men
While the conk was mainly a men's hairstyle, there were also variations for women, such as the "pixie" conk. This style featured shorter, more defined curls and was a favorite of female musicians like Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Etta James. Elvis was known to have a preference for women with this type of hairstyle and was often seen with female backup singers who sported it.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Women
In addition to the conk, black women also popularized the short, cropped hairstyle during the 1950s and 1960s. This style was often achieved by using a hot comb to straighten and smooth the hair, giving it a sleek and polished look. Elvis's love for this style can be seen in his on-screen performances, where he often had female co-stars with short, sleek haircuts.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Short Hair
On the other end of the spectrum, black women also embraced long, flowing hair as a symbol of beauty and femininity. This was achieved by using hair extensions and wigs, which were popular among entertainers like Diana Ross and The Supremes. Elvis was known to have a preference for women with long, luscious locks, and this style was often seen in his music videos and performances.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Long Hair
The 1960s saw a rise in the natural hair movement among black women, with many choosing to embrace their natural curls and textures. This was a statement against the societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Elvis was known to have a soft spot for women with natural hair and often had female backup singers with big, beautiful Afros.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Natural Hair
While the conk and other straightened styles were popular, many black men and women also chose to embrace their natural curls and coils. This was often achieved by using hair products specifically designed for curly hair. Elvis was known to have a preference for women with curly hair, and this style can be seen in many of his music videos and performances.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Curly Hair
Despite his love for black hairstyles, Elvis also had a fondness for straight hair. This was achieved by using hair relaxers to straighten the hair and give it a sleek and polished look. Many black women were known to use this method to achieve a more "European" look, and it was also popular among male musicians like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Straight Hair
Braided hairstyles have been a part of black culture for centuries, and they continue to be a popular choice today. In the 1960s, braids were often worn by black women as a statement of cultural pride and resistance against societal norms. Elvis was known to have a fascination with black culture, and braided hairstyles can be seen in some of his early music videos and performances.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Braids
Dreadlocks, also known as "locs", have a long history in black culture and have become a popular style choice for both men and women. This style involves letting the hair naturally mat and form into "dreads". In the 1970s, this style became popular among musicians like Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix. Elvis was known to have a fascination with dreadlocks and even had a brief stint with the style himself. In conclusion, Elvis Presley's iconic black pompadour may have been his trademark, but his love and appreciation for black hairstyles go far beyond that. From the conk to braids and everything in between, these styles have become a lasting part of his legacy and are a testament to the impact of black culture on the world of music and fashion.Elvis Black People's Hair Styles for Dreadlocks