Introduction and Context for 2017 Black Hairstyles
2017 was a landmark period for Black hair, marked by growing natural hair acceptance, protective styling innovation, and bold color experimentation. This guide explains key trends, techniques, and cultural context that made these styles influential beyond the year. We cover braids, locs, bantu knots, short crops, and color practices, focusing on techniques and choices that remained relevant in subsequent years. The overview helps readers understand enduring styles, practical upkeep, and how 2017 shifted mainstream conversations around Black hair texture and expression.
Braids and Extended Protective Styles in 2017
Braids remained central in 2017, valued for versatility, protection, and style adaptability. Box braids, cornrows, and Senegalese twists offered low-maintenance options that supported hair growth when installed and cared for properly. Feed-in braids and knotless braids gained traction for a more natural hairline and reduced tension. Accessories like rings, cuffs, and colored extensions enabled personalization while protecting edges. Proper scalp care, moisturizing without overloading follicles, and gentle removal helped maintain hair health under these styles.
Braiding Techniques and Edge Control
Finger-coiling, two-strand twists, and Bantu knots created defined curl patterns that transitioned seamlessly between casual and formal looks. Edge control with gels, edge brushes, and satin accessories helped maintain sleek lines around the forehead and nape. Lightweight hold products, paired with water-based moisturizers, reduced flaking and breakage. Many stylists recommended installing braids no longer than eight weeks to prevent matting and traction on the hairline.
Locs and Interlocked Textures
Locs continued to gain visibility in 2017, supported by a strong natural hair community that normalized coily maintenance as a long-term choice. Freeform and palm-interlocked methods allowed for personal expression, while maintenance-focused routines emphasized gentle washing, residue-free retwisting, and scalp stimulation. Products free from heavy waxes helped locs maintain cleanliness and flexibility. Understanding growth cycles, root retightening schedules, and accessory use helped wearers sustain healthy locs over years.
Transitioning to and Maintaining Locs
Transitioning from relaxed or chemically treated hair to locs often involved sectioning, strategic product layering, and periodic professional guidance. Clarifying washes, diluted apple cider rinses, and targeted oil applications addressed buildup and dryness. Lock-specific tools, such as crochet hooks and palm rollers, supported consistent shape without excessive manipulation. Many stylists recommended patience during the early months, as coils compacted and matured into defined patterns.
Bantu Knots and Defined Curls
Bantu knots gained traction as a chic, low-heat option for defining curls and creating elevated upstyles. By sectioning, moisturizing, and twisting small portions of hair into tight coils, wearers woke to sculpted ringlets or voluminous crowns. Smaller knots delivered tighter curls, while larger sections yielded softer wave patterns. Satin scarves and sleep caps minimized friction, reducing frizz and preserving pattern integrity between styles.
Styling Variations and Accessories
Wearers could separate knots partially for a headband effect or stack multiple knots vertically for statement looks. Adding accessories like beads, cuffs, or silk-wrapped bands amplified texture without heat. Pineapple styles, where hair was gathered at the crown, protected curls at night when combined with a satin bonnet. These methods remained low-damage, making Bantu knots a practical choice for frequent use.
Short Textured Cuts and Tapering Techniques
In 2017, short natural cuts emphasized movement, shape, and healthy regrowth. Tapers, fades, and rounded cuts showcased hair density and curl definition while keeping maintenance manageable. Scissor-over-comb techniques and clipper guards allowed stylists to craft clean lines without sacrificing volume. Curls and coils were shaped using a diffuser on low heat, encouraging root lift without crunch or shrinkage surprises.
Edging, Parting, and Maintenance Routines
Neat lines around the temples and nape complemented short cuts, often using soft-hold pomades applied sparingly to avoid flaking. Zigzag or clean center parts framed the face, while side-swept styles balanced asymmetry with curls at the crown. Daily misting with water-based leave-ins, weekly deep conditioning, and monthly professional trims prevented split ends and maintained shape.
Color, Highlights, and Experimental Techniques
2017 embraced subtle balayage, chunky highlights, and vivid streaks on natural hair, blending fashion with texture-aware application. Foil and cap techniques created dimension without overwhelming curl patterns, while pastel and neutral tones offered versatile options. Semi-permanent dyes and rinses allowed wearers to experiment with color frequency while minimizing damage. Protein pre-treatments and bond-building conditioners supported vibrancy and strand integrity during chemical services.
Color Aftercare and Longevity
Sulfate-free sulfate-free shampoos, cool-water rinses, and UV-protectant leave-ins extended color vibrancy. Co-washing between cleansing shampoos preserved moisture and reduced fade. Gloss treatments refreshed tone between services, while deep masks addressed porosity changes from coloring. Many colorists recommended touch-ups every six to eight weeks to maintain even results without excessive processing.
Styling Tools, Products, and Nightcare in 2017
Diffusers, wide-tooth combs, Denman brushes, and silk or satin accessories formed the core toolkit for 2017 Black hairstyles. Water-based moisturizers, curl definers, and lightweight oils addressed hydration without weighing strands down. Nightcare emphasized loose pineapple styles, satin bonnets, and low-tension braids to preserve curls and reduce breakage. Choosing tools that minimized friction helped maintain defined patterns and prevent split ends.
Quick Reference: Core Tools and Typical Use
| Tool or Product | Typical Use | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Diffuser | Drying curls on low heat | Reduces frizz, enhances definition |
| Denman Brush | Detangling and smoothing | Even distribution of products, less breakage |
| Satin Bonnet/Silk Pillowcase | Nighttime hair protection | Minimizes friction, preserves curls |
| Water-Based Leave-In | Daily moisture and slip | Light hydration, easier styling |
| Edge Brush & Gel | Sleek edges and front framing | Neat finish, controlled baby hairs |
Cultural Context and Industry Influence in 2017
2017 accelerated mainstream recognition of Black hair as a site of creativity, identity, and professionalism. Campaigns and media representation increasingly featured natural textures, locs, and protective styles, challenging narrow beauty norms. Workplaces and schools revisited grooming policies, sparking conversations about inclusion and discrimination. The year validated personal choice, whether embracing natural hair fully, transitioning gradually, or continuing relaxed styles, emphasizing that healthy hair practices matter more than any single look. This cultural shift reinforced community knowledge-sharing through salons, social platforms, and mentorship.
Conclusion and Ongoing Takeaways
2017 Black hairstyles established foundations that remained influential: protective styling, intentional moisturizing, and embracing diverse textures. Braids, locs, bantu knots, and short textured cuts offered practical, expressive choices adaptable to varied lifestyles. Understanding product selection, tool use, and maintenance frequency supports long-term hair health regardless of the chosen style. Readers can apply these principles to build routines that match their goals, porosity, and daily routine, ensuring that techniques from 2017 remain relevant and effective in the years that followed.