Black hair -- in all of its complexities -- is beautiful. When we see women wearing Afros on Instagram, our fingers can't move fast enough to double tap.
Whether worn as a symbol of black pride or as an alternative to relaxers and other hair straightening methods, 'fros are an identifiable part of the unique personal style of ladies like blogger Afroista, writer Elise R. Peterson and Huffington Post's own senior fashion editor Julee Wilson.
Inspired by the way these ladies 'fro out, we asked HuffPost Lifestyle's Instagram community to send us their #flyestfro photos. Check out some of spectacular images below, plus tips on how these women maintain their natural hair.
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1
@afroista
"The most important thing for maintaining fuller longer hair is proper nutrition and hydration. Our hair, skin, nails are a reflection of our internal workings. Without a proper diet, we can expect our hair to be dull, dry, and incapable of growth."
"The most important thing for maintaining fuller longer hair is proper nutrition and hydration. Our hair, skin, nails are a reflection of our internal workings. Without a proper diet, we can expect our hair to be dull, dry, and incapable of growth."
2
@simplycyn
"For my best big hair, I start with a twist-out that I slowly unravel throughout the week. I also spray it with a little water each and every single day. Honestly, for me, the best thing about natural hair is not striving for perfection. Sometimes you just have to let your hair do what it wants."
"For my best big hair, I start with a twist-out that I slowly unravel throughout the week. I also spray it with a little water each and every single day. Honestly, for me, the best thing about natural hair is not striving for perfection. Sometimes you just have to let your hair do what it wants."
3
@MelissaChanel
"I keep my low-maintaince tapered 'fro intact with weekly washes and then it's just moisturize, fluff, and go! Let your 'fro be the boss."
"I keep my low-maintaince tapered 'fro intact with weekly washes and then it's just moisturize, fluff, and go! Let your 'fro be the boss."
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4
@love_pinck
"Water, coconut oil and other natural ingredients are a 'fro's best friend. I am currently living in Milan, which doesn't have a natural hair community, so I've been truly embracing my homemade products since I've been here."
"Water, coconut oil and other natural ingredients are a 'fro's best friend. I am currently living in Milan, which doesn't have a natural hair community, so I've been truly embracing my homemade products since I've been here."
5
@hannafaith__
"One of my top tips in maintaining a healthy 'fro is to wash and condition at least every 2-3 days. Also, if I wanted to style it to make it extra big, I'd blow dry my hair out without using any combs."
Photo Credit: Christina Ihek | @ByAfrique_
"One of my top tips in maintaining a healthy 'fro is to wash and condition at least every 2-3 days. Also, if I wanted to style it to make it extra big, I'd blow dry my hair out without using any combs."
Photo Credit: Christina Ihek | @ByAfrique_
6
@nnekasalmonphoto
"I wash or co-wash my hair once every 2 weeks or so. For quick styling, I do medium/chunky twists about 2-3 times a week in the night before I go to bed. In the morning, I rub coconut oil in my hands to moisturize and separate the twist. I then spritz with water, fluff out my hair a bit and then I'm out the door."
"I wash or co-wash my hair once every 2 weeks or so. For quick styling, I do medium/chunky twists about 2-3 times a week in the night before I go to bed. In the morning, I rub coconut oil in my hands to moisturize and separate the twist. I then spritz with water, fluff out my hair a bit and then I'm out the door."
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7
@taiwott
"I maintain my 'fro by keeping it very moisturized, finger detangling and maintaining low-manipulation styles, which is pretty much just styling my hair in twist-outs and letting it rock."
"I maintain my 'fro by keeping it very moisturized, finger detangling and maintaining low-manipulation styles, which is pretty much just styling my hair in twist-outs and letting it rock."
8
@micaela_baatjes
"Everyday I apply 1-2 drops of Argan oil on my hair to nourish it and ensure a soft, clean curl. I mostly use my fingers to detangle my hair and to shape it by scrunching portions of my hair at a time. I often air-dry my hair if I want a petite Afro with clear-cut curls. If I want to volumize it a bit more, then I will use my fingers for manipulation."
"Everyday I apply 1-2 drops of Argan oil on my hair to nourish it and ensure a soft, clean curl. I mostly use my fingers to detangle my hair and to shape it by scrunching portions of my hair at a time. I often air-dry my hair if I want a petite Afro with clear-cut curls. If I want to volumize it a bit more, then I will use my fingers for manipulation."
9
@scorpio_symone
"At night, I pull my hair into six sections with clips so that it doesn't mash flat while I'm sleeping. I also sleep on a satin pillowcase so that my hair doesn't dry out. All I do is add a little oil in the morning and this usually lasts for about 5-6 days before I have to wet it again."
"At night, I pull my hair into six sections with clips so that it doesn't mash flat while I'm sleeping. I also sleep on a satin pillowcase so that my hair doesn't dry out. All I do is add a little oil in the morning and this usually lasts for about 5-6 days before I have to wet it again."
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10
@courtneybold_
"It's all about conditioning and diffusing for me! I use Coco Amo Hydrate Shampoo, OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner, Coco Amo Love leave-in conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and diffuse every 3-4 days or so. I love wearing my hair natural because while kinks and curls have become a trend, no two naturals are the same, and I love that my hair is 100 percent unique to me."
Maranda Morgan | @a_movement_
"It's all about conditioning and diffusing for me! I use Coco Amo Hydrate Shampoo, OGX Moroccan Argan Oil Conditioner, Coco Amo Love leave-in conditioner, Shea Moisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie and diffuse every 3-4 days or so. I love wearing my hair natural because while kinks and curls have become a trend, no two naturals are the same, and I love that my hair is 100 percent unique to me."
Maranda Morgan | @a_movement_
11
@MissJulee
"I use a hair dryer concentrator attachment to stretch out my 'fro to maximize it's glory! Plus, humidity from outside and the shower makes it shrink on a daily basis. So the concentrator is key in combating that shrinkage. And shoutout to my curl whisperer Anthony Dickey -- the man behind Hair Rules salon and products. He's the truth. "
"I use a hair dryer concentrator attachment to stretch out my 'fro to maximize it's glory! Plus, humidity from outside and the shower makes it shrink on a daily basis. So the concentrator is key in combating that shrinkage. And shoutout to my curl whisperer Anthony Dickey -- the man behind Hair Rules salon and products. He's the truth. "
12
@chrismiss_
"My main tip in really loving your 'fro is to not waste time or energy on trying to make it 'perfect' and accept your hair for what it is. It is beautiful. Don't compare your hair to someone else's. Let it be yours, let it be great."
"My main tip in really loving your 'fro is to not waste time or energy on trying to make it 'perfect' and accept your hair for what it is. It is beautiful. Don't compare your hair to someone else's. Let it be yours, let it be great."
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13
@neonstylefox
"My number one tip for maintaining healthy natural hair is that moisture is your best friend and it is what prevents the frizz and dryness that comes along with naturally curly hair. I suggest finding moisturizers that contain nourishing oils like macadamia and argan that have fatty omega acids to promote healthy hair."
"My number one tip for maintaining healthy natural hair is that moisture is your best friend and it is what prevents the frizz and dryness that comes along with naturally curly hair. I suggest finding moisturizers that contain nourishing oils like macadamia and argan that have fatty omega acids to promote healthy hair."
14
@kenken91
"Bantu knots are a girl's best friend, especially with hair that's not that full. It helps give the illusion of volume."
"Bantu knots are a girl's best friend, especially with hair that's not that full. It helps give the illusion of volume."
15
@claire_most
"Argan oil is my best friend to add shine. After washing and styling your hair, don't touch your 'fro. I know it's hard but let your hair dry without touching."
"Argan oil is my best friend to add shine. After washing and styling your hair, don't touch your 'fro. I know it's hard but let your hair dry without touching."
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16
@organixlocs
"I really prefer frizzed hair and volume. When my twist-outs are 4-5 days old, that's when my hair looks the best because it has more personality; it's almost like a rock star personality. To maintain the volume and moisture, I pineapple method my hair with a silk head wrap at night. In the morning, I'll spray it with some water, apply a light oil and fluff out my hair!"
"I really prefer frizzed hair and volume. When my twist-outs are 4-5 days old, that's when my hair looks the best because it has more personality; it's almost like a rock star personality. To maintain the volume and moisture, I pineapple method my hair with a silk head wrap at night. In the morning, I'll spray it with some water, apply a light oil and fluff out my hair!"
17
@rakiareynolds
"If you want a big 'fro (and your hair isn’t that long), you can use stretching techniques or blow It out (not too straight) and twist with leave-in conditioner only a few hours before your hair debut. I twist my hair at 6:30 a.m. every two days and unravel it right before I step into the office at 9 a.m. If you are afraid of color, damaging your hair, experiment with hair extensions such as Heat-Free Hair in certain sections of the hair."
"If you want a big 'fro (and your hair isn’t that long), you can use stretching techniques or blow It out (not too straight) and twist with leave-in conditioner only a few hours before your hair debut. I twist my hair at 6:30 a.m. every two days and unravel it right before I step into the office at 9 a.m. If you are afraid of color, damaging your hair, experiment with hair extensions such as Heat-Free Hair in certain sections of the hair."
18
@foxyneela
"Less is more ladies! If you find something that works, stick to it. For me, the only thing I use on my hair (besides my shampoo) is Moroccan argan oil. There's no need to weigh your hair down with a million products. I've tried that -- it didn't work. Find something that works for you and stick with it, eventually you'll see a good result!"
"Less is more ladies! If you find something that works, stick to it. For me, the only thing I use on my hair (besides my shampoo) is Moroccan argan oil. There's no need to weigh your hair down with a million products. I've tried that -- it didn't work. Find something that works for you and stick with it, eventually you'll see a good result!"
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19
@latonyayvettte
"I'm not afraid to cut my hair, and I think that it helps the process of growing your 'fro so much faster. I think, like many things, our 'fros set us apart, and natural hair is something to be proud of. Embrace the crazy that is your natural hair, it's beautiful, and it's actually much cheaper and easier to maintain than most think."
Photo Credit: Remi Stoneman Photography for Sonnet James
"I'm not afraid to cut my hair, and I think that it helps the process of growing your 'fro so much faster. I think, like many things, our 'fros set us apart, and natural hair is something to be proud of. Embrace the crazy that is your natural hair, it's beautiful, and it's actually much cheaper and easier to maintain than most think."
Photo Credit: Remi Stoneman Photography for Sonnet James
20
@musesuniform
"I often do twists on my hair. In addition to giving a fine definition to my hair, it's simple to do and allows me to protect my length and my ends. I feel more beautiful and natural hair versatility satisfies my desire to not be so common."
"I often do twists on my hair. In addition to giving a fine definition to my hair, it's simple to do and allows me to protect my length and my ends. I feel more beautiful and natural hair versatility satisfies my desire to not be so common."
21
@kissmycolor
"Five years into having natural hair I have gotten my maintenance down to a science. Nothing too fancy or painstaking because who really has time for that. I do use Carol's Daughter products regularly. Their products seem to work best on my color-treated hair. Weekly wash and conditioning, with a deep condition twice a month. Water is a must on my hair daily with a spritz bottle. I will try any style, as you may notice in my feed. I just recently shaved down the sides and I'm loving the new edgy feel my hair has. When young girls see my hair at work, they are inspired to rock their natural hair, too. It really makes my day."
Photo Credit: John Rivero
"Five years into having natural hair I have gotten my maintenance down to a science. Nothing too fancy or painstaking because who really has time for that. I do use Carol's Daughter products regularly. Their products seem to work best on my color-treated hair. Weekly wash and conditioning, with a deep condition twice a month. Water is a must on my hair daily with a spritz bottle. I will try any style, as you may notice in my feed. I just recently shaved down the sides and I'm loving the new edgy feel my hair has. When young girls see my hair at work, they are inspired to rock their natural hair, too. It really makes my day."
Photo Credit: John Rivero
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22
@currentlyelise
"I live by coconut oil to seal in moisture after a wash. I also love, love, love Liha Idan Oil. It's love in a bottle. It's also a coconut oil base infused with tuberose, which gives it a warm, beachy fragrance. (I also use it on my face.) Trim [hair] often, wear a silk bonnet and drink lots of water!"
"I live by coconut oil to seal in moisture after a wash. I also love, love, love Liha Idan Oil. It's love in a bottle. It's also a coconut oil base infused with tuberose, which gives it a warm, beachy fragrance. (I also use it on my face.) Trim [hair] often, wear a silk bonnet and drink lots of water!"
23
@faarrow
Iman (pictured left): "My hair is colored blonde and it gets really dry so it's important for me to keep it hydrated. I love using Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray. It rejuvenates my curls so they last longer, and it keeps it hydrated!"
Siham (pictured right) : "My hair is finer and longer then my sister's so I need a leave-in product that gives me a little more texture so my hair doesn't go limp! I love to use Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-in Moisturizer. I put it on when my hair is wet, shake my hair like a crazy person to let it air-dry, scrunch it to define my curls even more and then I'm ready to go!"
Photo Credit: Jonathan Wiener | @jweinerphotography
Iman (pictured left): "My hair is colored blonde and it gets really dry so it's important for me to keep it hydrated. I love using Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Refresher Spray. It rejuvenates my curls so they last longer, and it keeps it hydrated!"
Siham (pictured right) : "My hair is finer and longer then my sister's so I need a leave-in product that gives me a little more texture so my hair doesn't go limp! I love to use Carol's Daughter Hair Milk Original Leave-in Moisturizer. I put it on when my hair is wet, shake my hair like a crazy person to let it air-dry, scrunch it to define my curls even more and then I'm ready to go!"
Photo Credit: Jonathan Wiener | @jweinerphotography
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