African-American beauty

Influenced by the racial perspectives on beauty, lighter skin tones and straight hair have been considered desirable characteristics by different groups, including African Americans.

[3][4] Racialized perspectives on beauty which led to lighter skin tones being considered desirable characteristics by different groups including African Americans can be traced back to slavery.

[4] Similar to other minority groups, African Americans have been subject to Western beauty ideals which portray slim body types as the standard to aspire to.

There have been limited studies that show the effects of Western beauty ideals and the resulting eating disorders amongst African Americans.

[12] Despite the role played by media in setting beauty standards for hair, social media has provided a platform for African Americans who are progressing beauty standards by wearing their hair in different states, including its natural state.