The Iconic Tool That Shaped a Generation’s Confidence
Source: eBay
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.
Source: eBay
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.
This wasn’t a tool reserved for the professionals. Moms, dads, siblings, and friends all used picks to style each other’s hair, often in front of a mirror with music playing in the background. The process itself was a ritual of care, a shared moment of connection that brought families and communities closer together.
The hair pick also transcended its function as a grooming tool. It reflected the spirit of the times—bold, unapologetic, and confident. Afros weren’t just a hairstyle; they were a celebration of heritage and a declaration of identity. Sporting an afro shaped to perfection with a pick sent a message of self-love and defiance against societal norms that had long marginalized natural hair.
During the ’70s, hair picks even began to take on artistic and political dimensions. Some were designed with raised fists on the handle, symbolizing Black Power and solidarity. They became as much a cultural artifact as a hair tool, a tangible piece of history that connected people to a broader movement for equality and self-expression.
Looking at this bright yellow pick today, you can almost hear the crackle of vinyl records spinning Marvin Gaye or Aretha Franklin. While hairstyles have evolved over the decades, the hair pick remains a beloved accessory for those who celebrate their curls and coils. Its enduring presence speaks to its perfect combination of utility and cultural significance.
So, if you stumble across one of these vintage treasures in a drawer or at a thrift shop, don’t just see it as a relic of the past. See it as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and pride. The hair pick of the 1960s wasn’t just about lifting hair—it was about lifting spirits and celebrating individuality in a time of profound social change.
After all, some tools aren’t just practical—they’re powerful reminders of who we are and where we’ve been.
