What is a conk hairstyle?

A conk hairstyle is a type of hairdo that was popular in the African American community during the 1920s to 1960s. It involves chemically straightening tightly curled or kinky hair to create a straight, smooth, and glossy look.

The conk hairstyle was named after the conk, a gel-like substance made from lye, eggs, and potatoes, that was used to straighten the hair. The process of conking involved applying the conk mixture to the hair and then combing it through to create a sleek and straight style. This process was extremely damaging to the hair and scalp, as lye is a caustic substance that can cause burns and hair breakage.

The conk hairstyle was popularized by African American celebrities such as Malcolm X, James Brown, and Little Richard, who often sported the sleek and polished look. However, in recent years, the conk has fallen out of fashion due to its damaging effects on the hair and scalp, as well as a shift towards embracing natural hair textures and styles within the African American community.