What is conk hairstyle?

The conk hairstyle, also known as the congolene, is a hairstyle that was popular among African American men in the 1920s to the 1960s. The style involves chemically straightening or relaxing the hair to achieve a sleek, straightened look.

The term "conk" comes from the word "concoction," referring to the hair relaxer or chemical straightening treatment used to achieve the hairstyle. This process involved using lye, a caustic chemical, to straighten the natural curls of African American hair, which could be damaging to the hair and scalp.

The conk was popularized by musicians such as Cab Calloway, Little Richard, and James Brown, who sported the style as a symbol of sophistication and style. It was also seen as a way for African American men to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards.

Although the conk hairstyle has fallen out of mainstream popularity, it still holds cultural significance within the African American community as a symbol of black identity and resistance to societal norms.