A visual reference library of black hairstyles compiled by online digital designer Carmahn McCalla launched last month.
Afro Index is a uniform archive of accurate names for hairstyles, advanced filtering and downloadable images, as well as an on-site favorites function to save entries for future reference.
“Afro Index is an attempt to build a structured, culturally informed reference system: one that reflects the real range, technique, and identity behind Black hair,” McCalla said on the website. “It’s both a design project and an evolving archive, focused on improving representation through better tools. No longer will creatives have to suffer through the ‘Killmonger locs’ era.”
McCalla created the site with a multitude of creative groups in mind, such as illustrators, writers and people interested in learning about black hair.
“What’s been most meaningful is how people are actually using it; for character design, learning, and having a reliable reference that respects the culture behind these styles,” McCalla said in a post on LinkedIn.
Practitioner in residence and teaching fellow Katharen Wiese said that she enjoyed the organization and filtering capabilities of the site. She also said the site was perfect for anyone looking into learning about styling and taking care of their natural hair.
“To have an index that’s just celebrating all the different styles and not just a sleek press or whatever, it’s nice to see,” Wiese said. “It’s important. It’s like our resilience.”
Arts and creative technology freshman Katrina Reyes also said that people with textured hair stood to benefit from the site.
“Some people who have textured hair don’t really know how to take care of it, so they just end up damaging it by straightening it every day,” Reyes said.
Coming from a multiracial background, Wiese said that her family members had differing hair textures to her own. She recalled finding it difficult to style her own hair until eventually learning from hairstylist Addis Browne of Roots Collective.
“Learning from her was how I learned how to do my natural hair and wear it, so I feel like this could help people,” Wiese said. “Anyone who’s interested in learning how to style their natural hair, and maybe specifically people with collier textures.”
Still in its first release, called MVP 1, the library includes 50 hairstyles, with reference photos sourced from photographers from Unsplash and Pexels, all credited on the site. It also includes a glossary of common terms related to black hairstyles, haircare and tools and accessories, which currently stands at 28 entries.
“For this first release, I kept the library intentionally lightweight so I could launch something usable, gather feedback, and keep improving it over time,” said McCalla.
Wiese said that she wants to see the site grow to represent more types of hair than those included in MVP 1.
“I would love to see more curl textures, too,” she said. “I’d love to see even more hair textures represented in the photos.”
McCalla also opened the opportunity for submissions and feedback on the site, giving users the opportunity to contribute ideas that may assist with future development.
“While I have put a lot into filling this database, I don’t claim to be the ultimate keeper of Black hair knowledge,” said McCalla. “Most of the information here comes from Black friends and family, books, prior knowledge, and research. Names and techniques can vary by region and community.”
