Afros

The Afro deserves a category of its own. Although most closely associated with Black culture and the Black Power movement, the style also appeared among physique models with naturally tight curls or coarser hair textures.

1. Richard Sickowski with blond afro reclining on his elbows on a covered box.

2. Juan Cruz aka John Taylor aka Curtis Walker with a large afro seated on a wooden box.

3. Tom Roan by Dave Martin (thanks, Naven1918) seated on a draped box with afro mullet.

Unlike other hairstyles shaped by combs or scissors, the Afro celebrates the hair's natural texture and volume. It grows outward rather than downward, creating a bold silhouette that immediately commands attention.

4. Tom Roan by Dave Martin (thanks, Naven1918) again, in a standing pose with with one knee up on a table.

5. Rick Wayne kneeling in the grass with a short afro.

6. Chris Kapellas flexing his bicep and directing his penis forward with a short afro. Photo by David Hurles aka Old Reliable.

7. Steve Rally posed screwing in a lightbulb for Playgirl in 1985 with short afro and mustache.

Photographically, the rounded shape creates a beautiful counterpoint to the body itself. The soft halo of hair contrasts with defined muscles while quietly echoing the body's own curves and contours. It also echoes the pubic hair, which most models let grow wild in the mid-20th century. Like every hairstyle in this series, it becomes another visual element within the photograph, helping shape masculine identity, personality, and desirability.

8. Chad Hazard posed with an afro and full beard next to a bust by Colt Studios.

9. Ken Conroy posed from behind outdoors with a short afro and strong tanlines.

10. Closing with Duke Vitale posed with a afro mullet and mustache at oblique back view in front of a blue backdrop by Colt Studios.

Please leave thoughts, questions, additions or corrections in the comments. Thank you, bns