Afro
Rock the iconic, voluminous round hairstyle with confidence and retro flair.
An Afro is a bold, voluminous hairstyle that serves as the centerpiece for iconic 1970s, disco, and retro-themed costumes. Whether you are styling your natural hair or wearing a synthetic wig, this look is all about achieving a perfect rounded shape. Complete the aesthetic with classic period accessories like aviator sunglasses and gold chains.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $10–30
Try it on
See yourself as Afro
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Afro costume
Afro wig
A voluminous, tightly curled synthetic wig in black or dark brown.
DIY: Style your natural hair using a pick and curl-defining products if you have afro-textured hair.
Wig cap
A breathable nylon cap to secure your natural hair flat against your scalp.
Wide-tooth afro pick
A plastic or metal pick used to fluff and shape the curls into a perfect sphere.
DIY: Gently use your fingers to lift and separate the curls from the roots.
Retro aviator sunglasses
Gold-framed aviator sunglasses with yellow or amber tinted lenses.
Gold chain necklace
A thick, metallic gold-colored chain necklace for a classic disco-era vibe.
How to put it together
- 1
If using a wig, tuck your natural hair into a secure nylon wig cap to create a flat, even surface.
- 2
Remove the afro wig from its packaging and shake it vigorously to loosen up the synthetic curls.
- 3
Place the wig on your head, aligning the front hairline with your natural forehead line.
- 4
Use a wide-tooth afro pick to gently lift and fluff the curls outward from the base to build volume.
- 5
Pat the outer edges gently with your hands to sculpt the hair into a symmetrical, rounded shape.
- 6
Put on the retro aviator sunglasses and gold chain necklace to complete the classic 70s look.
Makeup & hair
For natural hair, wash, detangle, and use an afro pick to lift from the roots into a rounded shape. For makeup, keep it natural or go for a retro 70s look with sun-kissed bronzer.
Afro for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a 70s disco dancer with a roller derby skater, both sporting voluminous afros.
- group
- Form a full 1970s funk band or disco dance troupe with matching retro outfits and afros.
- kids
- A mini afro wig paired with a colorful tie-dye shirt or bell-bottoms.
- Plus size
- Opt for stretchy, breathable 70s leisure suits or wrap dresses for maximum comfort.
Tips
- Store your synthetic wig on a wig stand or a clean stand to maintain its round shape between uses.
- Never use high heat tools on a standard synthetic afro wig, as it will melt the plastic fibers.
- If the wig looks too shiny, lightly spray it with dry shampoo to give it a more natural matte finish.
Afro costume FAQ
- How do I make a synthetic afro wig look more natural?
- Shake it out thoroughly, use an afro pick to fluff the fibers from the roots, and apply a light dusting of dry shampoo to reduce synthetic shine.
- Can I wash a synthetic afro wig?
- Yes, gently hand-wash it in cold water with a mild shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry completely before picking it out again.
- What accessories go best with an afro costume?
- Classic 1970s accessories like gold chain necklaces, aviator sunglasses, peace sign pendants, and retro patterned shirts work perfectly.
Did you know? The afro emerged as a powerful symbol of pride, natural beauty, and the 'Black is Beautiful' movement during the civil rights era of the 1960s and 1970s.