Designer Simon Skinner's "Syntax" Tells the Story of Black Hair Through a Simple Tool: The Afro Pick
Designed to tell a broader story of Blackness in Sweden.
The Afro pick for textured hair is nothing new for those of Afro descent. This simple tool is a sheer symbol of strength, resistance and power. For Swedish designer Simon Skinner, the comb designed for natural hair represents the “essence of his inner being.”
In the spirit of self-care and awareness, Skinner explores a journey featuring an eight-piece collection of combs that fully represents the Black experience and cultural identity. The designer created “Syntax” to symbolize the art of shapes, materials, colors and designers while elevating the traditional comb design and giving reverence to his Afro-Caribbean background.
With power and purpose, each comb is a story and behind each story is a person. One of the stories that hit home is the concept of “Afrospecialist.” It tells the tale of a boy’s encounter with the barbershop, a historic space in tandem with a little girl’s memory of the Black beauty shop — it denotes safety.
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Afro picks have always piqued Skinner’s passion. He introduced the concept in 2019 and decided to revisit the collection and technique years later.
As the haircare tools are handmade, they come in limited quantities. To support this designer’s amazing tribute, the Afro picks are up for grabs via his website.
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