Hairstyles are shorthand for history. An afro can be a placeholder for the 1970s; a flat top fade the Fresh Prince-dominated 1990s. So the folks over at Cut decided to illustrate that progression with a video charting how black men’s barnets have progressed since 1910, to show how hair reflects world wars, civil rights and a decade’s soundtrack.

Beyond the history lesson, the video also provides some serious inspiration, should you be thinking about a change up top.

(Related: The best men’s black and afro hairstyles)