5 Traditional African Hairstyles

One of the most beautiful and advantageous aspects of wearing our hair in its natural state are the endless possibilities for styling.  Although there is a nostalgic timelessness to box braids, don’t limit the boundaries of your kinky coif. When in doubt, it’s best to take things back to their roots. Traditional African hairstyles not only display a unique creative niche, but also signify important cultural aspects synonymous with a specific group or region. So let’s take it back. Way back. Here are 5 traditional African Hairstyles that would be great to see strutting down the sidewalks of today.

Bantu Knots - One of the more recently popular styles, originated in West Africa. Bantu, meaning people, the culture and style of the Bantu people is so diverse because it is comprised of over 400 cultures. Many women today wear Bantu knots as a method to achieving tight coiled hair. Instead, be brave. Rock the knot!






















SHUKU (also called Suku, means basket): This is quite simple and it is one of the most popular in Nigeria. It is a form of braiding in which the hair runs from the forehead to the nape of the neck or forms a rump on top of the head. Historically, it was only the wives of kings that could make shuku. Now, any gal bold enough can adorn a Shuku atop her crown.






















Angola beaded (Mwila) - Hairstyles hold deep importance in the Mwila culture. In fact, their hairstyles have brought much admiration cross- culturally. They decorate their hairstyle with beads, cauri shells (real or plastic ones) and even dried food. Shaving the forehead is considered as a sign of beauty. Not ready to make the big shave? The beautiful bead work of the Mwila women is definitely one worth replicating.
 





















Eritrean Braids - They characterize and distinguish each ethnicity and play an important role in traditional societies. Depending on the gender, certain hairstyles can even provide information about a person's beliefs, marital status and to which ceremonial occasions they are participating in. The most common hairstyles found among Tigre women are called fegiret and qedamit. These hairstyles consists of small micro-braids that run sideways and straight back to the nape of the neck. No need to update this look. It’s beautiful and easy to wear as is.



Madagascar Styles - The Hova women, of Madagascar, traditionally wear their hair plaited in extremely fine braids, and tied in a number of small knots or bunches all over the head. The Betsimasaraka women their hair braided for two or three inches, and then arranged in a sort of circular mass or ball, two or three hanging down on each side. This style would be a great alternative to a traditional fro. A simple corn rolls up top fashioned with shaped spheres adorning the bottom. Werk!

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