Cornrows

Canerows are 3-strand plaits which are tight to the scalp, resembling rows of corn. This hairstyle can be traced back to 3000BC, particularly in the Horn and West coasts of Africa.

Braids originated from African culture from 3500BC. It was a unique way to identify a person’s wealth, religion, age and marital status. Not only this, but it would be a time where people would socialise due to the amount of time it took to braid hair. Adults would braids their children’s hair whilst others watched and learnt in the process.

In the early 1500s, the Cornrows were used as a communication medium amongst a variety of African societies that were later followed to migrate to the Americas as slaves, where their customs followed. They signified your tribe, marital status, wealth, religion and more.

The traditional rows have evolved into different patterns over time, such as; zig zags and swirls. Or beads threaded onto the ends for children. Cornrows are also often used as the basis of weaves, where they are sewn or looped throught the cornrows.

Fulani Braids

The Fulani braid is a traditional hairstyle originating from the Fulani (Fula) people in West Africa and the Sahel region. A complicated style, intricately tied together to form plaits that resemble waves.

There are a few variations of this hairstyle, but all ages can generally wear it. Decorated with beads, shells, wooden or metal accents, or even family’s silver coins and amber for heritage purposes.

Box Braids

The name box braids refers to how the hair is sectioned on the scalp, before any extensions are plaited on. This style of braiding is a continuation from the Eembuvi braids of Namibia, or the chin-length bob braids of the Nile Valley from over 3000 years ago.

Microlocs

Microlocs are a smaller and finer ‘sister’ hairstyle to Sisterlocs. The diameter can range from that of a shoelace to that of a straw. They are believed to have originated with the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia, as a transformation from the dreadlock.

Bantu Knots

Bantu is a term used to refer to the many indigenous groups of Southern Africa, bu the Bantu knot is believed to have been created by the Zulu tribe. The knots refer to small buns of coiled hair and braids. They are deeply intertwined with cultural heritage, personal expression, and resistance to societal norms.. The hairstyle reflects a rich history of African traditions, beliefs, and values, playing an important role in Black identity.

Amasunzu

The Amasunzu hairstyle was originally worn by the tutsi and Hutu people of Rwanda, dating over 500 years. A style worn to signify bravery, virility or freedom, by people of all social marital status. Warriors would wear the style to show their strength in battle and young women wore it as a symbol that they were not yet married or had children. The hairstyle is adapted to be complementary to the wearer’s body frame, and is a collection of rows of hairstyles into crescent shapes with sharp lines.

Oto

The Oto hairstyle would be a day to day pattern from the Efik women. Named after a Wateryam dish that is often sectioned in a similar way. The hair is cut into tiny sections and threaded at the bottom, the top is left like tiny balls, loosely done. In modern day, Oto is mainly used by young and pre-adolescent girls.

Eembuvi

The Eembuvi style is one worn by the Mbalantu women of Namibia. A style that requires preparation from a young age when Mbalantu girls used thick layers of finely ground tree bark and oils, a mixture said to be the secret of growing such healthy long hair.

African Thread

African Threads have been around for centuries. Weaving, embroidery and crochet are used to create the beadwork in this style. This method involved braiding hair and then intertwining it with threads to make a mesh-like structure. African Threads are often created as a headpiece or a turban and are worn by both men and women.

Calabar

The Calabar hairstyle is divided into sections, either cut into very little bits or big ones, then simply matted or braided. This is a hairstyle that is worn daily and casually. Hair could be braided naturally of with fibre, with varying lengths. The style derives its name from the Nigerian port city where it is common.

Nkuho

A hairstyle representing the tradition of the Efik women, who are preparing for motherhood, known as ‘The Flattening Period.’ This became a coming of age ritual for girls, and the style depended on the social status and wealth of the parents. The Nkuho has a variety of hair designs to choose from.