Traditional African hairstyles are the indigenous hairstyles of the African people. These hairstyles varies from one country or tribe to the other. In the Ancient days, it can be used for identity purpose. During some occasions, some form of hairstyles may be recommended for women in various tribes. It is not surprising that during those days, the materials used for these hairstyles are available in nature. Although those hairstyles have been revamped in modern African hairstyles, but a close look at them still reveals their origin. As a result of transmission of culture, these native hairstyles will continue to exist.
The history of these traditional African hairstyles is dependent on the countries that it originated from. The effect of civilization on these traditional hairstyles is the creation of suitable materials and accessories for them. Early African cultural hairstyles which are popular originated from African countries such as South Africa, Congo, Gambia, Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries. Black women are gifted with cute natural hair because their hair is very strong. It also has the ability to withstand many harsh conditions.
African women really embraced these hairstyles and that is among the reasons why it will never phase out in history. Africans in diaspora and people from other continents rock these hairstyles too. There are also cute Traditional African hairstyles for weddings, choose your desired style and rock it appropriately. There is no harm in trying as many of these hairstyles as possible until you get your favourite style.
Traditional African Hairstyles
1. Zulu Top knot
As the name indicates, this hairstyle has its origin from the Zulu tribe in South Africa. This hairstyle is dates back to 19th century among the Zulu women. To make this hairstyle, the hair is braided in circular shape and the center of the hair is left with a section of the hair that is later wrapped in a spiral shape.
2 . Bantu Knots traditional African hairstyles
Bantu Knots also has its origin from the Zulu people of South Africa. Unlike Zulu Top knot, bantu Knots is achieved by dividing the hair into sections, it is then being twisted and wrapped in such a way that they appear like coiled buns throughout the hair.
3. Fulani Braids Traditional African Hairstyles
Fulani braid is an African traditional hairstyle that has its origin from the Sahel region of West Africa. It goes on from generation to generation with various modifications. This braiding style features braids that hangs on the two sides of the hair. Other decorative braids may be added on the center of the hair or on the two sides of the ear.
4. Edamburu/Tumburu traditional African hairstyle
This hairstyle has its origin from the Mangbetu people of Congo and dates back to the 20th century. This hairstyle has the characteristic feature of a crown. It is achieved by braiding in circular shape that resembles a crown.
5. Thread Braids
Thread hairstyles has its origin from Nigeria, Ghana and people living in the Sub-saharan Africa. This hairstyle is known as a hair straightener and can be achieved on both short and long natural hair. It is a protective hairstyle because the rubber thread covers the hair completely.
6. Afro Traditional Hairstyles
Afro Hair refers to the texture of the African women hair. Afro hairstyles refers to the various methods of styling Afro hair. People of various African tribes have their peculiar way of styling their natural hair. At times, it may require the usage of hair oil.
7. Ghana Braids
Ghana braids has its origin from the Ghanian people of West Africa. The hairstyle dates back to 500 BC. This hairstyle is a protective hairstyle that features cornrows with different parting style. It has a characteristic feature of cornrows with stylishly added extension in-between the cornrows. This hairstyle has gained great recognition all over the continent and beyond. Ghana Hairstyles is popular because it also can be style in various ways.
8. Afro Pondo Hairstyle
This hairstyle is popular among the black South Africa women, African American women and other women in different countries of Africa. It features either a long or short hair bonded with threads or extension thereby forming buns.
9. Beautiful African traditional hairstyles
These hairstyles can be seen randomly among the various tribes in Africa. Style it accordingly and enjoy the look.
10. Box Braids
Box braids are also known as Eembuvi braids of Namibia. The hair became more popular in the 1990s when it was seen on Janet Jackson. It derives it’s name from the fact that the hair division takes the shape of a box. This hairstyle is popular both in Africa and in diaspora. It is also popular because of its protective nature. As a result of the desire of women to look beautiful, add beads and other decorative to this hairstyle.
11. Dreadlock Styles
Dreadlock Hairstyles have its origin from North Africa in the Ancient Egypt. This hairstyle entails locking or braiding the hair to form locs. It is a Hairstyle common among both men and women. Dreadlock Hairstyles requires great maintenance so as to avoid matting of the hair.
12. Puff Braids
This hairstyle originates from other African traditional puff Hairstyles. The braid stops halfway and the rest of the hair is tied to form a bun. You don’t need to worry because of your hair length as there are hair extension you can use.
13. Traditional African wedding hairstyles
It is not surprising that some of the African traditional hairstyles can serve as a wedding hairstyle. Style them appropriately and decorate with accessories to enjoy the look. Use it in both traditional and white wedding because it will take back to your roots. As a bride-to-be, you need to look gorgeous because it is your day.
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47 Beautiful Dreadlock Hairstyles for Ladies
