Beautiful African Hairstyles And Traditional Hair Care

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, hair was - and still is - a big deal. Your hair symbolized your social status, your beliefs and even in some cases, your tribe. Even more important are the traditional ingredients and natural substances found on the Continent that attribute to creating these hair identities.  

We’ll be introducing you to some of the popular and natural hairstyles from all over Africa. In addition to that, we’ll learn more about the traditional ingredients behind these beautiful styles.

Read on. Who knows? You might get some inspiration and finally discover your signature hairstyle.

The East and West African Braids & Threading

The East and West African people have a lot in common despite the distance between them. We love each other's music - Afro-pop (from West Africa) and Bongo Flavor (from East Africa). Hairstyles and hair care products are some of the other things we also have in common.

West African women take braids very seriously and are known for their extravagant, but beautiful braided hairstyles. Special attention goes to their beaded braids.  

East African women can’t be left behind. They are well known for pushing forward gorgeous hairstyles based on that braided goodness. 

African threading is also a protective style that involves taking thread, wrapping it up and around about a small section of hair from your root to the tip. This hairstyle has been a traditional part of hair care in many parts of  Sub-Saharan African communities for many generations. Threading is called “Nywele” in Swahili. People choose this hairstyle with protection in mind and the ability to help retain its length, since your hair isn't as exposed to breakage from overuse. 

The North African Curly Hair

The majority of North African women have curly hair. Curly hair is unpredictable and spontaneous, nothing is boring about it.

North African women own their curly locks;

• The classic curls.
• The Side-swept curls.
• The 70s-curls.
• The pulled back curls.
• The famous disco hair.

You might be wondering, what do these North African women use to style and maintain their hair?

Argan Oil

Argan oil is a natural miracle-working oil extracted from the Argan Tree. In case you’re wondering, it’s prominent in Morocco and is packed with vitamin E, antioxidant properties, and perfect for your hair and skin. It also nourishes and strengthens hair.

Garlic

Garlic is a hair care ingredient used by Algerians. Garlic has an insane ability to stimulate hair growth. It's recommended to those suffering from thin hair and hair loss. Though you have to be careful, garlic is known to irritate those with sensitive skin.

Also, you can try out henna while you’re at it. Henna is also known for its hair regeneration ability.

Shea Butter

Another superfood from Africa! Shea Butter is commonly known as Karite in West Africa. It’s good for your skin and hair. It has a unique healing characteristic that gives it the ability to clear dandruff, soothe irritated scalps, and restore the shine to dull and tired-looking hair.

Shea butter can also rapidly stimulate hair growth and make it nice and thick. It’s like an all-powerful product that gives your hair everything it needs to grow and shine. In case you’re wondering, Shea butter is rich in vitamins A, E, and F. It also has all the beneficial fatty acids; linoleic, palmitic, stearic, and oleic fatty acids.

The South and Central African Locks & Knots

Dreadlocks are usually associated with Rastafarians, however, did you know that dreadlocks are fairly popular on the continent? Dreadlocks have a natural look  and for some, it's a way of life.

In addition to looking good, dreadlocks are easy to maintain and can sync well with other hairstyles. After a long night out, you might not remember the face, but you’ll definitely remember the locks. 

Derived from the southern African dialect of ‘Bantu’, Bantu knots are a protective hairstyle or no-heat stretched out style traditional to southern and central Africa. The knots are made by twisting your hair around itself until it twists into a self-holding spiral. It is used as a style for both natural and relaxed hair and can be used in overnight routines to preserve longer lasting or more defined curly hairstyles.

Baobab

We all know Baobab is a superfood. Why else would people refer to it as “the tree of life” and a gift from the gods?

Did you know that Baobab is the best hair nourisher you can get your hands on?

Baobab oil and powder is rich in Vitamins A, D, E and F. In addition to that, they’re also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids to allow for easy absorption without leaving behind a greasy streak. It’s simple - Baobab is among the best natural hair moisturizers in the world.

Come, see for yourself. See what Uhai Hair’s Baobab Collection has to offer!

Moringa

Another amazing superfood you’ll have to try out. Moringa is well known in West Africa and also originates in parts of Kenya and Tanzania.  

Moringa is already known as a powerhouse-food full of vitamins and nutrients. However, not many people know of its hair abilities. Moringa is perfect for clearing dandruff, boosting hair growth, moisturizing, and strengthening hair.

Chebe Powder

Chebe powder is a secret and powerful hair care product used by women from the African Republic of Chad. It’s a natural mixture of many ingredients like cloves, cherry seeds, lavender crotons, resin tree sap, and stone scent. Chebe powder is rich in a variety of nutrients that gives it anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and conditioning properties. However, there is one thing that makes Chebe powder very special:

Chebe powder boosts hair growth MASSIVELY. Most people think long hair is something you have to be born with. Chebe powder begs to differ.