Owambo braided hairstyle, circa 1920s. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Owambo braided hairstyle, circa 1920s. Sourced from Vintag.es.

The Oshikoma and Iipando headdress of Ngandjera women, circa 1940s. Sourced from Vintag.es.

The Oshikoma and Iipando headdress of Ngandjera women, circa 1940s. Sourced from Vintag.es.

A structured, cone-shaped sculptural hairstyle with a voluminous rear roll, worn by a royal woman from Foumban, Cameroon circa 1911. Sourced from Vintag.es.

A structured, cone-shaped sculptural hairstyle with a voluminous rear roll, worn by a royal woman from Foumban, Cameroon circa 1911. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Traditional, high-crowned Mangbetu hairstyle that aligns with elongation as a beauty standard. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Traditional, high-crowned Mangbetu hairstyle that aligns with elongation as a beauty standard. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Woman wearing a Edamburu hairstyle traditionally worn by Mangbetu women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Woman wearing a Edamburu hairstyle traditionally worn by Mangbetu women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti photographed with her hair parted down the center, swept into a high, sculptural updo and adorned on one side with a beaded hairpiece. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti photographed with her hair parted down the center, swept into a high, sculptural updo and adorned on one side with a beaded hairpiece. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Woman wearing a Edamburu hairstyle traditionally worn by Mangbetu women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Woman wearing a Edamburu hairstyle traditionally worn by Mangbetu women from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Niece of King Njoya, wearing a crested coiffure with side cornrows traditionally worn by the Bamum elite of Cameroon. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

Niece of King Njoya, wearing a crested coiffure with side cornrows traditionally worn by the Bamum elite of Cameroon. Sourced from Eccentric Yoruba.

A basket-woven halo hairstyle worn by a woman from Foumban, Cameroon circa 1911 to 1915. Sourced from Vintag.es.

A basket-woven halo hairstyle worn by a woman from Foumban, Cameroon circa 1911 to 1915. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Half afro, half braided hairstyle worn by a Swahili girl. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Half afro, half braided hairstyle worn by a Swahili girl. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Photograph by Jacques Do Kokou, featured in issue no. 55 of Akouvi magazine (Lomé, Togo), May 1977. The image was part of the presentation “Tresses togolaises” curated by Abotsi Fo Messa.

Photograph by Jacques Do Kokou, featured in issue no. 55 of Akouvi magazine (Lomé, Togo), May 1977. The image was part of the presentation “Tresses togolaises” curated by Abotsi Fo Messa.

Woman with elaborate braided cone-shaped hairstyle, photographed by J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, from the Hairstyles series (Nigeria, 1968–1975).

Woman with elaborate braided cone-shaped hairstyle, photographed by J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, from the Hairstyles series (Nigeria, 1968–1975).

Woman with elaborate hairthreading hairstyle, photographed by J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, from the Hairstyles series (Nigeria, 1968–1975).

Woman with elaborate hairthreading hairstyle, photographed by J.D. ’Okhai Ojeikere, from the Hairstyles series (Nigeria, 1968–1975).

Hairstyle in Jimma, Oromiyaa, East Africa. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Hairstyle in Jimma, Oromiyaa, East Africa. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Oromo (Kemetic Africa) hairstyle in Jimma, Oromia. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Oromo (Kemetic Africa) hairstyle in Jimma, Oromia. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Elaborate headdress worn by a woman circa 1960, Nigeria. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Elaborate headdress worn by a woman circa 1960, Nigeria. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Hair threading in Nigeria. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Hair threading in Nigeria. Sourced from Vintag.es.

Married Ova Wambo woman wearing the Omhatela headdress, which resembles the horns of a bull. Photographed by A. Scherz in Namibia, (1940). Sourced from Vintag.es.

Married Ova Wambo woman wearing the Omhatela headdress, which resembles the horns of a bull. Photographed by A. Scherz in Namibia, (1940). Sourced from Vintag.es.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornament. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornaments. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Woman from the African Coast photographed by F.W.H Arkhurst, with their hair swept high and adorned with gold ornaments. Sourced from AdireAfricanTextiles.blogspot.com.

Two women from the Mbalantu of Wambo group, with ankle-length braids through the use of sinew (eefipa) extensions. Photographed by M. Schettler, circa 1940s.

Two women from the Mbalantu of Wambo group, with ankle-length braids through the use of sinew (eefipa) extensions. Photographed by M. Schettler, circa 1940s.

"Abebe" by Nigerian photographer J. D. Okhai Ojeikere, 1975. Showcasing a Nigerian hairstyle.

"Abebe" by Nigerian photographer J. D. Okhai Ojeikere, 1975. Showcasing a Nigerian hairstyle.

Traditional congo hairstyle known as "nwani" or "nyoni" from Kisangani, Congo, featuring intricate grid-like braiding patterns. Photo taken in West Africa, rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Traditional congo hairstyle known as "nwani" or "nyoni" from Kisangani, Congo, featuring intricate grid-like braiding patterns. Photo taken in West Africa, rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Woman from northern Dan village of Biankuma, Ivory Coast, West Africa. With her forehead lined with a braids at each side, between the ear and the cheek. Photographed by Vandenhoute, 1938-39, IV.F.V. 89-10.

Woman from northern Dan village of Biankuma, Ivory Coast, West Africa. With her forehead lined with a braids at each side, between the ear and the cheek. Photographed by Vandenhoute, 1938-39, IV.F.V. 89-10.

Wife of the Niao chief at Ganya in We- territory of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Photographed by Vandenhoute, 1938-39, IV.F.VII. 134-10.

Wife of the Niao chief at Ganya in We- territory of Ivory Coast, West Africa. Photographed by Vandenhoute, 1938-39, IV.F.VII. 134-10.

Fulani woman with intricate coiffure and hair ornaments. Photo rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Fulani woman with intricate coiffure and hair ornaments. Photo rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Igbo woman from Nigeria with coiffure in the form of a crest with ornaments and comb. Photo rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Igbo woman from Nigeria with coiffure in the form of a crest with ornaments and comb. Photo rights reserved to Afrika Museum, Berg en Dal.

Igbo woman wearing an Ojongo crested hairstyle shaped with palm oil and charcoal dust.

Igbo woman wearing an Ojongo crested hairstyle shaped with palm oil and charcoal dust.

Zulu man with hair molded into flare panels.

Zulu man with hair molded into flare panels.

Coiffure hairstyles of Fante Gold Coast women, 1895. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Coiffure hairstyles of Fante Gold Coast women, 1895. Sourced from Kwekudee.

"Mkpuk Eba", photographed by J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, 1974. Showcasing bantu knots, which started in the Zulu Kingdom. Sourced from Kwekudee.

"Mkpuk Eba", photographed by J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, 1974. Showcasing bantu knots, which started in the Zulu Kingdom. Sourced from Kwekudee.

A Himba woman from northwestern Namibia with long, thick braids thickly sculpted with otjize paste. Sourced from Kwekudee.

A Himba woman from northwestern Namibia with long, thick braids thickly sculpted with otjize paste. Sourced from Kwekudee.

A Himba woman from northwestern Namibia with micro braids sculpted with otjize paste. Sourced from Kwekudee.

A Himba woman from northwestern Namibia with micro braids sculpted with otjize paste. Sourced from Kwekudee.

“Lipombo,” the Mangbetu tradition of head elongation, practiced in the Congo region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sourced from Kwekudee.

“Lipombo,” the Mangbetu tradition of head elongation, practiced in the Congo region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Suri woman from Ethiopia with a partially shaved head featuring a small patch of hair on top, a sign of feminine beauty. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Suri woman from Ethiopia with a partially shaved head featuring a small patch of hair on top, a sign of feminine beauty. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Royal child with side plait, New Kingdom, ancient Egypt, reflecting the customary sidelock worn by children of pharaonic lineage. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Royal child with side plait, New Kingdom, ancient Egypt, reflecting the customary sidelock worn by children of pharaonic lineage. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Boy with plait (ozondato and ondengura neckband, from Himba, Namibia. Photographed by Anneliese Scherz circa 1940s. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Boy with plait (ozondato and ondengura neckband, from Himba, Namibia. Photographed by Anneliese Scherz circa 1940s. Sourced from Kwekudee.

Afro Hair Archive. (n.d.). Men’s hairdressing, Sango, Upper Mobangi River, Democratic Republic of Congo [Photograph]. Early 20th century, The Minister of Colonies, Belgium.

Afro Hair Archive. (n.d.). Men’s hairdressing, Sango, Upper Mobangi River, Democratic Republic of Congo [Photograph]. Early 20th century, The Minister of Colonies, Belgium.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Sagay, E. (1983). African hairstyles: Styles of yesterday and today. Photographs by N. Fredrick and others. Heinemann.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an afro.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an afro.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Ojeikere, J. D. ‘O. (2000). Photographs [Hair sculpture, Nigeria]. Design by Studio Ackermann (M. Bücher, T. Pfister, S. Moos, T. Schalow, & O. Ferner); text by A. Magnin.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a high sculpted, voluminous updo.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with a high sculpted, voluminous updo.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an afro.

Young woman from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with an afro.

Esi Sagay African Hairstyles Source:The african Photobook

Esi Sagay African Hairstyles Source:The african Photobook

Esi Sagay source: The African Photobook

Esi Sagay source: The African Photobook

Chad source unknown

Chad source unknown

Madagascar source unknown

Madagascar source unknown

Ethiopia source unknown

Ethiopia source unknown

Afar Girl, Eritrea source unknown

Afar Girl, Eritrea source unknown

Atnip's Niger Girl with ornate hairstyle and gold coins details and small tightly braided pigtails Niger by Maurice Ascani

Atnip's Niger Girl with ornate hairstyle and gold coins details and small tightly braided pigtails Niger by Maurice Ascani

Ojeikere, J. D. ’Okhai. (1977, printed 2013). Suku Sesema. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Ojeikere, J. D. ’Okhai. (1977, printed 2013). Suku Sesema. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

Hirut (From the collection of Maaza Mengiste)

Hirut (From the collection of Maaza Mengiste)

Bisharin Child — source: unknown

Bisharin Child — source: unknown

Traditional hairstyle worn by a Tigrinya girl — source ig: @eri.treanarchives

Traditional hairstyle worn by a Tigrinya girl — source ig: @eri.treanarchives

Young gourane (toubou) woman from Zigey, Chad. 1949-1950 — source: unknown

Young gourane (toubou) woman from Zigey, Chad. 1949-1950 — source: unknown

A Madama from Eritrea — source :unknown.

A Madama from Eritrea — source :unknown.

Wealthy women from Madagascar (1900s) — source: unknown

Wealthy women from Madagascar (1900s) — source: unknown

Senegal, circa 1970. — Source: unknown

Senegal, circa 1970. — Source: unknown

National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution. (2015, November 7). Smithsonian Learning Lab Resource: S. O. Madagascar - Types Malgaches [postcard] : Femme Veso. Retrieved May 23, 2026.

National Museum of African Art, Smithsonian Institution. (2015, November 7). Smithsonian Learning Lab Resource: S. O. Madagascar - Types Malgaches [postcard] : Femme Veso. Retrieved May 23, 2026.

Afrique Orientale-Coiffure Betsileo [Photograph]. (n.d.). Wikimedia Commons.

Afrique Orientale-Coiffure Betsileo [Photograph]. (n.d.). Wikimedia Commons.

Middlebrook (attr.), J.E. (1870–1900) A Zulu girl. Hair strung with beads. The Walther Collection.

Middlebrook (attr.), J.E. (1870–1900) A Zulu girl. Hair strung with beads. The Walther Collection.

East African island cultures appreciation thread — source: unknown

East African island cultures appreciation thread — source: unknown

Bernatzik, H. A. (1931). Kanembu girl, Lake Tchad [Photograph], p. 20. In The dark continent: Africa, the landscape and the people. Studio London.

Bernatzik, H. A. (1931). Kanembu girl, Lake Tchad [Photograph], p. 20. In The dark continent: Africa, the landscape and the people. Studio London.

Ancient Luba hairstyle. Circa 1888.

Ancient Luba hairstyle. Circa 1888.

[Two young women standing outdoors in patterned garments] [Photograph]. Eccentric Yoruba. https://eccentricyoruba.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/african-girls.jpg

[Two young women standing outdoors in patterned garments] [Photograph]. Eccentric Yoruba. https://eccentricyoruba.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/african-girls.jpg

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Cameroon, Tikar people, 1920.

Cameroon, Tikar people, 1920.

"Dressing Fanti Lady's hair - Sekondi, Gold Coast, West Africa". circa 1900s. The image is part of the "GHANA, SIERRA LEONE AND THE GOLD COAST RAILWAY" photography album compiled by Harry Adcock.

"Dressing Fanti Lady's hair - Sekondi, Gold Coast, West Africa". circa 1900s. The image is part of the "GHANA, SIERRA LEONE AND THE GOLD COAST RAILWAY" photography album compiled by Harry Adcock.

Young women in a hair salon in Abetifi-Kwahu, Ghana, around 1890-1910. From Basel Mission Archives.

Young women in a hair salon in Abetifi-Kwahu, Ghana, around 1890-1910. From Basel Mission Archives.

"Nosy-Be kvinde" ("Nosy-Be woman"). From the island of Nosy-Be, north west Madagascar. Circa 1868. Part of Photographs of the Mission Archives, School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger, Norway, ca.1870-1950

"Nosy-Be kvinde" ("Nosy-Be woman"). From the island of Nosy-Be, north west Madagascar. Circa 1868. Part of Photographs of the Mission Archives, School of Mission and Theology, Stavanger, Norway, ca.1870-1950

Mgbokwo of Öka (Awka) photographed by British colonial government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, 1910-1911, colourised (and cropped) from black and white by Ụ́kpụ́rụ́, 2018. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge.

Mgbokwo of Öka (Awka) photographed by British colonial government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, 1910-1911, colourised (and cropped) from black and white by Ụ́kpụ́rụ́, 2018. Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Cambridge.

An Igbo girl in the photo album of British colonial government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, taken c. 1910-11. MAA Cambridge.

An Igbo girl in the photo album of British colonial government anthropologist Northcote Thomas, taken c. 1910-11. MAA Cambridge.

Young married woman from Achalla Awka wearing a wig, north-central Igbo area, Nigeria. Photo: K. C. Murray, 1939.

Young married woman from Achalla Awka wearing a wig, north-central Igbo area, Nigeria. Photo: K. C. Murray, 1939.

A photo of an Igbo woman from Eastern Nigeria, G. I. Jones, 1930-1939.

A photo of an Igbo woman from Eastern Nigeria, G. I. Jones, 1930-1939.

Man from Mbwaku in Nairaland. Photo by G.I. Jones.

Man from Mbwaku in Nairaland. Photo by G.I. Jones.

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Onolibwo, an Igbo woman of Isele Asaba. Photo taken by Northcote Thomas and published in Anthropological Report on Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria, Part IV (1914).

Onolibwo, an Igbo woman of Isele Asaba. Photo taken by Northcote Thomas and published in Anthropological Report on Ibo-speaking Peoples of Nigeria, Part IV (1914).

Hair braiding in Omdurman, (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

Hair braiding in Omdurman, (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

Vintage Afro Hairstyles.jpg
Vintage Congo Belge Map.jpg
Songhai Clothing.jpg
Saeda Kamaal is attended by her hair plaiter in 1960s-70s Omdurman.

Saeda Kamaal is attended by her hair plaiter in 1960s-70s Omdurman.

Pre Colonial Nigeria.jpg
A young woman of Omdurman with her elegant mushat. (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

A young woman of Omdurman with her elegant mushat. (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

Hair With Thread.jpg
4c Hair Texture.jpg
A young girl with hair braided in the mushat manner (Sisters under the Sun, Marjorie Hall and Bakhita Amin Ismail, 1981)

A young girl with hair braided in the mushat manner (Sisters under the Sun, Marjorie Hall and Bakhita Amin Ismail, 1981)

danakil woman.jpg
Eritrean woman.jpg
An Omdurman woman with mushat dressing her companion’s hair, (Morhig photography, 1905-1910, personal collection)

An Omdurman woman with mushat dressing her companion’s hair, (Morhig photography, 1905-1910, personal collection)

A boy's hairstyle in Alabdu-Guji 1954

A boy's hairstyle in Alabdu-Guji 1954

Toubou Braids

Toubou Braids

A little girl from Omdurman with fine braids framing her face, (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

A little girl from Omdurman with fine braids framing her face, (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

Beauty.jpg
Traditional Hairstyle.jpg
African Culture Hair.jpg
Guerret woman, Ivory Coast

Guerret woman, Ivory Coast

fullsizerender-6-4.jpg.webp
Figura foto 1936.jpg
Sudanese ornate hair braids

Sudanese ornate hair braids

A portrait of a Sudanese woman (photographer unknown, 1890-1923, Wikipedia, CC). The young woman’s hair is dressed in the fine mushat plaits or braids interwoven with beads and jewels which for so many generations have embodied northern Sudanese cano

A portrait of a Sudanese woman (photographer unknown, 1890-1923, Wikipedia, CC). The young woman’s hair is dressed in the fine mushat plaits or braids interwoven with beads and jewels which for so many generations have embodied northern Sudanese canons of beauty.

Traditional Hairstyle-2.jpg
Tuareg Braids.jpg
Photo, detail of Morhig postcard, personal collection)

Photo, detail of Morhig postcard, personal collection)

The people of the Nuba mountains. Nuba is a collective term used here for the peoples who inhabit the Nuba Mountains, in Kordofan province, Sudan, Africa.

The people of the Nuba mountains. Nuba is a collective term used here for the peoples who inhabit the Nuba Mountains, in Kordofan province, Sudan, Africa.

figura africana foto 1936.jpg
A colonial era Sudanese dancer performing the ancient stomach dance (personal collection), her long braids swaying gracefully to the floor

A colonial era Sudanese dancer performing the ancient stomach dance (personal collection), her long braids swaying gracefully to the floor

Afro Brutalism.jpg
African Hairstyles.jpg
A woman performing the pigeon dance (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

A woman performing the pigeon dance (Der Dunkle Erdteil, Berlin 1930)

Tigray, Ethiopia (1973)

Tigray, Ethiopia (1973)

Figura foto 1936-2.jpg
Eritrea Braids.jpg
Somali nomad girl.jpg
Kau and the people of the Nuba mountains - Sudan. Nuba is a collective term used here for the peoples who inhabit the Nuba Mountains, in Kordofan province, Sudan, Africa.

Kau and the people of the Nuba mountains - Sudan. Nuba is a collective term used here for the peoples who inhabit the Nuba Mountains, in Kordofan province, Sudan, Africa.

Congolese Hairstyles.jpg
West African Hair Styles.jpg
From a collection of portraits by Sudanese photographer, Amin Rashid taken during Sudan’s golden age of photography

From a collection of portraits by Sudanese photographer, Amin Rashid taken during Sudan’s golden age of photography

Ethiopia 🇪🇹.jpg
Ice Cone Haircut.jpg
Detail of colonial era photograph of a young Bisharin girl.

Detail of colonial era photograph of a young Bisharin girl.

Geographical Map Of Sudan.jpg
Ethiopia , Afar man.jpg
Ethiopia Geographical Features.jpg
This is the kind of hairstyle worn by young Igbo men around what is roughly present-day Anambra and Enugu States. The photo was taken around the 1920s. Young guys grew their hair like this for the same reasons young guys grow their hair today. Colour

This is the kind of hairstyle worn by young Igbo men around what is roughly present-day Anambra and Enugu States. The photo was taken around the 1920s. Young guys grew their hair like this for the same reasons young guys grow their hair today. Colourized by Oziikoro 2025

Young Igbo man from Ubulu-Uku (in present-day northern Delta State, Nigeria). Photograph taken by Northcote Thomas in the early 20th century

Young Igbo man from Ubulu-Uku (in present-day northern Delta State, Nigeria). Photograph taken by Northcote Thomas in the early 20th century

🇪🇷.jpg
Afar Curls.jpg
Rwanda Hairstyle.jpg
A la Tulaye from Coiffures traditionnelles et modernes du Mali by Mamadou Kone

A la Tulaye from Coiffures traditionnelles et modernes du Mali by Mamadou Kone

African Knots.jpg
Ancient Somalia.jpg
Traditional Hairstyle-3.jpg
Guinea Hairstyles.jpg
Hugo Bernatzik (1897-1953) Soedan, Kaka, Sobat rivier, Shilluk-tribe 1925-1927

Hugo Bernatzik (1897-1953) Soedan, Kaka, Sobat rivier, Shilluk-tribe 1925-1927

Vintage Ethiopian & Eritrian photos.jpg
Youssouf Sogodogo (published in 2000) - Les Editions de L’Oeil

Youssouf Sogodogo (published in 2000) - Les Editions de L’Oeil

Afar Curls-2.jpg
Cultural Hair.jpg
Lagos, Nigeria. A traditional hairdressing salon, 1974, Bruno Barbey

Lagos, Nigeria. A traditional hairdressing salon, 1974, Bruno Barbey

Tribe Fashion.jpg
Femme Sangho (Ubangi)

Femme Sangho (Ubangi)

Femme Manama, (Province Orientale)

Femme Manama, (Province Orientale)

Congo, a Mangbetu woman with fine coif

Congo, a Mangbetu woman with fine coif

Excerpt from ‘400 years without a comb’ documentary

Excerpt from ‘400 years without a comb’ documentary

Mauritian Hairstyle

Mauritian Hairstyle

Scanned image from the book 'Traditional hairstyles for the black woman' privately published by Kunle Sonuga, 1976, showcasing traditional hairstyling options from Nigeria.

Scanned image from the book 'Traditional hairstyles for the black woman' privately published by Kunle Sonuga, 1976, showcasing traditional hairstyling options from Nigeria.

Portrait of a Toucouleur, Fula woman, 1910.

Portrait of a Toucouleur, Fula woman, 1910.

Portrait showcasing the "randrana dôdôk" hairstyle, worn amongst Betsimisaraka women from Madagascar. 1890s.

Portrait showcasing the "randrana dôdôk" hairstyle, worn amongst Betsimisaraka women from Madagascar. 1890s.

Postcard of women plaiting each other's hair. The picture was taken before 1900 by J.P. Fernandes in present-day Tanzania, with the postcard printed circa 1912.

Postcard of women plaiting each other's hair. The picture was taken before 1900 by J.P. Fernandes in present-day Tanzania, with the postcard printed circa 1912.

Oromo woman from Jimma, Western Ethiopia. This hairstyle (a variation of Goferay called Gufta) was common around the time when Italy colonised Abyssinia/Ethiopia. Taken between 1885 & 1894 G.C. Source: Historic Ethiopia Through Camera Lens.

Oromo woman from Jimma, Western Ethiopia. This hairstyle (a variation of Goferay called Gufta) was common around the time when Italy colonised Abyssinia/Ethiopia. Taken between 1885 & 1894 G.C. Source: Historic Ethiopia Through Camera Lens.

Kwaluudhi & Ngandjera woman wearing Eembuvi braids. Photo taken by A. Scherz (1940s). Source: Collection Antje Otto

Kwaluudhi & Ngandjera woman wearing Eembuvi braids. Photo taken by A. Scherz (1940s). Source: Collection Antje Otto

Picture depicting Ojongo, a coiffure that was popular among Igbo women until the mid-20th century. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, The New York Public Library. "Hair - dressing a

Picture depicting Ojongo, a coiffure that was popular among Igbo women until the mid-20th century. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Jean Blackwell Hutson Research and Reference Division, The New York Public Library. "Hair - dressing as a work of art." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1966.

Pahouin man from Gabon, Central Africa. Circa 1910s.

Pahouin man from Gabon, Central Africa. Circa 1910s.

A woman of the Budja people in the village of Upoto, in the province of Mongala. Photo by Lang-Chapin, date: 1909-1915]⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

A woman of the Budja people in the village of Upoto, in the province of Mongala. Photo by Lang-Chapin, date: 1909-1915]⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣⁣

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon.

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon.

Mangbetu Cranal Binding, D.R Congo. Circa 1930. From "Christ in Congo forests" by Norman P. Grubb

Mangbetu Cranal Binding, D.R Congo. Circa 1930. From "Christ in Congo forests" by Norman P. Grubb

Elaborate headdress worn by an Igbo woman c. 1900-1910, Nigeria.

Elaborate headdress worn by an Igbo woman c. 1900-1910, Nigeria.

Traditional intricately plaited and beaded hairstyle, characteristic of the Bougbou people from the Oubangui region of Congo. From www.delcampe.net "Congo - Série IV - Dans l'Oubanghi. Pur type de femme Bougbou - Mobaye" collection: Charbonneau

Traditional intricately plaited and beaded hairstyle, characteristic of the Bougbou people from the Oubangui region of Congo. From www.delcampe.net "Congo - Série IV - Dans l'Oubanghi. Pur type de femme Bougbou - Mobaye" collection: Charbonneau

Fulani woman.

Fulani woman.

Mbuti man from Congo Basin.

Mbuti man from Congo Basin.

Zulu man wearing isicholo. South Africa, 1879.

Zulu man wearing isicholo. South Africa, 1879.

Postcard depicting a Walikuyu man, East Africa, circa 1912. From Missionary Sisters of Our-Lady of Algiers.

Postcard depicting a Walikuyu man, East Africa, circa 1912. From Missionary Sisters of Our-Lady of Algiers.

Aït Abd Allah woman wrapped in her tizakouin. Picture by Jean Besancenot, Morocco (1934 - 1939). From Women of the Anti-Atlas.

Aït Abd Allah woman wrapped in her tizakouin. Picture by Jean Besancenot, Morocco (1934 - 1939). From Women of the Anti-Atlas.

Fulani women from Chad. Photographer: René Moreau, collection from 1920-1939.

Fulani women from Chad. Photographer: René Moreau, collection from 1920-1939.

Yoruba woman with hair wrapped in black thread, Ife, Nigeria, 1970. Picture taken by Eliot Elisofon. National Museum of African Art.

Yoruba woman with hair wrapped in black thread, Ife, Nigeria, 1970. Picture taken by Eliot Elisofon. National Museum of African Art.

Kélou Bital Diguel, Chad, 1950s.

Kélou Bital Diguel, Chad, 1950s.

Ancient Rwandan hairstyle called Amasunzu. From the book "Gari-Gari "by Hugo Adolf Bernatzik, 1930.

Ancient Rwandan hairstyle called Amasunzu. From the book "Gari-Gari "by Hugo Adolf Bernatzik, 1930.

Traditional hairstyle worn by a Nigerian woman. Published by Jungle Sonuga in 1976.

Traditional hairstyle worn by a Nigerian woman. Published by Jungle Sonuga in 1976.

Ghana Hairstyles, 1881-1895 Source: University of Southern California. Libraries.

Ghana Hairstyles, 1881-1895 Source: University of Southern California. Libraries.

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 10-11)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 10-11)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 12)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 12)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 14)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 14)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 15)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 15)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 17)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 17)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 20)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 20)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 22)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 22)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 25)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 25)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 26)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 26)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 27)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 27)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 28)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 28)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 30)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 30)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 31)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 31)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 37)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 37)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 38)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 38)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 42)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 42)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 43)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 43)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 44)

Sagay, Esi. African Hairstyles: Styles of Yesterday and Today. London; Exeter, N.H., USA: Heinemann Educational Books, Internet Archive, 1983. (Page 44)

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French Guinea, Africa, 1902

French Guinea, Africa, 1902

Wakikuyu Man, East Africa, 1912

Wakikuyu Man, East Africa, 1912

Vintage Postcard, A Haussa Woman, Southern Nigeria, West Africa, 1910

Vintage Postcard, A Haussa Woman, Southern Nigeria, West Africa, 1910

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IMG_8651.JPG
African Woman from Foumban, Cameroon, 1911-1915

African Woman from Foumban, Cameroon, 1911-1915

Aro-Chuko Woman, Nigeria

Aro-Chuko Woman, Nigeria

Bamoum, Foumoum, Cameroon, 1911-1915

Bamoum, Foumoum, Cameroon, 1911-1915

Head wife of chief Abiembali: Mayogo Tribe, Ituri District

Head wife of chief Abiembali: Mayogo Tribe, Ituri District

Azande Woman

Azande Woman

Oromo hairstyle in Jimma, Oromia, 1885 - 1894.

Oromo hairstyle in Jimma, Oromia, 1885 - 1894.

Amasunza man with styled Afro.

Amasunza man with styled Afro.

Pre-colonial Hairstyle

Pre-colonial Hairstyle

Senufo woman. Published in Himmelheber (Hans), "Negerkunst und Negerkünstler", Braunschweig: Klinkhardt & Biermann, 1960:64.

Senufo woman. Published in Himmelheber (Hans), "Negerkunst und Negerkünstler", Braunschweig: Klinkhardt & Biermann, 1960:64.

Congo, Traditional Mangbetu Hairstyle.

Congo, Traditional Mangbetu Hairstyle.

Nasara, one of the wives of Akenge with typical fan-shaped style of the Zande, Democratic Republic Congo. Photo by Herbert Lang Expedition, 1909-1915.

Nasara, one of the wives of Akenge with typical fan-shaped style of the Zande, Democratic Republic Congo. Photo by Herbert Lang Expedition, 1909-1915.

Swahili woman. Dar-es-Salaam, Vintage postcard.

Swahili woman. Dar-es-Salaam, Vintage postcard.

Afro-knots.

Afro-knots.

Nigerian Hairstyle, 1976.

Nigerian Hairstyle, 1976.

Fulani (Peul) woman from Fouta Djallon, central Guinea.

Fulani (Peul) woman from Fouta Djallon, central Guinea.

Zulu women in traditional hairddress.

Zulu women in traditional hairddress.

Fulani, Burkina Faso, 1930.

Fulani, Burkina Faso, 1930.

Married Ova Wambo woman wearing the Omhatela headdress, c.1940. Namibia/Southern Angola. Photo by A. Scherz.

Married Ova Wambo woman wearing the Omhatela headdress, c.1940. Namibia/Southern Angola. Photo by A. Scherz.

Hairdressing in Nigeria, c.1965.

Hairdressing in Nigeria, c.1965.

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon.

Foulbe hairstyle, Gaoundéré, Cameroon.

Hairstyle in Jimma, Oromiyaa, East Africa.

Hairstyle in Jimma, Oromiyaa, East Africa.

Guerret woman, Ivory Coast.

Guerret woman, Ivory Coast.

Young Swahili girl from Zanzibar.

Young Swahili girl from Zanzibar.

A woman from Dakar, Senegal.

A woman from Dakar, Senegal.

DR Congo

DR Congo

Fula (Fulani/Fulbe) woman from Guinea.

Fula (Fulani/Fulbe) woman from Guinea.

Owambo braid hairstyle, c.1920.

Owambo braid hairstyle, c.1920.

Ukuanyama (Ovambo) woman from South West Africa (now Namibia), 1936.

Ukuanyama (Ovambo) woman from South West Africa (now Namibia), 1936.

Two Mbalantu (Wambo group) women whose braids have been lengthened to their ankles through the use of sinew (eefipa) extensions. Namibia, c.1940s.

Two Mbalantu (Wambo group) women whose braids have been lengthened to their ankles through the use of sinew (eefipa) extensions. Namibia, c.1940s.

Indigenous hairdressing in Cameroon. She is the favorite wife of King Njoya, c.1911-1915.

Indigenous hairdressing in Cameroon. She is the favorite wife of King Njoya, c.1911-1915.

Watutsi woman, 1975.

Watutsi woman, 1975.

Dominique Darbois, African dance, Artia, 1962.

Dominique Darbois, African dance, Artia, 1962.

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Precolonial West African Women, via Eccentric Yoruba Wordpress

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.

Madagascan women, showcasing their hairstyles, early 20th century.