Nigerian photographer J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere dedicated much of his career to documenting hair styles in Nigeria after the country’s emancipation from Britain in 1960. We came across these gorgeous photos from his portfolio and had to share.
We love the gathering of this African threading.
Cornrows that defy gravity.
We love this cone bun.
Soft wave effect with African threading.
This elaborate updo looks surprisingly modern.
Loose African threading.
This is one of Ojeikere’s most popular photos, called ‘Tall House’.
We love the large beads at the end of the braids.
This African threading and updo combo is intriguing.
This look is incredibly sculptural.
A headful of poofs.
An interesting take on box braids.
Cornrow updo.
This braid style has a classic 60s look.
We love these horizontal cornrows.
Amazing diversity of looks! Ladies, which is your favorite?
I love it, they look like they are apart of a beautiful art exibit.
Their hairstyles are so beautiful!
This is like my mother’s photo album from the 60s and the 70s lol
Nigeria, my Nigeria. Remember our days in secondary school when we used to make a lot of beautiful, ancient, hair growing styles to school. I’m coming home Naija, America is not as sweet as you, tough wonderful people. Long live Nigeria, God bless Africa, home of the exquisite braids and threading and hairstyles black people all over the world wear now.
As I kid, I loved threading (especially unraveling my hair) but hated country plaits, as we called inverted cornrolls in Liberia. Love the pix!
Naija representin’ Love my people!
Lol. Ab fab! The ever famous and popular ‘shuku’ that Nigerian school girls of all generations did. Threading?? Shudder…nightmare to do but the take down was soooo awesome.
It’s definitely art.…but nope.