African women have worn headscarves for many years for religious, cultural reasons and even as a fashion statement but they were traditionally worn by older, usually married women.
Many also love the convenience of it – it can be a quick fix for a bad hair day.
Model: Tico Armand
A selection of names for headscarves around Africa:
South Africa – Doek
Malawi/ Zimbabwe – Dhuku
Ghana – Duku
Nigeria – Gele
Sudan – Tarha
Sierra Leone – Enkeycha
East Africa (Swahili) – Kilemba
DR Congo (Lingala) – Kitambala
Rwanda/ Burundi – Igitambara
Uganda – Ekitambala (Luganda)/ Latam wich (Acholi)
Zambia – Chitambala
One of the most popular forms of headscarves across Africa is the gele from West Africa. It can be incredibly elaborate and is usually starched so the material becomes stiff to hold its shape.
In Nigerian how a Yoruba woman wears her headscarf can be a sign of her marital status – if worn with the ends facing down its means a woman is married and if worn with the ends up, she is single.
Read More:
Fiona is a natural hair blogger from London who loves talking, Hair, Beauty, Lifestyle and more Hair!
For all of the headwrap/ headscarf lovers here’s my take on some styles that will save you on bad hair days and that are all in all fun hairstyle alternatives!