The hairstyle shown in image one is known as “Ile gogoro” a style peculiar to the Yoruba tribe which depicts a highrise building/skyscraper and this is done with a rubber thread (irun kiko). The hairstyle was born in the 80’s as a result of the designs of houses the Yoruba people saw in their environment.
The hairstyle displayed in image two is an Igbo hairstyle known as “Ntufere” which translates to some gaps. This hairstyle is referred to as “isi-owu” or “isi-eri” which both means a hairstyle of thread which is usually done in the igbo-land to boost hair growth. In Ntufere, the hair length is partially covered by the rubber thread with the ends of the hair left exposed. In my project, this style is done on a young queer Nigerian man and this was done with the aim of shattering the Nigerian stereotype of men being unable to make their hair without being profiled.
The third picture shows Braided hairstyle of the Wodaabe tribe This is a hairstyle which originates from the Hausa-Fulani tribe. This hair is braided to the side with a center structure like a mini crown.
This style is done on a young queer Nigerian man and this was done with the aim of shattering the Nigerian stereotype of men being unable to make their hair without being profiled.
The hair of my models were all adorned with white cowrie shells which in Nigeria is seen as an indication of goodluck, success, wealth. It is referred to as owo- eyo in Yoruba-land. It also represents the protection by the water goddess- Yemoja.
Credits- Hair styled by Taesirat Yusuf and Mariam Olayinka.
Klaviyo Form
Are you on the list? You don’t want to miss our weekly email with fresh, inspiring content.