The art of modern African hair braiding
Post-Apartheid, since 1994 after Nelson Mandela became the first president of a free and democratic South Africa, there's been a blossoming of chic African style trends.
Today I would like to talk about the ladies and their hairstyles in particular.
Running our little guesthouse called Lily's Cottage it's vital that we have good staff. We in turn ensure that their working conditions and benefits are such that they can prosper.
Our housekeeper Sibongile amazes us with her grace and style, and lately has been arriving at work with the most stunning braided hair styles.
Hair styling and braiding has been a huge part of African culture for centuries, can be traced back to 3500BC!
It used to symbolise family background, tribe, social & marital status as well as spirituality. Styling was only entrusted to close relatives as they believed that harm could come to them if a strand of hair fell into enemies' hands. This was also a time for the women to socialise.
The Himba tribe of Namibia and the Hamar Tribe in Ethiopia had ochre dreadlocks; beads and braids for the Fulani & Wodaabe tribes of the Sahel region and Western Africa.
Interesting that healthy hair was seen as a sign of fertility. Sibongile has very healthy hair, has two children and is a granny already!
Nowadays, it's all about fashion and Sibongile goes to a young upcoming hair stylist who has a thriving little business after school, yes she's still a young teen!
Most of these styles take about two hours and this young entrepreneur cannot keep up with the demand for her services.
No wonder, as her styling is superb!
Sibongile changes her styles once a week so never gets bored with her hair.
And another gorgeous hair style, real snazzy!
I'm amazed each week with the number of braided hair styles Sibongile has so will keep on taking photos and will share with you again when I have a new collection, hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for stopping by
Comments, upvotes & resteems all much appreciated :)
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Huh. I never knew the history behind the braids! ♥
I think this is very interesting!
I always thought it was a convenience thing. I know it takes a long time to make them, but once your hair was all braided up like that, it wouldnt take much care and it would be out of your face!!
This lovely young lady does a fantastic job! Good for her!
It was really interesting learning about the significance of their hair styles. Sibongile always looks so smart, not a hair out of place! I believe that young stylist has a very bright future ahead.
She does indeed! ♥
Love, love this my friend! How fun, thanks for sharing this. Does the braiding hurt? I always thought it did...I guess our hair has always been important right? :)
I just love seeing all the hairstyles, I also thought it would hurt but she says it doesn't!
Thank you for your lovely comments my birdy friend :)
The belief by the old people of all races was to protect one's hair at all costs and as a boy, after a haircut, my hair was carefully collected to be burnt. The history behind the braids was greatly described here Lady Lizelle! Blessings!
Wow that's something I did not know! Strange all the beliefs they had!
Thanks for stopping by and blessings to you as well @papilloncharity!
These are beautiful works of art! Astonished that she changes her style once a week. It's something I've always wanted to try, but I think my hair is too fine and flyaway.
It is stunning hey! I'm sure if her young stylist got hold of your hair, she'd work magic with it ;)
Thank you for your great feedback @natubat!
Love your post
Thank you @cryptoclient!
Wow that is interesting, I enjoy seeing the ladies who take hours braiding hair like this, never thought of the history in braided hair @lizelle well done on your topic. Congratulate Sibongile on her lovely hairstyles.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback @joanstewart, I showed Sibongile your comments, she was very chuffed :)
That's just pretty amazing on several levels. I love that she changes once a week. Not bad for an old grandma!
Thanks Lizelle. Truly a wonderful post!
LOL she's quite a young grandma, beat me to it! My 87 year old mom always makes Sibongile laugh with her comments about the latest hairstyle, it's quite an adventure for us seeing at the styles! Thank you for your lovely comments @bigtom13!
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"It looks incredible, it was interesting to read about it. I really want to do braids like this, but I need to finish my hair treatment first.
I dyed my hair at home a couple of times during my quarantine, now I've been treating it for 4 months. I sent a hair sample to https://www.hairknowhow.com/. Went through a course of restoration (care + vitamins) in several stages. There's minimal left, and I'm already anticipating walking around with new hair."