The New Pan-African Trend Making Afro Hair & Cowry Shells The Nucleus Of Hair Styles

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In recent years, a powerful and inspiring movement has been gaining momentum among black African women – the resurgence of afro hair adorned with cowry shells was previously buzzing in small corners with one or two ladies executing the style every now and then until now, where it seems to suddenly have exploded.

Over the few months, many editorial, top notch influencers, and general beautiful women on social media are showing pride in styling their afros with cowry shells as opposed to dehumanizing themselves and wearing foreign hair on their head.

Two of Africa’s most popular elegant and classy ladies have at one point showed us the beauty of rocking cowry shells with afro hair.

Popular Ghanaian traditionalist & Influencer Hamamat

Hamamat is a popular Ghanaian influencer and traditionalist who spends her time educating many folks about some of the nationals treasured native culture and traditions. She has always been spotted in her natural hair ever since her latter days as an influencer and was often seen rocking it with cowry shells.

Another extremely popular African influencer hailing all the way from Uganda is their nations treasure Angela Summers, who is also very fund of her natural hair and has regularly been spotted many times rocking the cowry shell and natural hair trend.

Angela Summer Namubiru from Uganda

These influence of these outstanding beauties seems to have had an impact on various ladies of their nation, however this trend is beyond wide spread and despite it not being featured on mainstream media platforms it is become the first trending norm within the natural hair trend that sprung up years ago.

The Afropop Revolution:
The afro hairstyle, characterized by its voluminous and natural curls, became an iconic symbol of African pride and resistance during the 1960s and 1970s. It symbolized liberation, embracing natural beauty, and defying societal pressures to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards. Today, the afro hair movement is experiencing a dynamic resurgence, with black African women reclaiming their identities and embracing their unique hair textures.

The trend has also been spotted on many of those living in the Togo and Benin. One of Togo’s top models to date Amirath Abadagan has put a twist to the look. As opposed to her soft puffy hair, she decided to execute the looks with twists and cowry shells. In fact, she has even made it her duty to consistently wear the trend even on the runway.

Championing Natural Beauty, Class & Respect:
Beyond its cultural significance, it marks your status, something that is very essential for women especially with the degenerate culture heavily promoted by the west. The trend of natural hair with cowry shells aligns with the global movement towards embracing natural beauty & true woman hood.

In fact, the symbolism gravitated fascinating Nigerian musician The Igbo Goddess to recently take on the style no more than 1 hour prior to the completion of this article.

In a world dominated by beauty standards influenced by Western norms, black African women are embracing their unique hair textures and features, breaking free from harmful trashy, twerking, weave wearing cultural stereotypes usually associated with such women. This shift towards self-acceptance is empowering women to celebrate their authentic selves and inspiring younger generations to do the same.

A Return to Ancient Traditions:
Cowry shells have a long history deeply rooted in African culture. Historically, these beautiful shells were used as currency, jewelry, and symbols of wealth and fertility in various African societies. By incorporating cowry shells into their afro hairstyles, modern black African women are not only embracing their ancestral heritage but also reviving an ancient tradition that holds profound cultural significance.

However the trend was definitely solidified when Accra Fashion Week took the look to the main runway stage at the recently ended Sankofa Threads fashion show with visuals of ladies backstage.

Accra Fashion Week which has been the center of trend setting in Ghana and various pockets of the continent has always made the bold move of presenting natural hair on the runway but decided to take it a step higher to further ignite the cowry shell hair trend.

According to the organizers “This stylish expression of cultural identity not only celebrates the rich heritage of African roots but also serves as a powerful symbol of self-empowerment and unity among women across the continent and its diaspora.”

A Symbol of Feminine Power:
Christel Codo the mastermind behind hairstyle Afro Elle usually incorporates cowry shells into afro hair editorials. With an extraordinary portfolio and executing most of her work in Ghana, she has also made an artistic impact in the fashion with by pushing boundaries in this field.

However, has evolved into a symbol of feminine power and strength. The cowry’s smooth, glossy surface and unique shape evoke qualities of resilience and adaptability – traits that black African women have exemplified throughout history. By wearing cowry shells in their hair, women are proudly embracing their heritage and celebrating the inherent strength and beauty within themselves.

A Celebration of Unity:
This growing movement has transcended geographical boundaries, uniting black African women worldwide in a shared expression of cultural pride. Social media platforms have played a crucial role in connecting women from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to share their personal stories and experiences related to afro hair and cowry shells. This virtual sisterhood has further strengthened the sense of unity and camaraderie among black African women around the world.

Empowering Future Generations:
The influence of this movement extends beyond the present moment; it has the potential to shape the perceptions of future generations. By openly celebrating and cherishing their cultural heritage, black African women are creating a positive and lasting impact on young girls who will grow up with a stronger sense of identity and pride in their roots.

In conclusion, the resurgence of afro hair with cowry shells is a beautiful testament to the resilience, pride, and unity of black African women. This powerful movement not only celebrates cultural heritage but also champions self-empowerment and natural beauty. As it continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for women of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and stand tall in their cultural identity.

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