The Enduring Beauty of Yoruba Hairstyles Across Generations
Yoruba Hairstyles: A Youthful Retrospection of Gen X and Gen Y
Gen Z baddies, Gen Z parents, Gen Z work culture—the affiliations tied to this vibrant generation are endless. Even as the world transitions into Gen Alpha, the accolades and momentum of Gen Z remain unmatched. Indeed, Gen Z has claimed the trophy as the most mentioned generation of all time! This generational spotlight has sparked renewed interest in revisiting the cultural essence of earlier generations, such as Millennials, Baby Boomers, and Gen X.
In this piece, we take a nostalgic dive into the rich tradition of Yoruba hairstyles cherished by Generations X and Y in their youth.
Who Are Gen X and Gen Y?
Generation X refers to people born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s, following the Baby Boomers and preceding Millennials. On the other hand, Generation Y, also known as Millennials, includes those born between 1980 and 1996. As of 2024, Gen Y individuals are approximately 28 to 44 years old.
Yoruba Culture and Hairstyles
The Yoruba people, predominantly located in southwestern Nigeria, are one of the country’s major ethnic groups. Yoruba is among the most widely spoken African languages, with over 45 million speakers globally. Historically recognized for their scholarly pursuits, farming, and trading, the Yorubas cherish education and cultural heritage. Over time, these traditional occupations have become more fluid, but one constant remains: the Yoruba people have an enduring love for schooling.
The Yoruba are also renowned for their traditional cuisine, such as amala (made from yam or cassava flour), ewedu (a leafy vegetable soup), and gbegiri (bean soup). Their attire, particularly the iro and buba ensemble for women, is a hallmark of their identity.
One of the most enduring markers of Yoruba culture is their intricate and symbolic hairstyles—just as the Igbo people are celebrated for their tradition of returning to their villages to celebrate Christmas. These hairstyles have survived generations, embodying Yoruba tradition while evolving with modern trends. While the rise of wigs, perms, locs, and box braids has somewhat overshadowed these indigenous styles, they remain a testament to Yoruba cultural pride, especially during the youthful years of Generations X and Y.
Yoruba Hairstyles: A Legacy of Art and Identity
Traditional Yoruba hairstyles are categorized into two main techniques:
Irun Didi: Handmade plaited hair.
Irun Kiko: Hair styled using thread or intricately braided.
These hairstyles are cost-effective, requiring only a comb, hair cream, and black plastic thread. Below are some timeless styles:
Shuku (a.k.a Suku)
This involves braiding the hair into a hump or bun on top of the head. Shuku styles can feature single or multiple buns. Popular variations include Suku Elegbe, Suku Na Poi, Suku Onididi, Suku Sesema, Suku Fula, Suku Ologede, and Twin Suku.
Kojusoko
Translating to "face your husband," this style begins with a weave at the back of the head and ends with threaded braids pointing toward the face.
Patewo
Named after the phrase "clap your hands," this style involves braiding hair from the sides toward the center to create a unique meeting point. Variations include Patewo with Curve and Patewo with Base.
Koroba
Resembling an upside-down calabash, this style is woven outward from the center of the scalp. The tips are often knotted or adorned with beads for decoration.
Eko Bridge
Inspired by Lagos' famous Eko Bridge, this style divides the hair into 10 or 11 sections. Thin braids are twisted to form a bridge-like structure above the head.
Other Notable Yoruba Hairstyles
Kolese ("without legs")
Panumo ("keep quiet")
Orisabunmi ("gift from the deity")
Agogo ("cockscomb")
Roundabout
These hairstyles were a source of pride and identity during the youthful days of Generations X and Y and remain an enduring symbol of Yoruba artistry.
Preserving Yoruba Heritage
Revisiting these styles celebrates not only their beauty but also the resilience of Yoruba culture in the face of globalisation and cultural assimilation. Let these hairstyles inspire us to cherish and preserve our heritage for generations to come.
References
https://discover.hubpages.com/style/Yoruba-traditional-hairstyles