“The hair is the richest ornament of women.” – Martin Luther
- After agreeing with that statement and nodding at the oh-so-wise words of Martin Luther, I hope you do not go into a panic because you suddenly realize how important a good hairstyle is for a bride. It isn’t as hard as you think. Here’s why:
- There is some good news about this part of wedding preparations:
the modern African bride doesn’t have to use traditional African hairstyles. So if you feel like using a western style, you don’t have to worry about your African counterparts stoning you to death or something for perversion of culture. - Here is how many African brides do it: we pick some African hair ornaments and then we select a hair style suitable for those ornaments. So, in today’s article we will go through how to do that.
COMMON AFRICAN BRIDAL HAIR ORNAMENTS:
- Now, African bridal ornaments vary. The Moroccans have
quite interesting jewelry. The Rwandans have beautiful beads that are strung across their foreheads and give them a delicately elegant look. The Nigerians have an elaborate headdress (I honestly wish I could use it!). Beads and feathers are also under hair ornaments. - So, keeping these ornaments in mind, let us move on to the
options for hairstyles.
SHOULD I PICK AN AFRICAN HAIRSTYLE?
Under African hairstyles, you generally have two options:
- Modern: I think we all know what I mean by modern African
hairstyles. The braids, twists, plaits and ilk are what I am referring to. It is up to your discretion whether you use extensions or not. - Traditional: These African hairstyles are quite… risqué, to say the least (okay, not all of them are). (If you google them, you will see what I mean by risqué).
OR SHOULD I GO TRADITIONAL WESTERN?
- As mentioned earlier, the modern African bride does not necessarily use traditional hairstyles. That means you can use one of the western styles – you would be surprised at how good the combo of western hairstyles and African traditional or African inspired gowns is.
A COMPROMISE FOR THE BRIDE SEATED ON THE FENCE:
- Can’t make up your mind? Worry not. There is an option for you: all you have to do is use African accessories. And yes, that means that the beads, feathers and ilk are all back into play. Or you could pick a hairstyle of African origin and use western bridal ornaments (the tiaras and ilk). This would look especially good if your choice is in
harmony with your choice of gown, wouldn’t it? - Well. The panic is gone, isn’t it? Well, if not, remember, hair is not everything. Keep in mind: “Martin Luther said, “The hair is the richest ornament of women.” It is not the only ornament we have; it is just one that, if invested in wisely, can enhance your beauty. And beauty, you have to admit, is something we all possess. You would not be getting married if you were lacking in that field, now would you?
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