Natural Hair Movement Returns To The Motherland

The natural hair movement has already proven a major trend in the U.S. where women are trading in permanently straightened hair for kinky curls, twisted locs, and everything in between. Well, the movement has now spread returned to its roots via groups, blogs, and haircare lines throughout the African continent.

It may not seem like a big deal but, truth be told, there is an ingrained belief all across Africa that straight hair equals beautiful hair.

A recent article highlighting the natural hair group “Nappys de Babi” in Ivory Coast’s capital of Abidjan attests to the movement’s significance.

“People are uncomfortable about it. When they see you wearing natural hair, they look at you like you are a pariah, like there is a problem when, actually, it should be normal,” said member Liliana Lambert.

Over the past two years, approximately 2,400 women have joined the group — its name is a blending of “natural”, “happy” and their capital’s nickname. The group meets every two months and gives basic maintenance and how-to advice to women who often have not even seen their natural hair since they were teenagers.

Co-founder Miriam Diaby said most don’t know how to care for their hair to “make it beautiful.”