AFRICAN ORIGIN HAIR STYLE MAP

WHAT SHALL WE UNDERSTAND FROM THIS MAP?

1.What are the different major hairstyles achievable for African descent hair or black hair and their substyles

2. How can they be achieved with natural hair vs relaxed hair- techniques, products and tools

3. What different product formats of hair extensions can be used to achieve the hairstyles, hence how can we design our offerings in ex-
tensions to achieve best results of the desired styles based on insights

4. Bundling of wet and dry hair offering, communication and language as per target audience with style preferences

STYLES/LOOK INTENDED TO SUB STYLES and options to created them

BE ACHIEVED

OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS

Big afro was famous in

AFRO BLOW OUT 70s, made iconic by TAPERED AFRO/ Prefered for women who This style recently become
want a short style with
Blow-out gives afro hair plenty of Angela Davis and has MOHAWK options. Long sections TEENY WEENY (TWA) extremely polular and
trending and has been
volume and length and creates made a huge comeback throughout the crown sported by Actress Lupita
The look is a play on the high-top These are short kinks or curls sport-
more of a high-top look. Adding a in 2010 gives the ability to create Nyong’o and singer Chri-
fade but curls soften the look and ed and liked by women who are
deep part makes the look even a look that suits your sette Michele
add a little spunk to it. It’s short on time and looking for conve-
edgier. Today most brands are fashion sense and life-
achieved by simply shaving or nience and low maintainence. Many
projecting black women style needs.
trimming the sides of your ‘fro. choose it as it simply looks good on
with afros in commer-
them.
Link to the video: cials to connect with
black demographic Link to the video:
https://youtu.be/iyoJxEMcuVY Link to the video:
https://youtu.be/2IWVA8j9-9U (crochet mohawk) https://youtu.be/uRtRpEFzBYk (TWA wig)
https://youtu.be/WREvnAB76so (pony-no extension) https://youtu.be/MlAwjxyZuok (TWA without extension)
https://youtu.be/Nh-92WSsJL8 (no extension)

1AFRO Options to achieve the look

WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Options to achieve the look
WITH EXTENSION:
Options to achieve the look
WITH EXTENSION:
Afro, also called 'fro, is a hairstyle worn naturally by Relaxed hair WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:

people with lengthy kinky hair texture. The hairstyle is Natural hair
Relaxed hair Relaxed hair

created by combing the hair away from the scalp, al- Natural hair Natural hair

lowing the hair to extend out from the head in a large, WIG:
rounded shape, much like a cloud or ball. The hair- TWA

style is often shaped and maintained with the assis- WEAVE: BULK: PICK AND CROCHET: WIG: MICRO LINK: CLIP IN:
Afro kinky Afro kinky Afro kinky curly Afro kinky
Afro pick Oil
WEAVE: BULK: PICK AND DROP: CLIP IN:
tance of a wide-toothed comb colloquially known as
Moisturising
Crochet weave DROP: afro Detangling
solution
Edge control Moisturising Rat tail comb Curling rods/ Curl activator/ Moisturising Curl activator Afro pick
Afro kinky curly Crochet weave Afro Kinky Afro kinky
spray solution/ leavin perm rods styling cream
curly
solution cream
curly Afro Kinky Afro Kinky Micro Loop curly
an Afro pick Afro Kinky curly

OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS

For TWA/ teeny weeny Thickness of twists or

NON ELECTRIC afro for men, women braids determine curl
and children hair brush WET STYLE OUT size
CURLING TOOLS sponge is used
Hair is twisted or formed in a
Non electric tools loke spiral
style and left to dry overnight.
rods, flexi rods etc is com-
When opened, curls are formed
monly used on wet washed
defining the natural hair.
hair to achieve set curls in
defined pattern

Link to the video:

Link to the video:
Bantu knot out
BANTU KNOT OUT TWIST OUT FINGER COILS/ https://youtu.be/asIr9rU5z34

FLEXI- ROD SPIRAL ROD HAIR BRUSH https://youtu.be/Nn4C0HLf-vQ Roller set

Curling sponge NUBIAN COMB COIL
https://youtu.be/Lr56V0jIBWs Nubian comb hair
https://youtu.be/Pqo8w4naoDo https://youtu.be/U9LkNVeHPuE Twist out
SPONGE https://youtu.be/_Yc7xh4k2qw Flexi rod

Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look

2 CURLS
Setting the natural hair using various techniques and
Relaxed hair

Natural hair
WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Relaxed hair

Natural hair
WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:

products for defining curl patterns of various sizes.

This prevents the hair from tangling, damaging or
drying. Well defined accentuated curls are a way to
WIG: PICK AND DROP: CROCHET:
achieve manageable, natural healthy looking hair Curly
WEAVE:
Curly Curly curls Curl activator Moisturising Edge control
CROCHET: WIG:
Curly
WEAVE: PICK AND DROP:
curls Curly Curly Curl activator Moisturising Edge control
and attain longer lengths. Cream solution
Cream solution

OBSERVATIONS

Straight hair can be

desired in different tex-
tures like yaki, indian
etc.

STRAIGHT Prior heat protection

spray application on hair
and Ceramic Flat iron is
recommended for mini-
mal heat damage to hair.
Link to the video:
https://youtu.be/kblCpoKUGlM (weave sew in) Certain styles like flip
https://youtu.be/OwEzNDS5j-I (heat) and razor cuts can be
only acieved through
sew in weaves for syn-
thetic fibers.

Options to achieve the look

3 STRAIGHT
WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Relaxed hair

Natural hair

Natural women may want straight hair for change or

trying out new styles. These can be achieved MICRO LINK: CLIP IN: WEAVE: Tape it: Fusion WIG: BULK: WEAVE: sew in
through different technques of heat and product
Heating
staright Afro kinky glue in Straight bonding: straight crochet Straight Hair straightener Blow dryer
Protection
spray
Micro Loop
which temporarily straightens without any chemical curly Straight Straight Straight

alteration to the hair.

OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS

Quick and easy with TWISTS Twists are as popular hair-

CORNROWS access to scalp and low BRAIDS Braided hairstyles are one
of the most popular protec- style as braids slowly over-
maintainance makes this tive styling choices with lot
The style is achieved by taking braids due to its
Cornrows or canerows are an An ancient art in Africa, handed
ancient traditional African hair-
style quite popular for
down from generations with vari- of options of color, length dividing the hairs into sever- quick installing time and
women in more physical removal.
style of hair grooming where the work like atheletics etc ety of distinct styles. A braid ( and styles al sections, twisting strands
hair is braided very close to the alowing handling sweat and plait) is a complex structure or
Summer lifts the percent-
of hair, then twisting two The thickness of strand can
scalp low manipulation. pattern formed by interlacing twisted strands around one vary as well as length of
age significantly due to the
three or more strands of hair. the strands to suit style and
Also prefered by who do activities engaged during another. face
not want to spend lot of that season as well as
time or money on hair water and sweating related
styling. activities.
Link to the video: Link to the video: The more intricate styles
Prefered style for children
https://youtu.be/-9_aGpT7CZ4 are like one million braid or
and men

4 BRAIDS/ TWIST
microbraid are
Link to the video:

Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look
classic number – stick with chic straight-back corn- WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
rows or wear them in an elegant up-do – cornrows Relaxed hair Relaxed hair Relaxed hair

are a wonderful way to complete any look. Natural hair Natural hair Natural hair

BULK: CROCHET: BULK: CROCHET:

BULK: Crochet Holding Crochet Twist and Lock
Moisturising Twisting Rat tail comb Twisting Fauxlocs Oil Rat tail comb
Yaki Edge control Rat tail comb Fauxlocs Oil
hook cream/gel hook gel
Oil
solution

OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS

SISTER LOCKS/ DREADLOCS

May take 10- 30 hours to get Its a commitment for years
them installed naturally. and is a kind of journey being

MICRO LOCS
Sisterlocks is a trademark undertaken hence is rare to
name registered and require for people to opt for it without
special tools. extension that cannot be
Micro dreadlocks are the reversed.
smallest of the dread
A very good style for busy
options. They are supple Faux loc mean ‘fake locs’
people, as the hairstyle is
and can be achevieved by
enough to be styled like real very low maintenance. Can
either crocheting readymade
hair. be manipulated like real hair
loc extension on cornrows or
wrapping bulk hair extension
on twists.

Link to the video: Link to the video:

Dread locs or locs need
https://youtu.be/VXfPvBw1Q8Y (Natural) regular washing and cleaning
https://youtu.be/wQzm8L3GOzw (with crochet extension)
https://youtu.be/L_nSfB2eKkY (With bulk extensions) for maintainance as it is over

5
https://youtu.be/udwWGKbpeeE (Natural) time that it grows
https://youtu.be/NVRjblFL2aI (with crochet extension)

LOCS Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look

Also called dreadlocs are a technique of WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Relaxed hair Relaxed hair
grooming the hair in symmetrical, cylinderical,
solid strands that are never combed and Natural hair Natural hair

brushed.

CROCHET: BULK: CROCHET:

Fauxlocs Twisting Rat tail comb Crochet
needle Fauxlocs
hook

OBSERVATIONS

Bantu knots can also be

opened later to form curls as
BANTU KNOTS a style. This is called bantu
knot out.

Link to the video:

https://youtu.be/17w4TCRB6ws

6 BANTU KNOTS Relaxed hair

Options to achieve the look
WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:

Bantu Knots also called as Zulu knots originat-

Natural hair
ed and popularised by bantu people of Africa.
The hairstyle features lovely small, coiled buns
sprinkled throughout the hair.

Moisturising Holding
solution cream/gel

OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS OBSERVATIONS

The “puff” is a super simple, BRAIDED UPDO Some of these updos will PONYTAIL
BUNS AFRO PUFFS
Irrespective length of hair or Hair can be placed in braids
texture, short to long tresses go-to summer style for many makes statement for wedding or cornrows etc before tying
can create beautiful high bun naturals. It is also prefered Mix of variety of tecniques results into or many formal events Not only is this hairstyle practical, but in a pony tail.
The high bun hairstyle is a simple style updos with ease. A hairstyle in which the hair is tied into for kids. updos simple to intricate. From chic ponytail is also classy and chic at the
that can be a formal or casual updo for pompadour buns to textured twists and Some examples of updos are
ball-shaped masses at the top or sides same time.
Variations of the simple bun Variety of puffs are top puff, Twisted up pompadour
black women. With the versatility of are created with relaxed and of the head. side puff, puff with scarf, twin braided looks, the natural hair updos updo,Flat twist high bun
black hair texture, one can achieve natural hair. puffs. are eyecatching and gives a break from updo, Tuck and Rolled updo,
various looks with this simple hairstyle. styling for a few days. Two strand twists bangs
updo, Tuck and Rolled Faux
Hawk updo etc

BUNS
Link to the video:
Link to the video: Link to the video: Link to the video:
https://youtu.be/-OIwds7KWEo (with bulk) https://youtu.be/dgSniBvVw7M (with addon-drawstring ponytail)
https://youtu.be/XCeuDTY7Cps (sock bun) https://youtu.be/OEGxzT_6HFQ (no extensions)
https://youtu.be/VLz2ltOoEtc (with weave)
https://youtu.be/-OIwds7KWEohttps://youtu.be/-OIwds7KWEo (bulk hair extension)

7 UPDO
Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look Options to achieve the look
WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION: WITH EXTENSION: WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Relaxed hair Relaxed hair Relaxed hair Relaxed hair

Natural hair Natural hair Natural hair Natural hair

An updo is a hair style that involves arranging the hair

instead of allowing it to fall freely. It can be as simple
as bun or elaborate for special ocassions. Prefered
Add on:
specially for hotter seasons, updo hairstyles for black bun
BULK:
yaki
Add on: BULK: Add on: BULK: Holding Edge control Moisturising Add on: WEAVE:
Hair brush Sock bun Moisturising Holding Holding Edge control Wide tooth bun yaki Hair brush bun
women amaze with their beauty, sophistication and solution cream/gel
bun yaki
cream/gel comb
cream/gel solution Matching texture Hair brush Edge control Moisturising
solution
Holding
cream/gel
creativity.

OBSERVATIONS

There are 3 main types of Curly and coily hair takes color faster as cuticle that is rougher (kinkier textures) is actually more porous.-
color—permanent, semi Coloring hair has less to do with texture (coarse, fine, etc.) and more to do with porosity.
or demi permanent, and
Curly hair is more fragile and requires more moisture than other hair textures. It is healthiest when
temporary. Temporary
lifted/lightened no more than 3 levels
colors are usually sold as
“rinses,” and will fade with Deep condition after any permanent chemical dye.
several shampoos. Natural
alternative to dyes is Demi-permanent color is naturally ammonia-free, has a low pH, and uses a very low-volume developer
Henna, is also said to pro- (1:1 ratio) to gently lift the cuticle to penetrate beneath the surface to the cortex; therefore preserving the
integrity of the hair. It can cover gray up to 50% and can last up to 28 shampoos. It is typically offered as a
vide a deep conditioning
professional service and is considered a professional product.
treatment.
Semi-permanents are typically retail products rather than professional and provide up to 30% gray cover-
age. With each shampoo, color is removed and can last up to eight shampoos. Semi-permanents utilize no
developer, thus preserving the condition of the hair.
Link to the video:
BLONDE OMBRE DEEP COLORS GREY https://youtu.be/M7wHai0ISwo Need to wait at least two weeks and one hair wash between relaxing and color job. Relaxed hair is more
porous, drier and more brittle, making coloring more intense and quicker. Preferable doesn’t contain any
Purple, blue, red etc harsh chemical like ammonia, peroxide, or bleach. Temporary colors and semi permanent colors are

8
recommened.

COLORING Options to achieve the look

WITH EXTENSION:
WITHOUT EXTENSION:
Relaxed hair
Encouraged by trends over the years, hair color for Natural hair
black women has progressed to become a form of
self-expression as well as a beauty ritual. Since Afri-
can American hair tends to be naturally dry, there are All extensions
some fundamental rules to applying hair color
Color rinse/
semi permanent color Permanent color Henna, natural color

OBSERVATIONS

Currently being used as a

style, mainly in Africa, when
hair is not in extensions or
buring breaks from hairstyle.

Head wraps can be tied in

multiple ways and are avail-
able in various patterns.

Head wraps becoming high

fashion elements and today
stand for fashionable accesso-
ry.

Link to the video:

https://youtu.be/ha6iXTrwzWg

9 HEADWRAP Options to achieve the look

Head wraps have really grown in style variety and

popularity. There are scarves of countless colors and
prints that can be found in. Wear in the summer when
they help to keep hair and scalp stylishly protected
from the sun, and winters for warmth.
Head wrap/ scarf