From retro-inspired hair to punk braids, it’s time for a hair refresh.
Hair: New wave
New-Age Afro: The Afro is not going anywhere, but we were happy to see it receive an update at Soweto Fashion Week. In a modern twist to traditional Afro styling, hair was given volume and length through Afro-textured extensions and styled in a bubble braid that ran down the centre of the model’s head like a Mohawk. Alternatively, hair looked just as cool when styled in multiple bubble braids to create a full “bubble Afro”.
1970s bounce: At Tolu Coker, the 1970s made a comeback in the best way as hair got a breath of fresh air in a look inspired by bouncy blowouts and sweeping bangs. Models were sent out with double French twists, with height created at the crown via mini beehives for added volume. Thin, face-framing fringes and side pieces were given bounce with the use of rollers to create a rounded shape.
Koroba mania: West African classics are still having a moment, as the Yoruba-originating Koroba braids are still seen everywhere. The “upside-down basket” braids start at the centre of the head, ending off with intricate coils, and this season some of their elements are also woven into other styles. Think Koroba-inspired coils at the ends of a braided high ponytail or coils woven into cornrows or box braids to create a coiled crown or headband accent.
Fantastical fauxhawks: Seen at Dior Haute Couture and on sartorialist Candace Marie, classic faux hawks are given a touch of whimsy when paired with delicate accessories such as shells and feathers. At Dior, inspired by fairytale princesses and elves, hair was slicked up into messy, punk-inspired fauxhawks and finished off with twig-like feather accessories along the centre. Cornrows looked just as ethereal when styled into a braided fauxhawk that ran down the centre of the head and was finished off with cowrie shells.
Modern Mod: The retro obsession shows no signs of slowing down, with 1950s- and 1960s-inspired hair spotted at Tolu Coker. In a nod to 1950s retro curls and 1960s Mod volume, the two aesthetics seemed to merge as models showcased a softer, loosely waved treatment that felt more blowout and less tight curl, giving it an effortless, modern twist.
