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All things London & Natural Hairdressing

Hairstyle in Culture: Traditional Hairstyles from Around the World

Hairstyles have always been more than just a fashion statement. They're a vibrant expression of cultural identity, weaving together tradition, spirituality, and personal style. From intricate braided hairstyles to bold mohawks, the way we wear our hair tells a story about who we are and where we come from. It's fascinating to see how hairstyles in culture have evolved over time, reflecting the values and beliefs of different societies around the world.


rear view of an Indigenous man dressed in a casual way with long hair standing on dense, lush green vegetation

This article takes a closer look at the rich tapestry of traditional hairstyles from various cultures. We'll explore the spiritual symbolism behind dreadlocks, delve into the significance of ceremonial coiffures, and examine how hair has been used as a powerful tool for resistance in social and political movements. Along the way, we'll discover the amazing diversity of esthetic hairstyles, from elaborate cornrows to unique hair accessories, that showcase the creativity and cultural pride of communities across the globe.


Table of Contents



 

Dreadlocks Across Cultures: From Ancient Times to Modern Day

Origins in ancient civilizations

Dreadlocks have a rich history that spans across cultures and continents, with roots tracing back to ancient times. The earliest written reference to locks appears in the Vedic scriptures, holy Hindu texts dating back to 1500 BCE. These texts describe Lord Shiva's hair as 'jata', a Sanskrit word meaning "twisted locks of hair". In visual depictions, Lord Shiva is often seen with locks flowing past his shoulders or tied above his head in a 'jatamukuta' (crown of matted hair).

Archeological evidence of locks has been found in the mummified remains of Ancient Egyptians and the pre-Colombian Incan civilization in Peru. In Ancient Greece, frescoes from the island of Santorini depict fighters wearing dreadlocks, providing some of the earliest figurative evidence of this hairstyle.

In many cultures, particularly in South Asia and the Middle East, allowing uncombed hair to form into matted locks symbolizes the rejection of materialism and vanity. In India, religious ascetics with locks are known as 'sadhus'. These holy men believe that wearing their hair in this fashion facilitates the cosmic energy flow and helps to elevate consciousness.

rear view of a black man dressed in a casual way with dreadlocks standing on dense, lush green vegetation

Rastafarian dreadlock traditions

The Rastafari movement, which originated in Jamaica in the 1930s, has played a significant role in popularizing dreadlocks in modern times. For Rastafarians, dreadlocks are much more than just a hairstyle. They represent a connection to Africa and a rejection of the West, which they term Babylon. Dreadlocks symbolize a renewed sense of pride in African physical characteristics and Blackness, tying in with their belief about keeping things natural.


The origin of dreadlocks within the Rastafari tradition is a topic of much debate. Some believe that the practice was inspired by traditions brought to Jamaica by Indian indentured laborers, as Leonard Howell, hailed as the first Rasta, had links with Indo-Jamaican followers of Hinduism. Others suggest that Rastas were inspired by the locks worn by warriors of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya during the 1950s.

Regardless of their initial origin, dreadlocks in the modern day are synonymous with Rastafarianism. For Rastas, dreadlocks have a deeper spiritual connection, believed to connect wearers to Jah (God) and "earth-force", his mystical power found throughout the universe.


Contemporary interpretations worldwide

In recent decades, dreadlocks have gained popularity across various cultures and subcultures worldwide. The hairstyle has been adopted by people from diverse backgrounds, including hippies, metalheads, and fashion enthusiasts. However, it's crucial to recognize the cultural significance and historical context of dreadlocks, particularly their strong association with Afro-descendant ethnic groups.

In many parts of Africa, locks continue to hold cultural importance. For instance, warriors of the Maasai and Kikuyu tribes in Kenya are known for their locked hair, associating it with strength and cultural identity. Similarly, in Ghana, the Akan people refer to locks as 'Mpɛsɛ', which are usually reserved for priests of Akomfo.

Today, dreadlocks have evolved beyond their religious and cultural roots, becoming a form of self-expression for many. Some people choose to wear dreadlocks as a fashion statement, while others see it as a protective style for their natural hair. This evolution in the perception and adoption of dreadlocks reflects the ongoing cultural exchange and transformation in our globalized world.

As we appreciate the diverse interpretations of dreadlocks in contemporary society, it's essential to respect and acknowledge their deep-rooted cultural significance. Understanding the history and meaning behind this hairstyle can foster greater cultural appreciation and sensitivity in our increasingly interconnected world.


 

Ceremonial Coiffures: Hairstyles in Cultural Rituals

Hairstyles play a significant role in cultural rituals across the globe, symbolizing important life events and transitions. From weddings to coming-of-age ceremonies and even mourning rituals, the way people style their hair has a profound cultural significance. Let's explore some of these fascinating traditions from around the world.



Wedding Hair Traditions Around the World

Wedding ceremonies are often steeped in tradition, and hairstyles are no exception. In many cultures, a bride's hairstyle is an essential part of her wedding attire, carrying deep symbolic meaning.

In India, Hindu brides often opt for elaborate updos adorned with floral accessories. The color red holds great importance, symbolizing commitment, spirituality, and fertility.


rear view of an Hindu bride with an elaborate hair upds adorned with floral accessories standing on dense, lush green vegetation

Brides may also have intricate henna designs on their hands and feet, applied by a professional mehndi artist or a relative the day before the wedding.

Japanese brides have various options depending on their religious beliefs. In a traditional Shinto ceremony, brides dress in white from head to toe, including their makeup. However, more modern brides might choose to wear a red kimono or a white dress. Regardless of the outfit, many Japanese brides accessorize their updos with floral ornaments or a headdress.

Korean brides focus on enhancing their features with groomed brows, black eyeliner, fluttery lashes, and pink-flushed cheeks. Their hair is typically styled in an updo, complemented by a veil and pretty accessories.

Chinese brides often incorporate red and gold hair accessories into their wedding look, as red symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and good luck. Updos are also a popular choice among Chinese brides.




Coming-of-Age Hair Ceremonies

Hair plays a crucial role in many coming-of-age rituals, marking the transition from childhood to adulthood.

In China, there has been a resurgence of Confucian-style coming-of-age ceremonies called Ji Li (for girls) and Guan Li (for boys). These ceremonies typically honor youth who have turned 20 and provide an opportunity to wear traditional dress. For girls, the Ji Li ceremony involves making hair buns and attaching hair pins. Boys participate in the Guan Li, where their hair is twisted and capped with a ceremonial cap called a Guan. This tradition dates back to the ancient Qin dynasty and marks the passage from childhood to adulthood.


The Hindu Chudakarana ritual is a unique coming-of-age ceremony performed on babies. This ritual involves the baby's first haircut and is believed to shed all traces of their previous life, as Hindus believe in reincarnation. The baby's head is shaved to symbolize a fresh start in their current life.


In Apache culture, young girls traditionally participated in the sunrise ceremony, also known as Na'ii'ees or the puberty ceremony. This four-day ritual, performed during the summer following their first menstruation, required girls to follow specific rules, including not washing or touching their skin and drinking only through special tubes. The ceremony involved reenacting the Apache Origin Myth, drawing participants closer to the first woman, known as White Painted Woman or Changing Woman.


Funeral and Mourning Hair Customs

Hair customs also play a significant role in funeral and mourning rituals across various cultures.

In Hindu traditions, the ceremonies following a death usually last for thirteen days. On the eleventh day, close male family members of the deceased shave their beards and heads. This custom varies in different parts of India; in Gujarat and some other parts of Western India, the nearest male relatives are required to shave their heads on the actual day of the death.

Jewish mourning customs include a seven-day period of strict mourning called shiva. During this time, male relatives of the deceased are forbidden to shave their beards. Men are also prohibited from cutting their hair for thirty days following the death.

In some Native American traditions, a lock of hair from the departed person was taken and purified over burning sweetgrass. The hair was then wrapped in sacred buckskin, and the Sacred Pipe was smoked. This bundle, called the soul bundle, was kept in a special place in the tipi of the soul's keeper, usually a relative, for about a year before the soul was released.

These diverse hair customs in cultural rituals demonstrate the profound significance of hairstyles in marking life's important transitions and honoring cultural traditions.


 

Hair as Resistance: Hairstyles in Social and Political Movements

Throughout history, hairstyles have served as powerful symbols of resistance and cultural identity. From the civil rights movement to punk subcultures and indigenous traditions, hair has been used to challenge societal norms, express political views, and preserve cultural heritage.


African American Civil Rights and Natural Hair Movement

The natural hair movement has its roots in the tumultuous 1960s, during the height of the civil rights movement. The "Black Is Beautiful" movement encouraged African Americans to embrace their natural features, including their hair texture. Activist Marcus Garvey urged black women to celebrate their natural kinks, arguing that adopting Eurocentric beauty standards diminished their inherent beauty.

Angela Davis's iconic afro became a symbol of black power and rebellion against white American beauty standards. Wearing an afro was not just a fashion statement; it was a weapon in the fight for racial equality and a public declaration of self-love and solidarity within the black community.


rear view of a woman dressed in a casual way with big afro style hair standing on dense, lush green vegetation

The impact of this movement was significant. James Brown's 1968 anthem "Say It Loud!" encouraged black people to embrace their identity proudly. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ended segregation in public places and banned employment discrimination, creating the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce workplace anti-discrimination laws.

However, the struggle continues. The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund has been working to end discrimination based on hair texture and culturally specific hairstyles. They represent cases like that of Chastity Jones, who had a job offer rescinded in 2010 for refusing to cut her dreadlocks.



Punk Hairstyles as Counter-Culture Statement

Punk fashion, including its distinctive hairstyles, emerged as a form of rebellion against mainstream culture. The punk movement aimed to provoke and challenge middle-class values, often through deliberately offensive imagery and sexual innuendos.

Vivienne Westwood, a pioneering designer, helped establish the look of early British punk through her clothing shops, Sex and Seditionaries, in the mid-1970s. Her designs found a canvas on iconic figures like Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols.

Punk hairstyles evolved from the 1970s to the 1980s, becoming more extreme. The classic mohawk, with its roots tracing back to ancient civilisations, became a staple of punk fashion. Liberty spikes, named after their resemblance to the Statue of Liberty's crown, also gained popularity. These styles were not just about esthetics; they were bold statements of non-conformity and rebellion.


rear view of a woman dressed in a casual way with punk hair standing on dense, lush green vegetation

Indigenous Hair Practices as Cultural Preservation

For many indigenous cultures, hair carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. Native American traditions, for instance, view hair as an extension of one's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Long hair is seen as a connection to the land, ancestors, and spiritual strength.

Indigenous men and boys are often encouraged to grow their hair long as a symbol of their identity and cultural heritage. The practice of braiding hair is particularly significant, with each braid representing different aspects of life, such as body, mind, and spirit, or past, present, and future.

The importance of hair in indigenous cultures was recognized and exploited by those seeking to suppress these communities. During the era of residential schools, young indigenous men had their hair forcibly cut as a means of breaking their spirit and severing their connection to their culture.

Today, many indigenous people are reclaiming their traditional hair practices as a form of cultural preservation and resistance against historical oppression. They use natural herbs, plants, and oils to care for their hair, maintaining practices that have been passed down through generations.

In conclusion, hairstyles have played a crucial role in various social and political movements, serving as powerful symbols of resistance, identity, and cultural preservation. From the afros of the civil rights era to the mohawks of punk culture and the long braids of indigenous traditions, hair continues to be a visible and potent form of self-expression and cultural affirmation.


 

Conclusion

Hairstyles have a profound influence on culture, serving as powerful symbols of identity, resistance, and tradition. From the spiritual significance of dreadlocks to the cultural importance of ceremonial coiffures, hair has been a canvas for self-expression and cultural preservation across the globe. The evolution of hairstyles in social and political movements, such as the natural hair movement in African American communities and the use of punk hairstyles as counter-culture statements, showcases the enduring power of hair to convey messages and challenge societal norms.

As we've explored the rich tapestry of traditional hairstyles from various cultures, it's clear that hair is much more than just a fashion statement. It's a reflection of our history, beliefs, and aspirations. The ongoing conversations about hair discrimination and cultural appropriation highlight the need to respect and understand the deep-rooted significance of different hairstyles. By appreciating the diversity of hair traditions, we can foster greater cultural sensitivity and celebration of our unique identities in an increasingly interconnected world.


 

FAQs

1. What is the most renowned hairstyle globally?The Modern Pompadour is considered one of the most famous hairstyles worldwide. It is a classic style that has been updated to remain popular in contemporary men's fashion.

2. Which hairstyle holds the title of being the oldest?The oldest hairstyle known to us is hair braiding, which dates back approximately 30,000 years. Historically, women's hairstyles were elaborate and meticulously styled, although married women often covered their hair when outside the home.

3. Can you provide a brief history of hairstyles?Throughout history, hairstyles have been used to signify social status and roles within various ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece. For instance, the braided wigs of Egyptian pharaohs and noblewomen were symbols of power and elegance.

4. What meanings have different hairstyles conveyed?Hairstyles have been used to represent various attributes including age, tribal affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social status, and marital status. They play a significant role in helping ethnic and cultural groups define and reclaim their identities.

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