5 traditional hairstyles that speak to SA’s cultural identity
Heritage Month is a big deal in South Africa because it reminds us of the traditional customs and practices of those who came before us.
During the month, our rainbow nation takes pride in celebrating our various traditions.
Since 1995, South Africans have celebrated Heritage Day annually on September 24, after Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu used the term “rainbow nation” to describe South Africa's diverse cultures, customs, traditions and languages.
The theme for this year’s Heritage Month is “Celebrating the lives of our heroes and heroines who laid down their lives for our freedom”. With that said, we celebrate by looking back at some of the traditional hairstyles that remain relevant.
Bantu knots
Bantu knots are one of the most famous hairstyles from South Africa. Popular among young women, it is achieved by sectioning equal parts of the hair and tying each into tight little buns or ponytails and then rolling them down to form ball-like knots.
Known as one of the most protective hairstyles, when doing this hair, the knots must not be too tight or it will cause tension on the scalp.
Over the years, Bantu knots have gained popularity, with even international celebrities like Rihanna rocking them.
Benny and Betty
It is known as one of the best hairstyles if you are starting to grow an afro. Inspired by the book “Benny and Betty”, the hairdo was popular among schoolgirls who wanted their hair to look neat.
Benny and Betty can be achieved by sectioning hair into little squares, threading wool through the hair and then joining it.
Nowadays, it is rocked by adults and has evolved a bit; Brazilian wool can be used for a more sophisticated look.
Cornrows
The global hairstyle derived from American culture. Its name was inspired by the corn fields where slaves used to work – the hairstyle forms geometric lines like the corn fields.
Before the introduction of hair fibre, people would create the hairdo with their natural hair. It is reported that natives did this hairstyle in order to hide rice in their hair.
South Africans also adopted the style because it looks stylish, is easy to manage and helps promote hair growth.
Pondo
“Pondo”, or “ponytail”, was inspired by Xhosa people, known as Ama-mpondo, who are usually found in the Eastern Cape.
The hair is tied into an up-do or sleek back bun. As simple as it looks, it requires some dexterity to grip the hair firmly to make sure it stays intact without harming the scalp. It can be done with natural hair. Hair extensions can be added for extra length.
Chiskop
Other parts of the world know it as bald head, but in South Africa, it’s called a chiskop. The name was inspired by the Afrikaans word, “kop”, meaning head.
The “chis” (cheese) part remains unclear. The unisex hairstyle is favoured because it saves money. In the old days before there were clippers, the hair was shaved with a a sharp glass bottle or razor blade.
A professional had to do it because one mistake could leave the scalp with a scar. As easy as it looks, maintenance is important to avoid getting ringworm.
Essential oil is usually applied to the head.
