A symbol steeped in history, the scarf or Head Wrap has been renewed to become a universal fashion accessory. A must-have during certain hair periods, this elegant ornament naturally protects your hair, while offering a wide choice of styles more or less inspired by traditional techniques. Your hair can be adorned with a solid color or flamboyantly patterned fabric.

From an ancestral heritage or a more recent creative impulse, multiple methods of attachment are possible: find the one that will sublimate you! Head Wrap, turban, moussor, tagal, headband... Whatever its shape, this fabric accentuates the natural grace of the face. Renew with the scarf to celebrate your beauty, according to your codes and your values.

THE SCARF: A PIECE OF FABRIC, SEVERAL SYMBOLS

Before becoming a fashion accessory, a symbol of self-assertion and emancipation, the scarf embodied other roles. In the history of the women of the world, we find its origins in the pre-colonial period and according to the countries and the ethnic groups, its meaning differs. Tying a cloth on the head can have an aesthetic, protective, social, identity or religious value.

At the end of the 18th century, in Louisiana, black and mixed race women were forced to cover their hair. They had to cover it with a head wrap according to the Tignon law, derived from the sumptuary laws. The piece of cloth called "tignon" was intended to hide their beauty, which was considered ostentatious.

But the Creole women decided to divert the original meaning of this scarf. By deviating its symbolism, using their creativity and resilience, they transformed it into a splendid headdress. They invented a new elegant accessory: the maré tèt or Têt Maret, Madras turban, in Creole.

In the USA, in the 1960s and 1970s, the "Black is beautiful" movement also took over the wearing of the head wrap. It is then an emblem of resistance and identity affirmation. Today it is reappropriated and transcended. The current Nappy movement embodies this desire, through inspiring beauties who proudly wear their frizzy hair naturally.

In Africa, the head wrap is found in many countries. The role of this traditional piece of fabric is above all practical. The Head Wrap protects from the sun, absorbs perspiration and makes it easy to carry objects on their head. It also protects its owner from evil spirits. The symbolism and the message vary from one country to another and evolve over time.

Historically, among the Yoruba of West Africa, present in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, or Ghana, there are multiple ways to wear it. For example, the Nigerian Gele is fixed in the manner of an elegant crown, haloing the head in a noble and silky way.

The head wrap’s fastening can also give information. It can therefore inform the social situation of the woman who wears it. Thus, a fabric tied on the right indicates that she is married, on the left that she is a heart to take. This piece of cloth is part of the African cultural identity and constitutes a real heritage. It even has a different name depending on its origin.

Here is a non-exhaustive list:

• Moussoro in Mali
• Moussor or Taggal in Senegal
• Duku in Malawi and Ghana
• Dhuku in Zimbabwe,
• Tukwi in Botswana,
• Ichafu among the Ibo,
• Kouna Diala among the Bambara
• Tabla among the Fon in Benin,
• Gnoubouholo among the Senoufo,
• K'sa among the Tuareg, etc.

Some of you know scarf tying techniques, while others are totally unaware of them. It's all about transmission. But sometimes, we are interested in it because it is a real crush, without necessarily having anticipated its use.

This can happen during a simple scroll on Instagram or a desire to take care of your hair with a new protective hairstyle. You can also discover or re-discover the Head Wrap during a hair transition to a natural afro for example. This practice allows you to go through this stage with ease, without suffering the hazards of frizz. The functional side offers an undeniable advantage. This process reconciles you with your hair by giving you an elegant look, in all circumstances and in a few moments!

WHY TODAY THE HEAD WRAP IS TRENDY

Throughout the ages and countries, depending on the color, decorations and type of fabric, the head wrap delivers a message. Women of the new generation are proud to display their roots as a standard of beauty, valuing its aesthetic side. By wearing it according to their desires, they want to celebrate the splendor of women and their strength. They want to give it another dimension: not to deny the past, but to make it a power and create a future full of optimism.

The head wrap suggests, without question, the affirmation of oneself. For some, it is even the sign of a true return to the sources. This ornament has a multiple historical and cultural meaning, while being the vector of a real strength, a subtle energy... It's a bit your crown!

The Head Wrap can be combined with a chic style for a special occasion, as well as with a casual outfit. Plus, it can save you many times over. Think of the day when your scalp is too oily or the time when you really don't like your haircut! It's up to you to style your fabric piece and match it to your current need and preference. It's a way to express yourself and let your creativity run wild.

You are seduced by the headwrapping trend? A sincere desire to share your African culture? A desire to boldly raise your style? A wish to simplify your daily hair style? Whatever your intention, this fashion accessory will finally accompany you like a lucky charm. Adopt your piece of fabric consciously, it has an extraordinary power: that of revealing you, of reinforcing your personal esteem.

This precious headscarf must have some essential assets:

• A color that illuminates your complexion naturally
• An original pattern to assert yourself: wax, graphic, etc.
• A soft and comforting material, a silky and shiny touch

By shaking up borders and codes, this universal symbol of resilience seduces women of all origins, throughout the world. Today, the headwrapping trend can be found everywhere, it adapts to all outfits, from catwalks to basic everyday looks.

You don't dare to start because you are not really initiated to the art of head wrap tying? Rest assured, you can start with simple techniques, such as tying the fabric into a bun on top of the head. There are more than 50 different methods of tying.

The participants of our last head wrap Tying Master Class, held at Oya Time Center, were able to try out a few of them:

Our host and ambassador Vanessa, @full_art_moussor, also accompanies you in her store or at a distance. An accomplished craftswoman, based in Dakar, she makes turbans, Moussors, Taggals, head wrap and even models for brides (original creation below).

Some specialists participate each year in the head wrap tying contest, during the Jewelry & Scarf Festival in Abidjan. Hashtags #headwrap or #turbanistas gather even the most passionate! Making beautiful scarf knots becomes a beauty tip shared around the world, accessible to all: badu style, bow tie, Tuareg inspiration, top knot turban ...

And when you don't cover your hair with your head wrap, this piece of your wardrobe is infinitely recyclable. You can transform it successively into a pareo, a top, a belt or even a tie!