african head wrapping

Why We African Headdress

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Often referred to as headwraps or turbans, African and African-like head coverings have become quite the accessory in various dress codes. I believe that it is a beautiful addition to the wardrobe and in my closet, it is my most beloved adornment. I wear headwraps at least twice a week and have been doing so for quite some time. It is part of the many cultures that I celebrate, all indigenous to the continent we know as Africa. I encourage ladies to explore the headwrap, not just as a fashion statement, but as part of African-American identity. Like other headgear such as the niqab, hijab, kufi, kofia, kippah, non la, patka, shpitzel, tam, taqiya, or sombrero it has its purpose and is highly valued by those who wear it.

Why wear a headwrap?

#1 REASON – It’s simply beautiful.

#2 REASON – To represent the African Diaspora: it’s part of the culture we lost during the Middle Passage. We are redefining and regaining our physical identity via attire/garb.

#3 REASON – It’s protective of our crowns.

#4 REASON – In compliance with codes of modesty.

#5 REASON – It represents regality.

#6 REASON – To absorb perspiration when working and keep the hair off the face.

#6 REASON – Social and spiritual significance; articulation of piousness.

#7 REASON – It’s quite stylish.

Most of the time you can determine the use of a headwrap based on the type of fabric used. I listed a few reasons, but I know there is so much information out there surrounding the headwrap. Explore.

: I love these scarves!

Related Materials

Headwraps

The African American Woman’s Headwrap: Unwinding the Symbols

HarvestGirlLove Etsy Store

Jafya Royalworks Etsy Store

Tambo Collection

Purchase African Headdress

Thank you for visiting,

The Kush Queen for African Essence

P.S. I found this video to be very enlightening. It’s always good to know the truth and decide what you want to do with it.

Part 2: The Turban Across the Globe (kaurthoughts.wordpress.com)
Headwrap and leather jacket kind of day (lamodexxaisha.wordpress.com)
Charting 5 centuries of African American history (kfwbam.com)
A simple, yearly test can save Black men from dying (louisianaweekly.com)

Head Wrapping

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I often wear cool hats on top of my head wraps

Multi Color Fabric- sort of a sweater material. I use this as the outer layer of fabric in the next pic. I purchased the fabric from JoAnn’s.

Two fabrics, wrapped into a crown… the brown you see on top is NOT my hair. It is a brown fabric.

You can try something like this if you want to wrap a fabric around your long hair

Solange (vocal artist) used a turban-style wrap If you ever see a fabric like this, buy it! It is beautiful.

A bit lighter, if it helps you to see better…

Head wrapping is becoming increasingly popular. I say go for it! I love to wrap my hair and no, it has nothing to do with a bad hair day! Depending upon what city you are in, people may look at you weird, but who cares! Wear that wrap! I wear them to work and for play. I can make them look classy or fun! If you are out and you see a cool fabric on sale, buy it! Your wrap does not have to necessarily match what you have on. I like to tastefully mix patterns. It adds life to any outfit. Keep in mind, I have shorter hair, so NO, you do not have to have long hair in order to wear a wrap.

Peace and love,

Queen Duafe for African Essence

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I love the art of African head wrapping and I will take some pics of myself in the near future because I do it quite often. Today I brought these fabrics on sale at JoAnns Fabrics for the sole purpose of head wrapping: