Forget the stereotype that black women have short hair. In Africa, particularly among the Mbalantu women in Namibia and Angola, there exists a tradition of exceptionally long hair that defies expectations. These women proudly wear their hair, often referred to as the “Braided Rapunzels,” cascading down to their ankles, showcasing a living tradition passed down through generations.
Here’s how the Mbalantu women achieve this remarkable hair growth:
- Natural Moisture: Mbalantu women use a homemade blend of “omutyuula” (acacia) bark and fat to keep their hair moisturized, preventing damage and breakage from a young age.
- Ceremonial Hair Care: As Mbalantu girls mature, their hair becomes integral to their journey. Specific ceremonies, usually around the age of 12, are held to promote hair development. The girls coat their hair with a thick paste made from finely powdered tree bark of the “Omutyuula” tree mixed with fat. This paste remains on their scalp for years before revealing their long hair.
- Unique Styling Techniques: After the base is established, fruit pips and long sinew strands are tied to the hair, forming the characteristic “Eembuvi” braid. These braids grow to reach the ground by the time the girls participate in the “Ohango” initiation ceremony at sixteen, symbolizing their transition into womanhood.
- Continuous Care: As mature women, their hair continues to receive the “omutyuula” mixture to promote growth. When married, the “Eembuvi” braids are styled into a headpiece, sometimes so heavy that it requires support from a rope or skin strap. This style signifies their marital status and may only change during significant life events such as motherhood.
The famous knotless braids and many other braid hairstyles draw inspiration from the Mbalantu women’s “Eembuvi” braids. Their dedication to tradition and distinctive hair care practices highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
PHOTO CREDIT: Pinterest/Youtube
