After I consider Outdated Nollywood, I consider huge Afros, hoop earrings, bandana scarves, enormous sun shades, skinny eyebrows, nude lips, and darkish lip liners. That was an period in tv that no Nigerian can ever neglect.
There was one thing gloriously dramatic about that interval, not simply within the performing or storylines, however within the appears to be like. From exaggerated make-up to daring hairstyles, it was clear that the ladies of Nollywood weren’t afraid to make a press release.
Within the style world, there’s a saying that traits by no means die, they only exit of favor after which cycle their means again. I feel the identical applies to magnificence. As a Gen-Z child by way of and thru, I’ve witnessed a number of hair eras: the packing gel and weave-on craze of the 2010s, the Ghana weaving and million braids second, the human hair wig obsession, and now, the rise of boho braids.
Lately, I’ve seen a revival of Old Nollywood hairstyles as extra ladies are reaching again to the 90s and early 2000s for inspiration.
Quite a lot of these nostalgic hairstyles had been made well-known by Nollywood’s largest stars like Genevieve Nnaji, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ini Edo, and Uche Jombo. They performed fierce, trendy, and typically crafty characters, however past their roles, their hairstyles turned a part of the tradition.
Let’s make a journey down reminiscence lane and revisit some Outdated Nollywood hairstyles that really deserve a comeback.
1. The Excessive Afro Puff
If you consider iconic Outdated Nollywood hairstyles, the excessive Afro puff instantly involves thoughts. It’s daring, voluminous, and unapologetically African. One scene that lives rent-free in our heads is Eucharia Anunobi’s dramatic “Why are you buying the place I store?” second from Abuja Connection. It’s an ideal show of angle and hair peak mixed.
The excessive Afro puff is a type of hairstyles that by no means actually went away however deserves extra love as we speak.
Styled with huge hoop earrings and shiny lips, you immediately channel that assured Outdated Nollywood power.
2. Watermelon Braids
In the event you watched Nigerian movies within the early 2000s, you positively noticed watermelon braids. They begin as lengthy, singular braids that transition into tender curls midway down, typically in vivid, enjoyable colors like wine, gold, and even burgundy. The mix of modern and curly offers it a playful edge, and it’s the type of coiffure a Nollywood metropolis babe would put on whereas plotting her subsequent transfer.
Watermelon braids are again on the radar due to how versatile they’re. They are often worn in excessive ponytails, half-up types, or left to move freely. In addition they mix completely with the present Y2K and nostalgia traits dominating magnificence and style.
3. Locs
Locs have been round for hundreds of years, however in Outdated Nollywood, they turned a part of a particular aesthetic: free-spirited, mysterious, and effortlessly stunning. Actresses like Thelma O’khaz and Endurance Ozokwor typically wore locs in roles that they performed rebels and non-conformists. Roles that required power and depth, which helped normalise the model on display.
Immediately, locs have advanced into many variations: tender locs, butterfly locs, fake locs, and even colored locs. However there’s nonetheless one thing particular in regards to the basic loc look that’s thick, darkish, and naturally styled. It represents freedom, identification, and satisfaction.
In a world that’s more and more embracing pure textures and genuine magnificence, this Outdated Nollywood favorite positively deserves a everlasting spot in our present magnificence scene.
4. Dolly Braids
Dolly braids had been each it-girl’s dream within the early 2000s. They’re brief, shoulder-length braids curled upward on the suggestions, normally with a tender bounce that frames the face completely. They’d a girlish allure as they seemed cute, elegant, and neat. Earlier than we even knew what cottagecore was, Nollywood actresses had been dwelling it.
The coiffure’s comeback has already began. In 2024, singer Tems rocked a contemporary model of dolly braids throughout her interview and efficiency on The Jennifer Hudson Present, immediately bringing the classic look again to the highlight.
What makes Dolly braids timeless is their steadiness. They’re playful sufficient for an informal time out however polished sufficient for a red-carpet second. It reveals that some Outdated Nollywood types can evolve superbly into fashionable traits.
5. The Pixie Lower
Few hairstyles outlined the glamour of Outdated Nollywood fairly just like the pixie minimize. Smooth, sharp, and effortlessly stylish, it was the last word confidence-boosting coiffure. You’d see actresses like Genevieve Nnaji, Stella Damasus, or Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde rocking this brief minimize, typically styled with deep facet elements or dramatic curls.
The most effective half is that it’s a type of appears to be like that by no means really exit of style. Trendy variations now are available in daring colors, textured finishes, and even undercut designs, however the essence stays the identical with daring femininity.
Learn Additionally: The Pixie Cut Is Back and Nigerian Celebrities Are Showing Us How It’s Done
6. The Micro Braids
Micro braids had been a real take a look at of persistence as they took hours to finish, however the end result was all the time price it. They had been a favorite in Outdated Nollywood for his or her versatility; you may model them in buns, ponytails, and even curls. They gave a light-weight, elegant look that complemented nearly any face form.
Now, with improved braiding strategies and lighter extensions, micro braids could be worn with out the strain or weight they as soon as had. It’s time we introduced them again, minus the stress of constructing them.
