Hairstyles as a Form of Language - What Is Your Message?
Building on the slogan, essence, and research of Yua Hair, which explores textured hair as a tool for self-expression and the many perspectives surrounding it, we curated a presentation through which artist Héléna Koudou, founder of Slayed in Braids, responded to the theme: "Hairstyles as a Form of Language: What Is Your Message?" She explored this theme through three hair creations.
Our theme references the sociological study by Ivorian professor and researcher Dr. Kadjo Koutou, who published an article in November 2017 titled "Coiffure et langage dans la région d’Abidjan" in the International Journal of Current Research. The study aimed to demonstrate that hairstyles serve as a means of sociocultural communication in Abidjan, focusing on the Yopougon and Adjamé neighborhoods, where Dr. Koutou visited 20 salons and studios.
In our presentation, we included a male participant, acknowledging the growing trend of young men in Abidjan wearing braids—despite long-standing criticism for deviating from short haircuts. We also explore the ongoing cultural exchange between Africa, its diaspora, and the rest of the world, a phenomenon amplified by globalization, technology, and social media.
Héléna Koudou, originally from Côte d'Ivoire but raised in New York City, creates hair art heavily influenced by both her Ivorian roots and the cultural diversity of New York's melting pot. Through this presentation, she shared what hair means to her and the message she seeks to convey through her creations.
All hairstyles were crafted using hair products from Jikeko Beauty, an innovative Ivorian company specialising in textured hair care made with ingredients indigenous to the African continent.
Our theme references the sociological study by Ivorian professor and researcher Dr. Kadjo Koutou, who published an article in November 2017 titled "Coiffure et langage dans la région d’Abidjan" in the International Journal of Current Research. The study aimed to demonstrate that hairstyles serve as a means of sociocultural communication in Abidjan, focusing on the Yopougon and Adjamé neighborhoods, where Dr. Koutou visited 20 salons and studios.
In our presentation, we included a male participant, acknowledging the growing trend of young men in Abidjan wearing braids—despite long-standing criticism for deviating from short haircuts. We also explore the ongoing cultural exchange between Africa, its diaspora, and the rest of the world, a phenomenon amplified by globalization, technology, and social media.
Héléna Koudou, originally from Côte d'Ivoire but raised in New York City, creates hair art heavily influenced by both her Ivorian roots and the cultural diversity of New York's melting pot. Through this presentation, she shared what hair means to her and the message she seeks to convey through her creations.
All hairstyles were crafted using hair products from Jikeko Beauty, an innovative Ivorian company specialising in textured hair care made with ingredients indigenous to the African continent.