African women’s hairstyles as communication media - A comparison between young and old women’s hairstyles -

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the different communication messages behind African women’s hairstyles, and to compare young and old African women’s hairstyles. The contents of this research are: the hairstyle as communication media, the types of African women’s hairstyles, and the difference between young and old women’s hairstyles. We used a review of literature and an empirical study as the research methods for this study. For the literature review, we used papers on African hairstyles, and we linked hairstyles to corresponding communication. For the empirical study, we took a database of 240 pictures (120 pictures of young women and 120 pictures of old women) from websites related to African hairstyles and we analyzed the pictures to differentiate between young and old African women’s hairstyles. The results of this study reveal that African women’s hairstyles express messages of power, ceremony, and status and identification communication. Within the 240 pictures, we found out which hairstyles are preferred by young and old women. Young African women prefer long, straight hairstyles and artificial hair (wigs), while old women keep short, natural hairstyles. The result of this research will be useful for understanding African women’s hairstyles as well as contribute to the field of hair design.

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