Celebrating the proud culture behind Nigerian hairstyles

Dugger modelled this vivid portrait of a heart-shaped hairstyle after a similar black-and-white image by Ojeikere.

A variety of materials give structure to hairstyles, including wool (seen here), weaves, cowrie shells, kebab skewers, and hair spray.

Some women in the Yoruba ethnic group wear the Irun Kiko style, their hair knotted with thread, to express cultural pride and femininity.

Calabar style, in which hair is elaborately sectioned on the head, derives its name from the Nigerian port city where it’s common.

A hairstyle can be a powerful expression of individuality. This design suggests the shape of a coiled snake or a teacup and saucer.