Zimpapers Logo

Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa

Tafadzwa Zimoyo : Lifestyle Writer

Woolly is hot. Forget the straight look and flaunt the kink in your hair. Saturday Herald Lifestyle took a stroll in the CBD, checking on some of the celebrities and nonentitys how they are embracing the new kinky hairstyle. Even in the office set-up, where well-coiffured and combed hair is regarded as the standard format, the kinky hairstyle is now appreciated. “Things are changing and people need new looks. The dreadlocks, together with other hairstyles like kinky, are now the in-thing in many circles.“In fact, these have been there before, only that people had negative notions and perceptions about them. Now they have realised that there is nothing sinister about the hairstyles.

These are the kind of hairstyles that were defined as belonging to pagans, but today, you can even see some Christians wearing these hairstyles,” said Charity Mangombe, a hairstylist operating in Rezende Street in Harare’s CBD.

“You can be well-coiffured or shaven, go to church, but that does not mean that you are a true Christian if what you do goes against the Bible.

So being kinky-haired has nothing to do with religion; in fact, kinky is just a mere hairstyle just like any other,” she added.

Popular gospel singer Amai Olivia Charamba and wife to UFIC church leader Ruth Makandiwa have spotted short hairdos of their natural hair and the wave is spreading.

And for those whose own locks do not work, there are several weave and wig styles that carry the look.

Some soccer stars are also known for their penchant for the kinky hairstyle.

And when you kick the ball further down the celebrity turf, you will find that the likes of Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa are known for the kinky hairstyle, which has become more of their mark.

Musicians Cindy Munyavi, Lisa Chiriseri, Ammara Brown, Tariro NeGitare, Hope Masike have all gone kinky at one or more times in their careers.

Cindy Munyavi said in terms of kinky Afro style, that is the in-thing and it is important to move with time.

“I prefer rocking the hairstyle using my real hair. I relax my hair and then use perm rods. It is easy to maintain and non greasy and lets your scalp breathe,” she said.

Munyavi is now known for being a trendsetter when it comes to hair issues.

Recently she spotted the grey controversial ‘granny look’.

“I love the look because it is sophisticated and very natural and brings out a true African woman in the age where the American look as more popular yet the look is still modern and fashion forward,” she said.

Some women said this is a reflection of how fashion trends are changing.

“Stilettos were once hot in the 70s and 80s, yet they are back with a bang today. The same also applies for kinky and Afro hair both of which have made a big bang,” noted Susan Simon of Hatfield.

She noted that the kinky was bringing back the 80s look.

“It is a renaissance of the hair fashion look, a revamp of those good olden days of the 80s.

“Going kinky is some kind of strong fashion statement of where you belong as a person, being truly African, and the good thing about it is that people the world over have embraced it and are going for it.

“And in a big way, it is cheaper as it accords you to look smart without having to pump out a lot of money on artificial hairstyles like weaves,” she said.