“Hairstyles are an art form,” photographer J. D. ‘Okhai
Ojeikere said. They are also an important signifier. Prior to Nigerian inde-
pendence in 1960, wigs and straightening had replaced much of the indigenous
hair culture. Following independence, traditional styles reemerged alongside
modern designs, attracting the eye of the artist. The more than 1,000
hairstyles captured by Ojeikere in 30 years represent a declaration of self and
of heritage and reference both past and present. “All these hairstyles are
ephemeral,” he said. “I want my photographs to be noteworthy traces of them. I
always wanted to record moments of beauty, moments of knowledge.”