5 Easy Ways to Tie a Head Wrap

How to tie head wraps?

Head wraps have been used for centuries as a fashion accessory and to protect the scalp and hair. In fact, this was why head wraps were first worn. Their use has a complicated past but have now been reclaimed and turned into a look that exudes pride and power.

At Nkeoma, we offer head wraps, head scarves and bonnets so that you can make a style statement and protect your hair the way you want to. All of our scarves, wraps and bonnets are made from the finest quality materials in traditional, powerful African prints.

How to Choose the Right African Head Wrap?

First of all, the most important thing when you choose a head wrap is your personal taste. There are so many different colors, designs, patterns and styles that you might be spoilt for choice. That choice is completely yours and is down to what you prefer to wear.

There are a couple of other things to consider too. First of all, think about the size you need and how you want to tie your wrap – a shorter wrap won’t be as versatile so try a wrap that’s 60-72 inches long. Wraps also come in lots of different materials, again this is a personal preference and depends on the style you’re looking for.

How To Tie Your Head Wrap?

Now that you’ve selected your head wrap, it’s time to learn about the different ways to tie it. When it comes to tying an African head wrap, it might seem complicated but there are some easy instructions that you can follow. This can stop you from wondering how to tie a hair wrap.

The Front Knot Hair Wrap

If you’re not feeling your hair then the front knot is the style to keep it covered. Use your head wrap to cover your entire hair (leaving your bangs out is optional).

Place your scarf around the back of your head and hold each end at the side of your head. You want the ends to be balanced and have roughly the same amount of fabric on each side. Then wrap the scarf around your head and twist the two ends around each other at the front of your head.

Keep twisting until you’ve created a knot at the front of your head. Secure it by tucking the ends into the wrap.

The Low Bow Hair Wrap

This style of head wrap is perfect if you’re wearing your hair straight (or working with a straight weave). It’s easy to do and looks great.
Put the head wrap on your head, covering it from your forehead to the top of your neck, and tie a knot. Make a big bow and try to make it as symmetrical as possible on both sides. You can change up how you have the bow depending what you want your wrap to look like.

The Low Bun Hair Wrap

The Low Bun is ideal if you want to cover your hair and keep it out of the way easily.

Tie your hair back in a low bun and work out where you want to wear your wrap. Then drape it over your wrap. Hold the ends firmly, pulling it into a ponytail. Twist the length of it. Hold the knot with one hand, while you wrap the longer pieces around your fingers. Continue wrapping and twisting until you reach the end of the knot.

The Nefertiti Head Wrap

If you’re wearing braids as a protective style, or just because you like the look, then adding an African head wrap is a great way to keep them in great condition. They’re also a perfect choice if you just want to change your look for the day. Braids come with a little commitment (hours in the chair means you probably want to keep them as long as possible.

The Nefertiti Head Wrap looks stunning, and far more complicated to do than you might think. Here are the simple steps to create this look:

• Gather your braids into a bun at the center of your crown.
• Tie the wrap around your head from the back and keep tying it around until you reach the ends of the fabric.
• Secure the ends of the wrap in the first layer you created.

If you want to add a little more drama to the look, add another wrap on top of the one you’ve just added.

The Wrapped High Ponytail Head Wrap

A wrapped high ponytail head wrap is beautiful for locs or braids. This is a good style to begin with if you’re not used to wrapping your hair when it’s been braided.

All you need to do is tie your hair into a high ponytail, on the top of your crown. Then roll your scarf into a band and wrap it around your head from the back.
Cross the two ends on top of your head, twist them around your ponytail and tie them together.

Ready to Wrap?

If you’re ready to try out a head wrap or you want to look at some alternative accessories to showcase your African heritage, check out our accessories.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/5-easy-ways-to-tie-head-wrap

How To Sanitize African Fabric Masks?

If you’re still planning on wearing a mask to reduce your chance of contracting coronavirus (or passing it on to others) then it’s likely that you’ll be wearing a fabric or a disposable face mask.

How to Choose Between a Fabric or Disposable Mask?

Disposable face masks don’t need to be sanitized as they’re designed to be single-use. Whilst this is a hygienic option it’s not great for the environment (or your budget), so many people opt for a reusable fabric face mask. But how do you make sure they stay clean and ready to use hygienically?

You can find high quality African print clothing on our website Nkeoma.com.

How to Sanitize Fabric Masks?

You should clean your fabric mask after every wearing. This reduces the risk of spreading the coronavirus or other germs.

To sanitize a fabric mask (such as one made from cotton) wash it with your regular laundry using hot water. You can then tumble dry them on a high setting. Try to skip a really thorough spin cycle as this can cause damage.

You can also hand wash your mask, using hot, soapy water. Scrub the mask for at least 20 seconds, and dry them on high heat in the dryer. Handwashing is effective but washing with your laundry is more likely to thoroughly clean it.

You might consider using a non-scented laundry detergent if you are sensitive to perfumes so it is easier to wear the masks.

Satin, silk or polyester fabrics will need to be treated differently so take a look at the manufacturers instructions. Washing at a high head can damage these fabrics and completely ruin your mask for future wear. If you’re choosing your mask because you want to reuse it then this isn’t something you’ll want to do!

You should store clean masks carefully and safely in a clean place when you are not using them. Always keep a back up to hand when you’re somewhere where you plan to wear a mask just in case the one you have gets dirty or lost.

Myths to Sanitize a Fabric Mask

There has been some misinformation about keeping masks clean and sanitized so let’s run through some things to avoid when it comes to keeping your fabric mask clean.

Using Bleach

Even if you’ve diluted bleach, you should avoid it as this can be dangerous to inhale and can affect the integrity (and color) of your fabric. This could compromise how effective your mask actually is, which can render it a little redundant.

Microwaving Your Face Mask

While it’s true that heat can be great for handling germs, this isn’t recommended. You might burn your mask, cause changes to the fabric, ruin the color or in the worst-case scenario actually start a fire at home.

You Don’t Need To Worry About Touching Your Mask

Whilst it’s easy to forget when you adjust your mask (or remove it), you could potentially transfer germs from your hands onto your mask each time you touch it. Whilst it isn’t something to get obsessed over, you do need to think about it as viruses can be transmitted by touch as well as through the air.

Here’s what to do when you take off or touch your mask:

• Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Don’t touch the front of the mask or your face.
• Carefully remove your mask by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties. For masks with a pair of ties, unfasten the bottom ones first, then the top ones.
• If your mask has filters, remove them and throw them away. Fold the mask and put it directly into the laundry or into a disposable or washable bag for laundering.
• Clean your hands again.

Masks Can Cause Mold and Health Issues

When they’re kept clean and sanitized properly there should be no issue with mold and health issues caused by masks. If you have underlying health conditions then you should seek advice from your health provider on what the best course of action should be when it comes to wearing a mask.

Tips for Choosing a Fabric Mask

As well as sanitizing fabric masks and keeping them clean, there are some other things to think about when it comes to choosing a fabric mask in the first place.

You want to choose good quality fabric for your cloth mask. It isn’t necessarily about the type of fabric that you choose - high quality fabrics have a thicker thread and are woven more tightly so this means less droplets pass through.

If you can see through a mask in the light, and clearly make out the individual threads in the mask when you hold it up to light then it may not be effective. Layers can be a way around this. Masks made from two layers are more effective than those made from one, and three layers is better than two.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/how-to-sanitize-african-fabric-masks

Everything You Need to Know About Kente

What is Kente?

Kente is a fabric made from silk and cotton, interwoven in strips. It originates from the Akan tribe in Ghana, West Africa, and is made in Akan lands like the Ashanti (also known as Asante) Kingdom and Akans in Ivory Coast. It’s also worn by other groups who have taken inspiration from the region, including the Ewe people who were originally under Ashanti rule.

What Does Kente Look Like?

Kente is instantly recognizable due to its multicolored patterns, bright colors, geometric shapes and bold, dazzling designs. It’s a royal and sacred cloth that’s traditionally worn during important times. It’s considered to be a cloth of Akan kings and is held in extremely high esteem.

There are lots of different patterns and designs that have certain cultural significance to different regions of Africa. Cloths are chosen for their colors and patterns, usually identified by the patterns found present in the lengthwise thread of the fabric.

Where Does the Name Kente Come From?

The word kente comes from the word kenten, which means basket in the Akan dialect, Asante. In the local region, kente is referred to as nwentoma which means ‘woven cloth’. The names of different types of kente are usually taken from historical events, proverbs, literature, achievements, leading figures and the natural world - there isn’t always a correlation between the name and the way that the fabric looks.

History of Kente

The origin of kente is steeped in history and legend. The most popular legend that explains how kente came to be originates from the Ashanti people in Ghana. The legend tells how two young men, named Ota Karaban and Kwaku Ameyaw, watched a spider weaving its web and were amazed by the designs that sparkled in it in the moonlight.

The spider, called Ananse, showed them how to weave in exchange for completing some favors. Their new-found skill was reported to the first ruler of the Ashanti kingdom and he adopted the cloth as a royal cloth reserved for special occasions.

Kente was originally used by royalty only, and though this is no longer the case, it’s still associated with wealth, status and sophistication. It’s also found in shrines to mark spiritual power.

How Is Kente Made?

Kente is woven on a horizontal strip loom, which produces a narrow band of cloth about four inches wide. Several of these strips are carefully arranged and hand-sewn together to create a cloth of the desired size. Most kente weavers are men.

Weaving involves the crossing of a row of parallel threads called the warp (threads running vertically) with another row called the weft (threads running horizontally). A horizontal loom, constructed with wood, consists of a set of two, four or six heddles (loops for holding thread), which are used for separating and guiding the warp threads. 

These are attached to treadles (foot pedals) with pulleys that have spools of thread inserted in them. The pulleys can be used to move the warp threads apart. As the weaver divides the warp threads, he uses a shuttle (a small wooden device carrying a bobbin, or small spool of thread) to insert the weft threads between them. These various parts of the loom, like the motifs in the cloth, all have symbolic significance and are accorded a great deal of respect.

By alternating colors in the warp and weft, a weaver can create complex patterns, which in kente cloth are valued for both their visual effect and their symbolism. Patterns can exist vertically (in the warp), or horizontally (in the weft), or both.

Different Types of Kente

Different colors and patterns in kente can have different significance or meaning behind it. Here are some of the colors and what they represent in kente fabric:

• Black: maturation, intensified spiritual energy
• Blue: peacefulness, harmony and love
• Green: vegetation, planting, harvesting, growth, spiritual renewal
• Gold: royalty, wealth, high status, glory, spiritual purity
• Grey: healing and cleansing rituals; associated with ash
• Maroon: the color of mother earth; associated with healing
• Pink: associated with the female essence of life; a mild, gentle aspect of red
• Purple: associated with feminine aspects of life; usually worn by women
• Red: political and spiritual moods; bloodshed; sacrificial rites and death.
• Silver: serenity, purity, joy; associated with the moon
• White: purification, sanctification rites and festive occasions
• Yellow: preciousness, royalty, wealth, fertility, beauty

Other types of kente patterns have been created which showcase an idea or concept:

• Obaakofoo Mmu Man pattern - symbolizes democratic rule
• Emaa Da - symbolizes novel creativity and knowledge from experience
• Sika Fre Mogya - symbolizes  responsibility to share monetary success with one's relations.

How to Wear Kente?

Men and women wear traditional kente cloth differently. On average, a men’s size cloth measures 24 strips wide, making it about 8 feet wide and 12 feet long. Men usually wear one piece wrapped around the body, leaving the right shoulder and hand uncovered, in a toga-like style.

Women may wear either one large piece or a combination of two or three pieces of varying sizes ranging from 5-12 strips, averaging 6 feet long. Age, marital status, and social standing may determine the size and design of the cloth an individual would wear.

Modern kente-inspired clothing can be worn by anyone in a variety of different styles.

Modern African Kente

Previously kente cloth could not be cut. This is no longer the case and kente can be sewn into other forms like dresses, shirts or shoes. Printed versions of kente are available too, making the traditional patterns more accessible to everyone around the world.

Kente cloth is worn in the United States for a variety of cultural and celebratory purposes. People wear them for graduation, Juneteenth, Kwanzaa and other holidays to connect with their African heritage.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/everything-you-need-to-know-about-kente

African Clothing Trends 2021

It’s official, African fashion trends inspire clothing and design across the world. Because of the diversity and rich cultural heritage of the continent, there’s so much inspiration to take and translate into clothing trends.

Trends change around the world every year, from colors that are in, clothing styles, shapes and cuts. Even though 2021 has felt a little more subdued than other years, fashion hasn’t stopped and we’re 100% here for it. Looking good can make you feel happier and more confident which we all need in these uncertain times. 

Here are some African fashion trends for 2021 so that you can keep on top of the fashion trends and ahead of the game with your latest looks:

Sleeves with Volume

Voluminous, puffy sleeves (of all different lengths) are great for making a statement. Plus they work for any occasion, whether you want to be dressy and elegant or you want to keep it lower key. Try a sheer sleeve or bell sleeve for a touch of trend that’s easy to wear for everyone.

Side Slits

Side slits have been everywhere for a while now, and show no sign of going anywhere soon. Trousers, dresses and skirts have all been slashed at the side to show a little leg without showing off too much. The slits are also great for keeping cool and keeping your skin protected from the sun.

Show Off Your Shoulders

Having your shoulders on show is a great way to show a little skin in a classy, understated way. You can even add a little highlighter or cream to your shoulders for a beautiful, intoxicating glow. Whether you rock this look with a top or a dress, it’s guaranteed to turn heads and make a simple outfit instantly feel more glam.

Keeping it Kimono

A kimono or wrap is great to wear in the African climate as it keeps you cool in hot and humid weather. Floaty, breathable fabrics make way more sense to wear as they let the air circulate around the body, cooling your skin down. You can pick up a kimono in any fabric or print - cotton and natural fabrics are the best for cooling. It’s also a great trend to dress up or down, depending on the material and design used.

Oversize It

Oversized fits have been a big trend, with the rise in street wear and loose shapes. Whether it’s jeans, jackets, dresses or tops go oversized for a comfortable, easy-to-wear African fashion trend. You can pair your oversized outfits with fitted accessories and closer silhouettes if you don’t want your entire outfit to look oversized.

Bold, Traditional Prints

Bold, traditional prints in contemporary clothing and fits is a style that never truly goes out of fashion in Africa. We love to showcase our rich heritage and beautiful craftsmanship with bright, bold prints and patterns inspired by tradition.

Soft Florals

This trend is still about showing off bold patterns, but it has more muted tones and a little more stripped back than the bold colours often used in African print fabrics. This style works really well in summer and can be used to add a little pop of excitement and fun to an otherwise plain outfit. We love a full-floral maxi dress for a really beautiful look.

Floaty Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are so easy to wear and perfectly versatile. You can wear them day or night, dressed up or down. Floaty jumpsuits are even easier to wear thanks to their more voluminous shape (which also makes them cooler). Make sure you get the right fit, and keep legs long, loose and chic.

Rising Necklines

Wave goodbye to your necklaces for the season as this is one African fashion trend that doesn’t work with them. Necklines are a little higher this season, with halters and turtlenecks seen on tops and dresses. Go for fitted shapes and interesting colors so that you don’t feel too wrapped up.

Ruffles

Ruffles are back for summer in everything from dresses through to tops, trousers, skirts and accessories. Make a bold statement with this fashion-forward look that focuses on volume, texture and layers of fabric. The bigger the better! If you’re rocking the ruffle, try and keep it focused on one part of the outfit like a neck, sleeve or skirt as all-over ruffles can look a little overwhelming (you might even find it unflattering).

Lime Green

Lime green is the color if you want to be seen this summer! Say hello to this bold, bright, refreshing color and wave goodbye to boring neutrals and plain clothes. Whether you wear it as a pop of color, or head out in head-to-toe green, just make sure that it’s lime to be ahead of the trends this year. This is a great one to combine with bold, traditional African prints.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/african-clothing-trends-2021

7 Places to Wear Your African Print Accessories

African print accessories are the perfect way to add color, vibrancy and beauty to any outfit. Whatever the occasion and your own style, you can easily use African prints to showcase your personality and mood – they’re really easy to dress up or down too.

Where To Wear African Print Accessories?

Ready for any event, African print accessories can be work for work, formal events, casual activities and glam nights. You can even wear them at home and keep it cozy. Take a look at our styling tips for African print accessories here:

Special Occasions or Celebration Events

There’s no better place to display your African print accessories proudly than at a wedding, celebration or event. If you’re heading to an outdoor event and want to keep your hair out of your face whilst still showing your impeccable, inimitable style then get Afro-glam on the go with the African Print Kente Head Scarf.

Class, College or School

However casual you dress for class, make a statement with the Kente African Print Bookbag. Featuring the traditional, beautiful and bold Kente print, which represents royalty and wealth, it’s big enough to carry all of your essentials but light enough not to weigh you down. You could even take it on vacation or weekends away.

Festivals

Festivals can be a lot of fun, but unless you’re staying in luxury it can be tricky to keep your hair looking on-point. If you’re camping out and have a busy schedule, then usually spending hours washing or styling your hair is a no-no. Plus, you don’t want to miss out on everything the festival has to offer.

Make it easy on yourself with the African Print Kente Scarf in Pink – no need to worry about bad hair days so you can focus on enjoying yourself.

Drinks & Dinner

Heading out for drinks or dinner (or both)? Add a splash of color with he African Midi Print Skirt. Available in three different color combinations and African prints, it’s super easy to wear with a flattering elasticated waist. It’s also perfect for dressing up or down, however casual your drinks are. Best of all – it has pockets so you can leave your purse at home!

Pair it with a neutral top and let the bold, beautiful colours of this skirt do the talking for you. It’s the perfect statement piece to fuse contemporary and traditional together!

Travelling

Whilst you might have your destination in mind, travelling from A to B can feel stressful. Don’t let it get you down – accessorize! Even if you prefer your comfiest clothing to travel in, you can still add a touch of African glam (mixed with practicality) with the African Print Large Duffel Bag.

It’s big enough to fit everything you need, but isn’t bulky enough to tip you over those airline limits. The gorgeous, classy print is the perfect way to add a pop of color into your travel basics. It comes in a ton of different colors and prints too, so take your pick!

Chilling at Home

Taking some time out for yourself doesn’t need to mean looking low-key. Whatever your down time looks like, relax and pamper yourself with an African Print Satin Bonnet. Perfect for protecting your hair, it comes in a huge range of colours and African wax print designs for a truly royal take on relaxation.

This style staple is a best-seller and doubles up as a bonnet or a scarf so you can have the best of both worlds whether you’re running errands, staying in or just completely pampering yourself. If you want to really relax, then take a look at the range of African-inspired sleepwear available too, along with the Natural Essence Skin and Hair Care range – they’re just what you need for true pampering.

Date Night

Whether you’re heading out or staying in for date night, do it in style with the African Print Peplum Blouse. Made from African Wax Print fabric, it features a chiffon sleeve, sequin and bead detail, V neckline and full-pleated peplum. It’s perfect to dress up or down, whilst still feeling fun, feminine and flirty.

Pair with jeans, pants, leggings, shorts or a fitted skirt for a dreamy date night look that’ll wow your other half.

Showcase Your Personality and Style with African Print Accessories

African print accessories are the perfect way to show off your personality and style as well as your pride in your African heritage and history. Effortlessly combine style, elegance, tradition and contemporary fashion with beautiful clothing, accessories and sleepwear, all inspired by African prints.

It’s time to celebrate African culture and make a style statement with your accessories by incorporating bright, bold and easy-to-wear fabrics into your everyday outfits, wherever you’re headed and whatever you’re doing.

Shop African Print Accessories today. 

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/7-places-to-wear-african-print-accessories

African Wax Print Clothing Beginners Guide

What Is African Wax Print Fabric?

African Wax Print Fabric is also known as Ankara or Dutch Wax Prints. It’s commonly produced and used in West Africa. The fabrics are characterized by their bold use of bright colors and eye-catching patterns within the fabrics.

It’s traditionally used in celebration clothing, and previously was a type of nonverbal communication among African women. The prints are named after different aspects including personalities, cities, sayings, events and buildings.

Where Is Wax Print Fabric Popular?

Wax print fabric is popular around the globe, but is particularly popular in parts of West Africa like Ghana and Nigeria.

What’s Special About African Wax Prints?

A feature of African wax print is that the color is as intense on both sides, there’s no difference between the ‘front’ and the ‘back’ of the fabric.

Usually the name of the producer, product and registration number of the design is printed on the selvage of the fabric, earmarking its design and quality.

Genuine African wax print is usually printed onto 100% cotton, making it breathable and cooling as well as protecting the body from the sun and other weather elements.

How is African Wax Print Fabric Made?

The process of African wax print was inspired by Indonesian batik, a method of dying cloth using wax-resistant techniques. To do this, wax is melted and patterned across blank cloth. This cloth is then soaked in dye, which the wax blocks. This is repeated on the cloth to create additional patterns and designs. 

African Wax Print fabric is now often made industrially. The fabric is sorted into categories of quality depending on production and usage. Some African-inspired prints are now printed digitally. These are not, strictly-speaking, true wax print fabrics and will usually be much cheaper as they do not require the same craftsmanship.

How Is Wax Print Fabric Sold?

Normally, the fabrics are sold in lengths of 12 yards (11 m) as "full piece" or 6 yards (5.5 m) as "half piece". People may decide to club together to buy a larger piece of fabric to create multiple different outfits from the same cloth.

The History of African Wax Print Fabric

The technique of African wax print fabric is based on batik from Indonesia. It was brought to Africa by Dutch settlers who had previously been in Indonesia. The settlers then worked to create machines that could replicate the traditional designs of batik quicker and more cost-effectively. 

These were not successful in the region but became popular in Africa. The success and popularity of the fabrics led to them becoming integrated into African apparel, used as a method of communication and expression. Some patterns were a shared language with widely understood meaning and catchy names.

Traditionally the fabric traders were women from fairly humble beginnings who went on to become self-made women as a result of their success in the industry.

Over time, the prints became more African-inspired and owned by African people. The patterns started to become worn as formal wear by leaders, diplomats and wealthy African people.

Modern African Wax Print

In Ghana, many people wear wax print fabrics on Friday as the government began a campaign to get people to wear national dress to support the local textile industry. One of the challenges is that many of the fabrics are not made in Africa, and are instead cheaper imports from overseas.

Supporting African-made fabric that is actually traditional wax print is important as it protects the expertise and skill in the manufacture process and ensures that traditions are kept alive.

Today, wax print clothing can be worn in any style and any clothing or accessory time. There are no limitations to how the fabric is used to create fashion items. Dressmakers, designers and hobbyists across the world use wax print fabric to create their garments - it’s even used in interior design and on toys.

How to Wear Wax Prints?

The great thing about wax prints is that they’re extremely beautiful as well as versatile and easy to wear. They make the perfect statement in any outfit, home or accessory. You can even mix and match prints and different wax print designs for a bold, traditional look.

Wax prints look amazing for celebrations (such as weddings, parties or graduation) and work really well as a dress, top, skirt or jacket to add color to an otherwise neutral outfit. They can also be worn as a range of accessories including belts, bonnets, scarves, purses and tote bags.

They work perfectly for more casual outfits too including pyjamas or sleepwear, dressed-down tops, sweats and caps. It really is as versatile and multi-purpose as that.

Because there are so many different fabrics, styles, patterns and color combinations available you can really create a bold, unique look with wax print fabrics so that you can showcase your own sense of style.

source https://nkeoma.com/blogs/nkeoma-blog-posts/african-wax-print-clothing-beginners-guide