Trending with haircuts

Have you ever got attracted, distracted or perplexed by that show-stopping hair style that makes you say, ‘this hairstyle is dope or fantastic’? If yes, you will agree that hairstyles are part and parcel public life, including the entertainment industry, which strongly thrives on trends.

Public figures, especially musicians in Malawi, realise that a monotonous look is a huge turn-off in the showbiz industry and that is why they go for hairstyle versatility in order to spot differently. This is the case because haircuts add value to their public lifestyle and activities which altogether attract the attention of the public.

Essentially, regular hairstyles help public figures like politicians, musicians, footballers and prophets to find and embrace their own distinctive styles that enhance appearance and confidence in their daily endeavours.

Hairstyles set a specific foundation for people, especially public figures, to establish a brand which gives them a unique identity, feeling and taste of professional life in any field of work be it music or politics.

This process, significantly contributes to the realization of their purpose towards their brands. As such, their focus is put on their professional life which aims at achieving something or making a living out of it.

For example, rapper Fredokiss and socialite Pemphero Mphande are engrossed in the popular High-Top Fade haircut. Basically, a High-Top Fade cut is a hairstyle where hair on the sides is cut off or kept very short while hair on the top of the head is grown long.

The High-Top fade was a trend during the golden era of Hip Hop and urban contemporary music in the 1980s and the 1990s, according to research on Hip Hop culture.

Back home, Hip Hop star Fredokiss has been wearing a regular Afro High-Top fade with partial twists (dirty hair), attracting the attention of his followers so much that those spotting the cut are simply called  ‘Achina Fredo’. In other words, Fredokiss’ popular Afro High-Top fade with twists is known as Fredo cut among his fans.

Fredokiss believes that maintaining this haircut helps him to become the best version of himself (recognisable brand) and face of his Ghetto Gutter Entertainment in the showbiz industry. Lately, Fredokiss has been active in politics as the director of youth in the UTM but he has maintained his unique brand through his hairstyle.

Basically, High-Top fade with twists or dreadlocks is popular among youthful musicians and footballers both locally and internationally. The hairstyle gives an attractive and splendid look and swag with its gradual fade on the sides while the top maintains glamorous twists or dreadlocks.

Wikise, Piksy, Tay Grin and many others are also popular artists who spot Afro High-Top fade, among other trending hairdos. Every now and again, especially when they want to release a new song or stage a live performance, musicians like to switch a new look, which includes wearing a hairstyle in order to look brand new and trendier.

High-Top fade is one of the most popular and loved hairstyles which is currently trending and creating buzz on social media mediums like Tik Tok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Many young people are into the cut because it has become a modern form of lifestyle which is being popularised by public figures, particularly musicians, footballers and media personalities such as DJs.

Stylists argue that a hairdo creates the first impression of a person’s identity as it is the first thing to meet people’s eyes. That is to say, if a person wears a scruffy or improper hairdo it is likely for people to mistake them for something bad which they are not because haircuts largely form part of one’s identity.

“Personal grooming is a choice. People need to look good and presentable because that’s what the modern person is supposed to be. Gone are days when people should mistake you for something which you are not because of poor or strange hairstyle,” said Prince Butao, a hair stylist of Prince Executive Barbershop.

He adds that people, including music fans, need to deal with neat and tidy people. Hence, the need to spot trending and smart haircuts all the time.

A good or trending haircut is particularly important for entertainers like musicians because they are regarded as trend-setters. Thus entertainment goes well with compelling and charming looks.

“Good haircuts do not only stimulate one’s confidence but also give first impression to fans and business clients,” observed Butao.

In his own words, Warren Buffett, an American investor, philanthropist and one of the most successful and wealthy men in the world once said:

“The best investment you can make is an investment in yourself. It’s something that every man should do. After all, the most valuable asset we have is ourselves.”

Buffet’s statement is attributed to investment in looks and personal grooming that do not only make one feel pleasant, but also increases their confidence and public trust.

Generally, a haircut is a reflection of one’s personality and attractiveness. It is an important ingredient to personal branding. For example, musicians with trending hairstyles are identified easily by people in society due to their unique appearance, charm and style.

Afro hairstyles have also been beautifying Malawian ladies, including female artists, promoting the popular adage which goes like, ‘black is beautiful’ which exalts African beauty.

Musicians like Sangie and Tuno have been wearing different glamorous designs of Afro hairstyles in order to look chic in their music business.

According to research, Updo Natural hairstyles such as  Bantu knots, Afro top knots, space buns and half-up styles are some of the examples of Afro hairstyles.

For example, bantu knots  are worn by African women of certain cultural groups with a sense of pride and are a strong representation of women in the community wearing a natural hairstyle passed down from generation to generation.

Music fans believe that nothing flatters more than a stylish hairdo which makes their favourite artists look unique and attractive.

“It gives me a warm feeling to take a photoshoot with an artist who looks stunning. When artists take care of their wardrobe and haircut, they look attractive and my support for them is unstoppable,” says Eugene Willima, a Lilongwe-based Hip Hop fan.