Chroma: An Ode to J.D. Okhai Ojeikere

Chroma: An Ode to J.D. 'Okhai Ojeikere, is an on-going series which celebrates women’s hair Styles in Nigeria through a fanciful, contemporary lens. The images are inspired by hair color trends in Lagos and by the late Nigerian photographer J.D. Ojeikere.

​African hair braiding methods date back thousands of years and Nigerian hair culture is a rich and often extensive process which begins in childhood. The methods and variations have been influenced by social/cultural patterns, historical events and globalisation. Hairdos range from being purely decorative to conveying deeper, more symbolic understandings, revealing social status, age and tribal/family traditions.

​Ojeikere's approach was documentary in nature as he took inventory of Over 1000 of styles and amassed an enormous index spanning over 40 years. He began photographing women's hair in black and white, following the re-emergence of traditional designs which became popular again following Nigeria’s independence. Prior to de-colonization, wigs and hair straightening had become a commonplace practice, especially in urban areas of the country.

​The availability of colorful extensions and wools in local markets today has led to unique variations on threading and braiding techniques. Chroma is a celebration of Both traditional and contemporary methods. The series takes more of a whimsical approach to Ojeikere’s documentary style and recontextualizes some of his (and other) hairstyles to highlight current and imagined hair designs, celebrating the art of Nigerian hair culture.

Latest Projects

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Stay in the loop


We will send you weekly news on contemporary photography. You can change your mind at any time. We will treat your data with respect. For more information please visit our privacy policy. By ticking here, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with them. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.