Beauty

A photo collage showing Edward Enninful, Thebe Magugu, Mayowa Nicholas, and Virgil Abloh
Featured

The African Creatives Who Changed the Face of Fashion

The last 15 years have seen a new wave of creatives from Africa and its diaspora bring fresh energy to a global fashion industry long in need of new perspectives.

Portrait of Jackie Aina with curly hair wearing a white ruffled dress posing against a bold red-patterned background.
Editorial

The Beauty Creators Who Challenged Stereotypes and Blazed the Trail

The work that creators like Jackie Aina, Dimma Umeh, Nyma Tang and several others have done in demanding inclusive and accessible beauty products have helped usher in a vibrant era for the African beauty industry.

Torisheju Dumi attends the V&A Summer Party 2024, celebrating the upcoming "Naomi: In Fashion" exhibition, supported by BOSS, at The V&A on June 19, 2024, in London, England.
News

Four African Designers Named Among Semi-Finalists for LVMH Prize 2025

Tolu Coker, Torishéju Dumi, David Boyedoe and Yasmin Mansour are in the running for the biggest prize for young fashion designers.

Nigerian singer Rema arrives for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025.
Latest

The Looks From the Biggest African Celebrities at the Grammys 2025

Stars like Tems, Cynthia Erivo, Rema and more turned heads at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards with show-stopping looks that celebrated their culture and individuality.

Yara Abdeen is reading a magazine about curls that says “curl power” while her sister is sticking a pink comb into her hair.
News

Curly Hair Salons in Cairo are Paving the Way for a Nascent Natural Hair Revolution

Since 2018, some Egyptian women have divested from expensive keratin treatment and begun a journey towards healthy natural hair and, by extension, a healthier society that appreciates Egyptian beauty.

A husband and wife relax on a couch in fashionable clothing.
Arts + Culture

From Nigeria With Love: The Innovative Craft Behind Fashion Brand ‘This Is Us’

How a husband-and-wife duo turned a local fabric into a thriving fashion brand rooted in Nigerian heritage.

Chidimma Adetshina poses for a photo in a green embellished dress and a bright smile at The 73rd Miss Universe Competition at Arena Ciudad de Mexico on November 16, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico.
Fashion

Chidimma Adetshina’s Path to Becoming First Runner-Up at Miss Universe 2024

The Nigerian representative beat several hurdles to the historic achievement for herself and her country.

Miss Zimbabwe Sakhile Dube at the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico, wearing an elaborate national costume featuring vibrant purple and gold wings, a bird emblem on the chest, and intricate beadwork.
Fashion

Take In the Beauty and Rich Culture of these African Queens' National Costumes at Miss Universe 2024

This year’s 18 African contestants at Miss Universe showcase stunning costumes that celebrate their beauty, heritage, and rich national stories.

An artwork showing Mwangi Muthoni and Kayla Kim Kay.
Beauty

These Young Africans are Redefining Natural Hair Care

Using digital platforms to their advantage, two entrepreneurs from TikTok’s Visionary Voices Africa List are filling a gap in the beauty industry.

A photo of Maranata Tegegne sitting in front of Shifta, Ethiopia’s first Afro-Caribbean-inspired vegan-friendly restaurant.
Beauty

Maranata Tegegne is the Creative Directing Ethiopia’s Artistic Future

A pioneer behind one of Ethiopia’s most innovative record labels, the visionary director is pushing boundaries in music, advertising, cultural spaces — and even food — across the East African country.

A still from Nyadollie’s makeup tutorial video on YouTube.
Video

Top 11 African Beauty Bloggers You Need to Follow on YouTube

African YouTubers are among the biggest beauty influencers in the world. Here are our favorite beauty channels, which you should follow.

A photo of Nikiama Kisun Sira Fatimata in her salon braiding a client’s hair, and wearing a black blouse with white Polka Dot sleeves.
USA

What It’s Like To…Run an African Hair Salon in New York City

The major U.S. city is known for attracting a myriad of cultures from across the world, offering aspirational immigrants a chance to serve their communities.

Abokamar photographed in a crowd of dancing people, wearing a white t-shirt.
Arts + Culture

Abokamar: An Experience, a Sensation and an Inspiration to Watch

The influencer, fashion stylist, filmmaker and comedian uses satire to push critical conversations about social life in Egypt.

A photo of Toke Makinwa in a silver dress on the AMVCA 2024 red carpet.
News

The 10 Best Red Carpet Looks at AMVCA 2024

Film and television stars from across Nollywood and beyond stormed the AMVCA red carpet in grand style. Here are the best looks.

Ayra Starr attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Music

How African Artists Showed Up to Grammy Weekend

The continent’s biggest stars kicked off Grammy weekend with a series of events that looked like so much fun.

British supermodel Naomi Campbell wearing the controversial face jewelry for Balmain Menswear Ready-to-wear Fall-Winter 2024/2025 collection shown as part of the Paris Fashion Week, at the Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris on January 20, 2024.
News

Tongoro-Balmain Facial Jewelry Controversy Sparks Debate on Inspiration and Theft in Fashion

OkayAfrica talks to experts about what constitutes theft in fashion, and the need for copyright protection for African jewelry brands.

Nigerian documentary photographer Etinosa Yvonne’s latest exhibition It’s All In My Head looks at the mental health of Nigerian women and children who have been accused of witchcraft
Beauty

Etinosa Yvonne's Photography Shines Light on the Mental Health of Nigerians Accused of Witchcraft

The Nigerian documentary photographer’s latest exhibit, "It's All in My Head" seeks to create a dialogue around, and empathy for, women and children accused of witchcraft in Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.

BLACK woman in black and red lipstick
Beauty

Kenya’s Leona Dondi on On How She launched Her Haircare Line UZIMA

What started as a struggle for the right product, turned into a full-fledged, thriving business for Leona Dondi.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

OkayAfrica is the premiere digital platform bringing the worlds of African music, art, culture, style, sports and politics to a global audience. Founded in 2010 as an extension of Okayplayer, OkayAfrica serves as a cultural bridge to foster deeper understanding of the continent, while also building meaningful connections with its diaspora.

copyright © okayafrica 2025