Back in mid-2009, Rihanna sent global shockwaves through pop culture when she first stepped out with the half-shaved hairstyle as part of her Rated R era. Carrying that bold, fearless look into 2010 with the promotion of tracks like “Hard” and “Rude Boy,” she redefined beauty standards and inspired an avalanche of imitators, including Cassie Ventura, who made the hairstyle part of her personal brand. The audacity and drama of that cut quickly turned it into a symbol of modern-day rebellion, with fans and stars across Africa, notably in Nigeria and Ghana, seeking out that iconic edge.
At the height of its popularity, the undercut (or side shave/half-shaved head, as it’s also called) was everywhere. Nigerian hair stylists in Lagos, Accra, and beyond began to see growing requests for this edgy style. According to Lagos-based stylist Ada Eze, “Rihanna’s influence was unmistakable. Young women were walking into salons with magazine clippings or Instagram photos, demanding that same sharp contrast of shaved and flowing hair.”
Uniquely, the undercut balances the soft and the bold—one side of the scalp is buzzed down, while the rest of the hair stays long and glamorous. The result? A look that transcended continents and became equally at home on the runways of Paris and the streets of Abuja. In an era where beauty was both personal and political, styles like this made a loud statement about individuality and confidence.
Fast forward to 2025, and that daring energy is making waves again across pop culture and salons from Lagos to London. But this time, the undercut isn’t a simple throwback—it’s been reinvented. Trends move in cycles, especially in the beauty world, and this return is every bit as eye-catching as before, just presented with a fresh twist.
This resurgence comes at a time when other Y2K and 2010s beauty trends—think extra-thin eyebrows, sharply lined lips, and even the classic pixie cut—are showing up on fashion-forward Africans and the international A-list alike. According to Abuja-based beauty editor Onyinye Okoye, “We’re seeing Gen Z and older millennials reimagining these iconic styles, making them relevant for our culture and modern sensibilities.”
1. Side Braids
Rather than committing to an actual shave, the latest wave takes inspiration from the undercut but interprets it as side braids—an approach that’s been gaining popularity across Nigerian cities and all over social media. Here’s how it looks: instead of razoring off the side, stylists create tight cornrows along one half of the scalp, imitating that distinct shaved effect, with the rest of the hair styled into a flowing sew-in or weave.
Why has this take-off of the undercut gained so much traction, especially in West Africa? Simply put, it offers the same bold, edgy vibe as the original—with none of the commitment or hair loss. Many see it as the ultimate “try-before-you-commit” approach to bold styling. “You can be versatile and expressive, but if you change your mind or want to go back to full volume, it’s not an issue,” explains Nigerian hairstylist Chidinma Ogbeche. Plus, the style allows for creative expression through different braid patterns—zigzags, swirls, even heart shapes, all executed by skilled braiders.
According to style experts, ensuring that the sewn-in side is layered and laid flat is key to keeping the look sleek, not bulky—a quality that distinguishes skilled stylists and contributes to the polished, head-turning effect of this style.
When compared to softer, ultra-feminine hairstyles that have dominated the Nigerian hair scene in recent years—think boho braids popularized by social media figures like Jayda Wayda—side braids bring a refreshing sense of fierceness. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s an attitude. Stylists say clients often feel emboldened and daring, pairing the look with statement outfits or vibrant make-up.
2. Lemonade Braids
If the undercut-inspired side braids are a little too bold for your taste, lemonade braids offer a stylish, contemporary alternative. This look soared in popularity when
dropped in 2016, with iconic scenes of the star sporting long, blonde cornrows swept gracefully to one side. Since then, lemonade braids have become a staple in Nigerian and West African beauty circles, celebrated for their blend of drama and elegance.
Unlike side braids that pair with a sew-in, lemonade braids are all about the braids themselves, styled in one seamless direction for an effortlessly chic finish. The low-maintenance versatility appeals to professionals, students, and celebrities alike, from morning meetings in Ikoyi to festive owambe celebrations.
Local hairstylist Mariam Akintola notes, “Lemonade braids are chic for just about any occasion—you can wear them to church, work, the beach, or even a wedding. They’re just as impactful as edgier styles, but often perceived as more approachable.” Plus, they’re quick to refresh and adapt with colorful extensions or beads, allowing for personal flair.
3. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut, another enduring favorite, continues its remarkable comeback in 2025. For decades, a dramatic haircut—especially a big chop like this—has been associated with reinvention: a visible sign of entering a new phase, defying convention, or embracing fresh confidence. But the pixie is more than just a statement; it’s versatile and timeless, adapting beautifully to various hair types and textures.
Essentially a short haircut cropped close on the back and sides, the pixie can be tailored to suit anyone—whether it’s a curly pixie for natural hair, a vintage-inspired finger-wave pixie for glamour, or a dramatic pixie with side bangs for that touch of flair. In the 1990s, celebrities like Halle Berry and Victoria Beckham were the look’s global ambassadors, but today, contemporary icons—including Nollywood and Afrobeats stars—are offering new interpretations for a modern African crowd.
Hair consultant Blessing Boadu, based in Accra, says, “Short hair is not new for African women, but the pixie cut’s elevation to high fashion has allowed us to explore it with creativity and pride. It’s all about confidence—something our women have in abundance.”
Celebrities have helped fuel the resurgence. Notably, Chioma Adeleke, wife of superstar Davido, chose a modern pixie for her wedding day, drawing massive attention and sparking fresh interest in the look across Nigeria. Her choice echoed the growing desire among Nigerian brides for something unique, stylish, and easy to maintain—reflective of global, modern sensibilities but very much rooted in local expression.
Today’s hair trends across Nigeria and West Africa are a testament to the region’s creativity and boldness in embracing both classics and edgy reinventions. While global stars spark the initial ideas, it’s the customization, cultural pride, and skill of local stylists that turn these trends into enduring statements. Whether rocking side braids for fierce energy, lemonade braids for effortless glamour, or a pixie cut for statement-making chic, Nigerian women—and their West African sisters—continue to shape, transform, and elevate the global beauty conversation.
As we see more global retro trends adapted for local realities, from Enugu to Kumasi and beyond, the evolving hair scene speaks to the continent’s capacity for innovation and reinvention. These styles aren’t just hair—they’re expressions of mood, moment, and identity.
Which trending hairstyle speaks to your personality—the rebirth of the undercut, the goddess-like glamour of lemonade braids, or the powerful simplicity of the pixie cut? Let us know which look you’re inspired to try, and why! Drop your thoughts in the comments and be part of the ongoing style conversation.
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