Actress' Oscars hair-do inspired by Amasunzu hairstyles of Rwanda
Lupita Nyong'o, unknown to many, her hair was inspired by images of Amasunzu hairstyles traditional to Rwandan culture
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The Amasunzu, grown, cut, and built into a series of crescents, was once a sign of marriageability, worn by men and woman as a suitor signal of sorts that they were eligible.
Lupita's look explained
Rather than a full-on stylish buzz cut, hairstylist Vernon François wove Nyong'O's lengths into a trio of braided segments that wrapped around her crown, a gold thread weaved delicately through the striking design, done no doubt to compliment her gilded Atelier Versace gown.
The moment was further modernised with glowing complexion and swipes of blue eye shadow and a set of graphic earrings. The overall effect was interesting and undeniably elegant, quintessential Lupita.
How Vernon Francois created the look
The loops of golden string aren't just a beautiful style, however. The look is inspired by traditional Rwandan Amasunzu hairstyles, whipped up by none other than Vernon François, who was responsible for the Black Panther star's . "We wanted something clean and sculpted to accent her dress and show off the neckline,” he says of the look.
After washing her hair with his branded Pure Fro Shampooand Conditioner, François spritzed Nyong'o's hair with his Mist Nourishing Water and Scalp Nourishment Braids and Locs Spray, and blow-dryed her hair with a round brush. He went over the ends with a hair straightener, leaving out the roots for some extra texture.
Then, he shaped her hair into the style you see and set it with hairspray before weaving in all that glorious thread.
Take a look at the glorious finished product below!
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