Hairstyling is much more than just arranging hair. It’s a true expression of style and personality, allowing everyone to reflect their identity and adapt to trends or occasions. From timeless classics to more modern and creative styles, each hairstyle has its own history and place in fashion. Whether you prefer a simple, elegant look or more daring, inventive styles, there are plenty of choices to suit every mood. In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of hairstyles, from classic staples to more contemporary, braided and curly styles to find the inspiration that suits your style.
The Bob Haircut
The bob is a classic hairstyle, with hair cut straight, often shoulder-length or slightly shorter. It can be customised with or without fringe, and comes in several variations: the plunging bob, where the front is slightly longer than the back, or the asymmetrical bob, with uneven lengths. Versatile and elegant, this cut adapts to many hair types and face shapes, offering a chic, timeless style. The bob is a simple yet classy cut for an evening out. If someone with thick hair wants to reduce the volume, then a bob will help.
The Chignon
A chignon is a hairstyle in which the hair is pulled back and tied into a ball at the nape of the neck or top of the head. There are many variations, from a low, casual chignon to a high, structured chignon for formal occasions. This elegant hairstyle is ideal for special events or for a polished everyday look. The chignon can be sleek, voluminous or embellished with braids and accessories. A high bun elongates a round face, while a low bun softens a square face. For diamond-shaped faces, a tousled bun with loose strands is perfect. The chignon is also worn by hostesses, military women and policewomen, and is favoured by the Indian and Catholic cultures in Mauritius.
The Ponytail
The ponytail is a simple, practical hairstyle in which the hair is gathered and tied at the back of the head with an elastic band or ribbon. The hair can be tied at different heights, depending on the desired effect: high for a dynamic look, low for a more relaxed style, or to the side for a more original effect. Easy to achieve, the ponytail is ideal for everyday activities, sporting occasions or even more formal occasions when it is embellished with accessories or twists. If you have a round face and want to elongate your face then volume ponytails will do the trick. A low ponytail for square faces to soften and round out the angles of the face. A Ponytail based on the nape of the neck that falls to the side as well as a few tails that fall in front of the face. Worn by men rather than women in the 18th century, today this hairstyle is worn by everyone. If you’re a perfectionist or a professional, you’ll prefer a very high, well-stretched ponytail with no strands sticking out. In Mauritius, the ponytail is also one of the hairstyles worn by people going to school or work, and is even an everyday hairstyle. It’s quick and easy to do.
Braids
Normal braids are a simple, traditional hairstyle where the hair is divided into three equal sections and then evenly intertwined to form a plait. This braiding style is versatile and can be worn in different ways: single braids at the back of the head, braids at the sides, or in a crown for a more sophisticated look. Easy to achieve, classic braids are suitable for all hair types and are ideal for a casual everyday style or to hold hair in place during physical activity. In Mauritius, plaits are a particular advantage for children when they go to school, as they allow them to remain active without being embarrassed.
African Braids
African braids are traditional hairstyles in which the hair is braided into fine, tight sections, often directly glued to the scalp. They can be done in a variety of ways, such as cornrows, simple plaits or more elaborate braids. This hairstyle is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also protective, as it protects the hair from external aggression and helps maintain its health. African braids can be worn with creative patterns and are often styled with beads, rings or extensions for added length and volume. Braids suit many face shapes, but are best suited to people with round faces. Braids have been passed down from generation to generation and have become an increasingly important part of African culture. In Mauritius, people who braid their hair are more likely to be of African origin. But with the technique of crimping the hair and the capillary products to hold the plaits in place, more and more people are becoming interested in this type of hairstyle.
Wavy And Curly Hairstyles
Wavy hairstyles are characterised by hair forming soft, supple waves. Waves create a natural, flowing effect, often associated with a relaxed, bohemian look, such as the famous ‘beach waves’. This style can be achieved naturally in some people, or with styling tools such as curling irons or braiding techniques.
Curly hairstyles, on the other hand, are characterised by hair forming tighter, more defined curls. Curls can vary in size and volume, from small spirals to large, voluminous curls. Curly hair adds a touch of dynamism and texture to a hairstyle, and is often associated with a glamorous, vibrant look. Curls can be natural or created with curling irons or curlers.
