The inspiration behind 2016’s most popular hairstyle

When coming to hairstyles the only thing that limits you is your imagination. 2016 saw a lot of women get creative with what we call the Madiba haircut. A lot of chops happened, with slick trims and bold colours in the mix.

Our inspiration

This chop, trim and part haircut is believed to have been inspired by the late former President Nelson Mandela who wore it way back in his youth. Today celebrities like Nandi Madida, and Bonnie Mbuli continue to inspire other women to chop, trim and sprinkle a bit of colour. Here we wrap it up with some of our favorite looks of the Madiba haircut.

Bonnie Mbuli

Oh the places you’ll go.Kid,you’ll move mountains -Dr Seuss 📷@tegansmithphotography

A photo posted by Bonnie Mbuli (@officialbonbizzle) on Oct 30, 2016 at 9:54am PDT

Naomi Noinyane

❤️#NoPressure

A photo posted by K Naomi Noinyane (@knaomin) on Nov 13, 2015 at 7:41am PST

Masechaba Ndlovu

Team work makes the dream work. Dress by: @nn_vintage Ndebele cuffs: @ntozinhle_accessorize TV Show: @theweekendon3

A photo posted by Masechaba Ndlovu (@masechabandlovu) on Nov 4, 2016 at 8:05am PDT

Tsholofelo Sehume

Thank you to Levine from @legends_barber for the refresh💈✂️

A photo posted by Tsholo (@tsholofelosehume) on Sep 14, 2016 at 8:00am PDT

Thembi Kobeli

The Line Gang ✌🏽️✌🏽✌🏽thank you @lajawihair ❤️❤️

A photo posted by Love (@thembi_kobeli) on Sep 29, 2016 at 11:33am PDT

Luthando Shosha

😍😍😍 @legends_barber done their magic on @lootlove2 #barbers #haircut #artist #ManeLove

A photo posted by Manechicks (@mane_chicks) on Jun 21, 2016 at 1:51am PDT

Keletso

I could’ve been finishing off dishing out food but I found the light that makes you forget filters. 😕 Enough of the black hair, went back to the dirty blondes. It’s actually lighter than this. #happygirlsaretheprettiest #dirtyblonde

A photo posted by K E L E T S O 💁Ms Kellzz (@keletso_si) on Nov 27, 2016 at 7:19pm PST