The Mohawk is today’s ruling hairstyle

When my editor told me that ‘Old School’ was this week’s topic, the first thing that came to my mind was the Mohawk hairstyle. This was not because I don one on my head but rather because nothing Old School is as trendy as the Mohawk today.For those of you who may not know the Mohawk hairstyle, let me take the pleasure of informing you. Firstly, it is a hairstyle where in most cases both sides of the head gets shaved, leaving a strip of noticeably longer hair in the center. If you happen to be a rock or football enthusiast, then you’ve certainly seen this hairstyle though today the Mohawk has succeeded in building a following among mainstream fashion thus every superstar worth their salt at one time has had one.Originally, the Mohawk hairstyle was named after, and often associated with, the people of the Mohawk nation, an indigenous populace of North America who originally inhabited the Mohawk Valley in upstate New York. However, the Mohawk tribe never actually wore the Mohawk hairstyle traditionally. The association with the so-called “Mohawk” hairstyle and the Mohawk tribe came from Hollywood and more specifically from the 1936 movie, ‘Drums along the Mohawk’ starring Henry Fonda.In Rwanda, the Mohawk hairstyle is almost similar to the ‘Amasunzu’ hairstyle that was famous among Rwandans before the arrival of colonialists. Both men and women wore ‘Amasunzu’ and actually today, some people still wear this type of hairstyle. Notable among them is Ras Kayaga (real names Ibrahim Nihimana) of Holly Jah Doves and a few old men still upholding tradition back in the villages.Today, the Mohawk is back on the scene, however, this time, it knows no boundaries. Like the ‘Amasunzu’, both men and women, young or old, black or white, also wear Mohawks. A great and nicely made Mohawk hairstyle can be a unique and fashionable hairstyle for all kinds of people if the hair texture is made in such a way that the middle hair remains upright as it allows the Mohawk to look great.Ever wondered why most sportsmen wear the Mohawk hairstyle? Well, looking at the number of players who had different kinds of Mohawks at the last African Cup of Nations in Guinea and Gabon, I think sportsmen have found it the only fashionable hairstyle to apply and indeed, it gives them ample attention.