Once an uncommon sight in Nigeria’s fashion scene, young indigenous hair designers are now redefining beauty standards, one strand at a time. Among the brands leading this revolution is Micohype Beauty Hair, a Nigerian-born label that blends traditional West African hair aesthetics with contemporary global trends.
Founded in 2018 by Michael Oyeleye and Tammra Jean, Micohype Beauty Hair has grown from a local passion project into an international brand, with operations extending into Vietnam and China. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to preserve and promote African cultural identity through hair design while offering globally appealing styles.
“In the early ‘90s, it was rare to find young Nigerian designers offering innovative and affordable hair fashion,” said Oyeleye. “But the industry has evolved, and we’re proud to be part of that transformation.”
Micohype specialises in applying modern hairstyling techniques to traditional West African hair designs, creating a unique fusion that speaks to both African heritage and Western fashion. The name itself—Micohype—reflects the brand’s vision of combining global trends (“hype”) with indigenous creativity.
The brand has become particularly popular for its custom hair prints and designs that incorporate African motifs, drawing inspiration from the intricate hairstyles of the Yoruba people and other West African cultures. Co-founder Tammra Jean, who also has a background in textiles, has been instrumental in weaving cultural references into the brand’s creative identity.
More than a fashion label, Micohype sees itself as a cultural movement.
“We want African hairstyles to go beyond weddings and festivals,” said Jean. “They should be part of everyday fashion, whether at work, at home, or out with friends.”
With bold expansion goals, the brand aims to establish a presence in at least ten countries across Africa and the diaspora by 2027. This ambition is bolstered by the cultural fluency of its creative director, Oyeleye, who brings a deeply personal connection to his Yoruba heritage and other African traditions he has encountered over the years.
As Nigeria’s creative industries continue to grow—now contributing significantly to the national GDP—brands like Micohype are not only tapping into a booming global fashion economy but also reshaping how African beauty is perceived around the world.
By threading cultural legacy into modern fashion, Micohype Beauty Hair stands as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and pride—one braid at a time.
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