
Project
Ẹwá Írún
Year
2024
Problem
Olamide Ojegbenro is a photographer specialising in African heritage. His book, ẸWÁ ÍRÚN, explores African hair and the sense of connection and community found in Black hair salons. The design needed to showcase the photography while complementing the stories and emotions behind it.
Solution
The book’s design is bold and expressive, drawing from African culture while keeping the photography at its centre. It is divided into four sections, Heritage, Ritual, Emotionality, and Nouveau, moving from the history and community around African hair to its emotional significance and modern forms of self-expression. Together, they present hair as a connection between generations, tradition, and identity.
The design follows this progression, gradually introducing more colour, shapes, and visual elements. Earlier sections are more restrained to let traditional hairstyles stand out, while later sections become more vibrant and playful to reflect modern expression. The colours and typography draw from African traditions, creating a visual language that complements the photography and celebrates Black hair culture.













