An Ode to Elysee is a visual and textual series inspired by the various hairnets worn by Black women, including one particular brand packaged under the name “Elysee.”
Elysee is a tribute to all hairnets, bonnets, wig caps, durags, wrap bonnets, meshnets, silk scarves, snoods, and more. Black women have a deep connection to their hairnets because Black hair, while beautiful, is delicate and requires tender care. It has unique bends and twists that make it more vulnerable to damage.
An Ode to Elysee explores the relationship Black women have with these hair accessories, celebrating Black women, Black hair, and Black culture. The expression of beauty through hairstyles has long been a signature of Black culture, and this series documents the profound connection between hair and beauty within it.
I documented over 15 different types and styles of hairnets, bonnets, and similar items worn by Black women. Each woman wrote a heartfelt ode dedicated to her hairnet, sharing the personal significance of this everyday object.
“My hairnet, My hairnet! How beautiful are thou! The look with my hairnet in the morning is the true beauty of womanhood. Oh how I love my hair net” – Chi Iheme
“Dear Satin bonnet, I’m glad I found you even though it took a while but now that I found you , I am not letting you go because my hair story has never been the same” – Olateju
”Dear sleep bonnet, thanks for keeping that hair strand in check. You make sure I wake up to silky , bouncy and soft hair. I look forward to a peaceful night knowing my hair’s been taken care of. Thank you so much” – Nkechi
“My dear deluxe stocking wig cap, thank you so much for being the foundation that’s keep my natural hair in check and creating a 2nd scalp to be able to lay my wigs tight” – Helen Leonard
“Thank you for putting up with my stubborn hair. I know I’m not always easy to be around and that I can talk your ear off, but you never resent me for it. Oh my lovely hairnet” – Adaeze Mbadiwe
“Dear mesh net, Its disrespectful to see you under my pillow, sometimes under the bed and even more vile is being no where at all. This behaviour is unexpectedly uncooperative”-Nkem Iwundu
“I cannot imagine living in a world without the TLC my hair gets from my silky , shiny , and glossy drape …you might not always make me look pretty whilst you work on those strands ” – Enk
“Words are not enough to describe the love I have for you. Our journey has been full of changes and growth. You bring joy to my heart for all the weight you carry and staying intact without breaks or tears” – Uju Krystal
“My protector, my baby, my silk scarf. The way you love my crown, I know you’ve got my best interests at heart. I cannot sleep without you” – Kesha Williams
“You are not considered as a sexy part of my night shenanigans, but the comfort you [provide each night is unrivalled as you alone tame those wild mane on my crown”- Ada
“Thank you for helping me protect my crown and also helping me exude even more black girl magic into this world” – Shanice Aggrey
“Thank you for your protecting my hair, thank you for protecting my image. Thank you for facilitating and understanding my code switching. I admire and appreciate your loyalty” – Nancy Mophe
“As I put you on I know you will protect my edges, keep me safe and warm. Through the ages I have seen you change from course fabric to silky soft. Oh you this hair bonnet of mine , my hair comforter” – Yetunde
“My dear hairnet, I appreciate how you have made my hair much better, no bald patches. I love you and wont stop wearing you. Thanks for loving me unconditionally”- Sonia
“Oh my hair band, how soft you feel on my lovely braids. Thank you so much for being dependable”- Ify
”You proudly adorn my head in bold defiant colours, my crown, as i boldly stand tall, shoulders back, defying all odds to be the queen that I am” – Nnenna
“Hello beautiful black durang, thank you for being firm, dependable. Your ability to hold it together is admirable and highly appreciated”- Nelly Nwando
“Dear sleep silk turban, thanks for making my sleep more comfortable , I love you my sleep silk turban” – Calista
“To my beautiful satin scarf, sometimes I just think back to the first time I laid eyes on you in ivory stores I knew right then that I had found something incredible. Ever since that very moment all I have ever wanted was to be with you” – Geraldine
“My silky metallic durang, the silky smooth feel I get from you has made me to keep you for 7 years. You sparkle and shines at night dims with brightenes. Rafia silky metallic durang stay with me forever” – Rafia
“I love the way you hold my braids together. I love the way my braids comes out when I remove you before I leave the house. I love the way you hold my crown together. I love you so much” – Ngozi
