Posted on April 6, 2022

Just like in fashion, beauty trends go through cycles of popularity. What’s new to the current generation is old news to its predecessors. Lately, braids have seen a major resurgence in mainstream beauty, mostly from the widely accepted natural hair movement, and reimagined looks on our favorite celebrities and influencers. How do braided hairstyles consistently stand the test of time and come back year after year as the latest trend? Well, it’s all in their roots!

The origin of braids and braided hairstyles

One of the earliest depictions of braided hairstyles hails from the 3,500 BC Saharan desert. Ancient African cave paintings depicted images of women with intricate braids weaved close to their scalp, or, as we know them now, cornrows. Interestingly enough, braids held multiple purposes and could tell you almost everything about a person’s identity. Braided hairstyles helped to express the age, religious beliefs, family lineage, societal status, and ethnicity of the wearer. During these times, most African women, children and men had their hair braided in some way or form. Passed from generation to generation, it’s evident that the history of hair braiding has deep roots in African culture.

But what about globally? Braids have been spotted in cultures around the world for thousands of years, according to Byrdie:

How Braids Moved Into Modern Culture

The history and importance of braids for people of color is deeply intertwined with the resilience and physiological trauma of colonization and trans-Atlantic slavery. In an effort to strip people of colour of their identity and culture, hair was often completely shaved from their heads. As slavery endured, braids became a practical way to (1) keep hair out of the way while labouring, (2) could last an extended period of time without needing constant care and (3) became a way to communicate important messages, like the path to freedom from bondage. Braided hairstyles were a literal lifeline!

The associations and popularity of braids have varied throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, sometimes being associated with unsophistication, being inappropriate for working environments and just generally lower class. 

How braids have evolved into modern culture

Staying put for 6+ hours to get single braids installed is a memory a lot of women share around the world and it’s amazing to think this tradition has been passed down for thousands of years. In modern times, the multipurpose use of hair braiding remains. Braids are a protective style that help to maintain the length, volume and integrity of your hair without having to manipulate it every single day. This reduction in friction on strands gives hair a break and often leads to major growth. Braids are the perfect style to wear on vacation, through a work week or when you want an ultra sleek look with no hassle. 

Original Post: https://www.luxyhair.com/blogs/hair-blog/history-of-braids