Braiding

Braiding hair is an art form that originated in Africa.

Types of Braids:

Popular Hair Braiding Styles:

  • Cornrows – In straight or geometric lines, hair is tightly braided to the scalp with an evenly balanced tension on each strand.
  • Micro Braids (Pixie Braids) – Also known as invisible braids, these braids are created using human hair weave or extensions in a single braiding format. They are generally very small braids and the hair is not braided all the way to the end; its loose to have the illusion of long hair.
  • Box Braids – Like micro braids, this style of braiding uses hair weave or extensions, but its synthetic rather than natural. The procedure is quite difficult do to the fact that it consist of three to four strands created by crossing opposing strands, one pair on top of the other. It takes to pair of hands to create this braiding style.

History of Cornrows

Cornrows dates back to ancient Africa. Still today cornrow hairstyles express the cultural tradition of Africans and African Americans. Find out more about the history at this link.

History of Micro Braids

Not much history information is known on Micro braids, but the braided style became popular in the eighties. Celebrities like Patrice Rushen brought braided styles on scene in her videos and album covers, and black women began to follow. As micro braids became more and more known, the style evolved into smaller invisible braids to not look like the hair is braided but just long and loose. Micros are a style that allows black women to wear and style long hair without damaging their own hair.

History of French Braids

French braids was originally called French plaits which is rumored to be originated by an 18th century French stylist. I am not sure about that, but I think the stylist might have just named it and brought it to the French cultural because their are documentations on the hairstyle from ancient Mayans.