Hair-braiding is an ancient art form and cultural tradition that has been practiced since the earliest recorded history and passed down through the ages. Despite this lengthy history, braided hair is enjoying its greatest popularity ever, right now.
The reasons for the tremendous surge in popularity are as varied as the individuals wearing the colorful style. Braided-hair is unisex, universal and individually unique; and since no two heads are alike, the variety of styles available are limited only by imagination. Braids are an occasional exotic hairstyle for some, a cultural statement for many, and simply an attractive change of pace for others.
The fortunate consequence of this unprecedented popularity among such a large and diverse public has made hair-braiding a relatively new, recently structured, and highly profitable business enterprise.
History of Braiding
Just how far back the art of hair-braiding can be traced may be seen in the clearly visible hair braids in photographs of the mummy Queen Nedjmet (1070-946 B.C.E.). Nedjmet lived and ruled in the ancient African civilization of Kush, now known as the Sudan.
In West Africa, the ancestral homeland of most African-Americans, hair-braiding is a vital aspect of the cultural tradition. Many regions wore distinctive braids as a means of tribal identification.
There were, however various other social and political functions of braids in those societies. Intricate styles were used in ceremonial rituals, such as weddings; but were also cultural and demographic sign posts pointing to different age groups, societal status, or even as designations of royalty.
Aside from Africa, many other countries and cultures have enjoyed a long cultural, political and social association with the art of hair-braiding.
Braids were around during medieval times and were worn as adornments, but were functional, as well; often a means of keeping hair cleaner between baths, keeping it out of cooking fires, and more.
For Native Americans braids were primarily adornments (particularly for women and children), but could also specify religious observances, and when worn by men were used by some tribes as preparation for war.
In nearly every part of the world, from Africa to India, Asia to the U.S., at varying periods of history braids have played some part in the cultural aesthetic.
Why Braids Are So Popular
Today, hair-braids are not only a cultural tradition of people of African descent, but a major component of a pop culture that cuts across racial, economic, social and in many cases, geographic lines.
When worn in Japan braids are referred to as "Hip-Hop" cuts; while in the U.S. the hairstyle is sported by entertainers ranging from country singer, Willie Nelson to Hip-Hop artist Mary J. Blige.
Jackie Joyner Kersee and Kalilah Ali are among the athletics who have run, jumped and boxed their way to fame … many times in braids.
Speaking of politics … the cornrows worn by Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia), for example, have long since moved braids into the political arena.
It is apparent that braids have penetrated almost every segment of society. But, what is it that makes them so popular? The reasons are simple. Braids are:
Long-lasting
Braids can last several weeks to several months depending on the style and client requirements. The initial time spent styling braids can run from a couple of hours to six- seven hours, however in the long run this can be a good investment in time because the style generally last so long.
Easy Care
Once in place braids are shampoo "n go. Simply shampoo the scalp, rinse, coat braids with recommended oil or moisturizer and that"s it until next shampoo. There is a maintenance requirement recommended for certain braids, but the cost and time involved is minimal.
Versatile
There are numerous styles of braids, such as cornrows, French braids, basket braids, etc. As a hair-style, what really knocks braids out of the box are designer styles. A stylist can look at the shape of the face and/or the head of a client, and custom create a style just for that individual. In that respect braided-hair styles are limitless in their possibilities.
Attractive
Braids are naturally suited to the curly texture of African hair, however anyone can wear braids attractively. Styles such as micro-braids (smaller sections of hair used and smaller braids created), works especially well with fine, long hair; and the good news is … there are multiple variations on the micro style of braids.
Inexpensive
Although the initial cost of getting braids can be expensive because of the time and expertise required, professional upkeep is little to none, therefore in the long run, they can be quite cost effective.
A Political/Cultural Statement
Many African-Americans, and Africans for that matter who wear natural braids (hair not straightened or processed in any way), wear it that way as an expression of who they are naturally … as it relates to their roots, to Africa, to their ancestry.
