In an effort to strip people of colour of their identity and culture, hair was often completely shaved from their heads. 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. Passed from generation to generation, it’s evident that the history of hair braiding has deep roots in African culture.īut what about globally? Braids have been spotted in cultures around the world for thousands of years, according to Byrdie: During these times, most African women, children and men had their hair braided in some way or form.

Braided hairstyles helped to express the age, religious beliefs, family lineage, societal status, and ethnicity of the wearer. Interestingly enough, braids held multiple purposes and could tell you almost everything about a person’s identity. Ancient African cave paintings depicted images of women with intricate braids weaved close to their scalp, or, as we know them now, cornrows. One of the earliest depictions of braided hairstyles hails from the 3,500 BC Saharan desert. The origin of braids and braided hairstyles Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to know about the history of hair braiding. From ancient cornrows to knotless tailbone length box braids, the history of braids is as evolving as its styling possibilities. It’s fascinating that braided hairstyles have maintained cultural relevance ever since their inception.

The origin of braids have a pretty complex (and ongoing) history that starts over 30,000 years ago. 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! 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. What’s new to the current generation is old news to its predecessors. Just like in fashion, beauty trends go through cycles of popularity.

Hair braid