History of Braiding
African Hair Braiding is an ancient art, handed down from generation to
generation in Africa. The origins of the art form can be traced back to Egypt as far
as 3500 BC. Each region of Africa has its own traditional styles, and each tribe its
distinctive aesthetics. In many West African countries, hair braiding developed
into complex patterns signaling one’s social status, age group, and village
affiliation. Certain elaborate hair treatments were reserved for ceremonial
occasions—weddings and other rites of passage, for example. While braided hair
is principally a women’s fashion and art form, in some areas men also create and
wear these styles.
From a very young age, girls in the village wear their hair styled into braids or knots. Girls first have their hair done by older female relatives—sisters, mothers, grandmothers, cousins, aunts. They learn first by watching, then by doing. A girl just developing these skills will usually practice on her peers or on younger girls, since no one wants to have her hair done by someone younger (and, therefore, less adept) than she.
Hair-braiding is often an immensely time-consuming activity: some styles can take an entire day or more to create. Among those who have already mastered the art, there is an informal reciprocity to the practice: if someone braids your hair, you are expected to braid hers in return. But the practice of such an intricate traditional art depends on the ample leisure time available to those living in rural and village communities. In the wake of urbanization and industrialization, hair- braiding has in part been turned over to professionals. While the more complex and intricate braided styles may still be found in village settings, salons offering the simpler of the traditional braided styles have become commonplace in Africa’s urban areas. And over the last two decades, braiding salons have also sprung up in many urban areas in the United States.
Because braiding takes so much time, it offers women an opportunity to socialize together. In Africa, having someone braid your hair is also a sign of the friendship, confidence, intimacy, and good will you share. In most salons, braiders and customers alike—talk and laugh together, watch videos and listen to music, and generally entertain each other during the long hours of braiding. This salon socializing recalls the informal sociability that women in Africa share at home while performing this service for one another.
From a very young age, girls in the village wear their hair styled into braids or knots. Girls first have their hair done by older female relatives—sisters, mothers, grandmothers, cousins, aunts. They learn first by watching, then by doing. A girl just developing these skills will usually practice on her peers or on younger girls, since no one wants to have her hair done by someone younger (and, therefore, less adept) than she.
Hair-braiding is often an immensely time-consuming activity: some styles can take an entire day or more to create. Among those who have already mastered the art, there is an informal reciprocity to the practice: if someone braids your hair, you are expected to braid hers in return. But the practice of such an intricate traditional art depends on the ample leisure time available to those living in rural and village communities. In the wake of urbanization and industrialization, hair- braiding has in part been turned over to professionals. While the more complex and intricate braided styles may still be found in village settings, salons offering the simpler of the traditional braided styles have become commonplace in Africa’s urban areas. And over the last two decades, braiding salons have also sprung up in many urban areas in the United States.
Because braiding takes so much time, it offers women an opportunity to socialize together. In Africa, having someone braid your hair is also a sign of the friendship, confidence, intimacy, and good will you share. In most salons, braiders and customers alike—talk and laugh together, watch videos and listen to music, and generally entertain each other during the long hours of braiding. This salon socializing recalls the informal sociability that women in Africa share at home while performing this service for one another.
Hair Facts: The composition of hair varies based on the hair type, one’s age, sex, origin, and
hair color. Your hair grows from the scalp, it serves to protect the head from
injury, and from the elements – the sun, cold weather, etc. The foods and
vitamins you in-take play a role on the growth and healthiness of your hair. The
DNA in the body predetermines the length to which the hair will grow. The
average head is about 120 square inches, and there are about 1,000 strands of
hair per square inch, giving the average head about 120,000 strands of hair.
However, there are products that can aid the sheen strength, and overall well-
being of your hair!