Hair beads
Beads, shells and metal cuffs threaded onto braids and locs as decoration.
Also: beads, cuffs
Hair beads are threaded onto the ends or lengths of braids, twists and locs. Across West Africa, cowrie shells, amber, glass beads and silver coins have long decorated braids and marked wealth or status, as in Fulani styles. In the diaspora, coloured beads on children's braids are a familiar sight, and metal cuffs and rings decorate locs. Beads also weigh down braid ends so they hang well. They are removed before sleep or sport in some cases.