Braid

What it is

A braid consists of three or more hair strands woven together in a repeating pattern. The structure is typically long and narrow, with each strand moving through the others in a zigzag motion. Styles range from simple three-strand plaits to complex designs incorporating many strands. Hair can be added from the scalp or via extensions to create variations like French braids. Beads and shells are sometimes woven in for decoration. This style is worn by men, women, and children across many cultures.

Where it comes from

Evidence of braiding dates back tens of thousands of years. Statues like the Venus of Willendorf in Austria and the Venus of Brassempouy in France suggest early use. Braids were common in the Bronze Age across Western Asia, India, and China. Iron Age bog bodies in Northern Europe and later Celtic, Viking, and Slavic groups also wore them. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used braids extensively. In China, the Manchu queue was enforced during the Qing Dynasty until the early twentieth century. Japanese schoolgirls wore braids due to strict regulations until recently.

What it means

Braids often signal social information such as marital status, age, wealth, and community belonging. In many African cultures, specific styles identify ethnic groups or life stages. For Native Americans, braids could indicate warrior status or mourning. Cutting braids has served as a powerful symbol of resistance, such as against Qing rule in China, or as a tool of cultural erasure in Canadian residential schools. In some traditions, unbraiding hair signifies imminent death or deep grief.

How it is made

To create a basic braid, divide hair into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle. Repeat this pattern down the length of the hair. For styles like French braids, add small amounts of hair from the scalp to each section before crossing. Tighter braids, common in Black culture, may cause initial discomfort but last longer. Knotless techniques reduce tension by incorporating natural hair gradually. Extensions can be sewn onto close braids for added length or volume.

Who and what it suits

Braids work with any hair texture, though techniques vary. Straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair can all be braided. In Black culture, tighter braids like cornrows protect the hair but require care to manage scalp tension. Alternative methods like knotless braids offer less strain. The style suits various face shapes depending on the placement, such as side-swept or halo braids. It is versatile for both short and very long hair lengths.

Versions

Many variations exist globally. African styles include cornrows, box braids, and twists. European traditions feature the crown or halo braid, known as Gretchenfrisur in Germany. Asian styles include the Chinese queue and Japanese mitsuami. Native American tribes have distinct forms like the Lakota two-braid style or Kiowa hair drops. Modern variants include goddess braids and boho braids, which use extensions for texture and volume. Crochet braiding allows for intricate ornamentation with added hair.

In culture

Braiding is a social art that fosters bonding between generations. Elders often teach children the techniques, preserving tradition. In the African diaspora, braids have become central to discussions on racial discrimination and cultural appropriation. Laws like the CROWN Act in California and New York now protect wearers from workplace and school bias. Braids also appear in equestrian sports, where horse manes are plaited for shows. In literature and psychoanalysis, cutting braids has been interpreted as a symbol of loss or defiance.

Questions people ask about Braid

Good reading and sources

• The Rise of Knotless Braids (Published 2022)The New York Times, Article
• The 160-year mystery of Europe's Ice Age 'queens'BBC, Article

• Braid (hairstyle) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data