Braids are everywhere—they’ve been gracing heads around the world for thousands of years. But have you ever wondered where they came from? From the classic three-strand braid to the more complex fishtail, the history of hair braiding is as diverse as the styles themselves. Here’s a quick history lesson on the origins and evolution of this universal styling technique.
Early origins of braids
Hair braiding has roots in ancient Africa. Many experts believe cornrows are the oldest braiding style. In the 1950s, a French ethnologist and his team discovered a rock painting of a woman with cornrows in the Sahara desert. The painting dated back to 3500 BCE (about 5,000 years ago), the earliest known depiction of braids.
Back in ancient times, braids were about more than aesthetics—they also held important cultural and social significance. In Africa, for example, the intricate patterns woven into a person’s hair often communicated their role within the community: different styles were used to identify age, tribe, marital status and even social rank. Braiding was (and still is) a social art—creating such detailed looks took hours, so that time was dedicated to bonding with family and friends.
The history of hair braiding across cultures
Ancient Egyptian braids
Fast forward from 3500 BCE to 3100 BCE, when the ancient Egyptians ruled. They were known for their fancy, intricate braids, which were an important part of cultural identity. Braids were about more than looking good: the ancient Egyptians believed that braiding hair could ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Upper-class men and women would wear elaborate braided styles bedazzled with beads, jewels and gold thread. And of course, we can’t talk about ancient Egyptian braids without mentioning Cleopatra—the queen of the Nile was renowned for her stunning braided hairstyles, setting trends that lasted for centuries.
Ancient Greek braids
In ancient Greece, hair braiding was not only a symbol of beauty but also a reflection of social status and occupation. Women of different classes wore distinct braided styles, with intricate updos reserved for aristocrats and simpler braids for the working class. Styles were inspired by the ethereal beauty of Greek goddesses like Athena and Hera.
Indigenous American braids
Braiding was and still is an important cultural tradition among many Indigenous American tribes. While each tribe has its own relationship to braids, many see braiding as a spiritual act, with the three strands representing the body, mind and spirit.
Medieval European braids
In the late Middle Ages, long, flowing locks were seen as immodest, and women were expected to keep their hair tucked away. Wearing hair loose was such a no-no that if an older woman walked around without her head covered, she risked being accused as a witch (!). As a result, braid styles like the crown braid, fishtail braid and double-braided bun were popular but typically covered with headpieces.
African American braids
Cornrows, with their deep cultural roots in Africa, played an important role during the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved people used cornrows to create secret messages and maps, with specific patterns representing escape routes or safe houses along the Underground Railroad. The tightly woven braids also held objects like small tools or seeds they could use after their escape. Braids also became a practical style: without time or products, it was a way to keep hair manageable while working under harsh conditions.
Braids fell out of style after the Emancipation, with plaits and cornrows being swapped for straightened styles that fit the mold of European beauty standards. It wasn’t until the Black Power movement of the '60s and '70s that braids became popular again, with many Black Americans reembracing their natural hairstyles and African heritage.
Modern-day braid trends
Thanks to the popularity of social media and YouTube tutorials, braid styles continue to evolve as people experiment with new (and revisit old!) techniques. Box braids became popular in the ‘90s and have been reigning supreme since. Goddess braids, crochet braids and twists are also in rotation. And of course, classics like the cornrow, crown braid, French braid and braided bun are forever staples.
FAQs
The history of hair braiding across cultures
What is the history of hair braiding? ›
The origin of braids and braided hairstyles
One of the earliest depictions of braided hairstyles hails from the 3,500 BC Saharan desert. Ancient African cave paintings depicted images of women with intricate braids weaved close to their scalp, or, as we know them now, cornrows.
What does braided hair symbolize? ›
Braids as culture, revolution, and beauty
This headdress represents indigenous identity, feminine beauty, and, in some cases, marital status. In communities such as the Mazatec, which inhabit northern Oaxaca, southern Veracruz, and Puebla, braids express love and personal status.
Why are braids important in black culture? ›
Originating in Africa, braids were traditional indicators of not just style, but culture, family, tribes and religion. Because braiding took hours upon hours to complete (and sometimes even days), the tradition of hair braiding was also an opportunity to form community and fellowship.
What do braids symbolize in indigenous culture? ›
For Indigenous people, our hair connects us to our heritage and our ancestors, but also to the creator and earth. Braided hair is symbolic of strength, wisdom and honouring ancestors. I've talked to Indigenous parents who deeply bonded with their children when braiding their hair while imparting life's teachings.
Which cultures wore braids? ›
During the Bronze Age and Iron Age many peoples in the Near East, Asia Minor, Caucasus, East Mediterranean and North Africa are depicted in art with braided or plaited hair and beards. Similarly, the practice is recorded in Europe, Africa, India, China, Japan, Australasia and Central Asia.
What culture started dreads? ›
The earliest known possible depictions of dreadlocks date back as far as 1600–1500 BCE in the Minoan Civilization, centered in Crete (now part of Greece).
Why did slaves braid their hair? ›
Enslaved women would braid each other's hair, incorporating intricate patterns and designs, which not only celebrated their heritage but also served as a way to communicate messages and escape routes for those seeking freedom. In the post-slavery era, hair braiding continued to play a vital role in Black communities.
Who invented cornrows? ›
Cornrows dated far back to 3000 B.C., particularly in the Horn and West coasts of Africa. In the early 1500s, the style was used as a communication medium amongst various African societies that were later forced to migrate to the Americas as slaves, where their customs followed.
Why do men braid their hair? ›
The Beauty of Self-Expression
Men opting for braids isn't just about looking good; it's about feeling confident and connected to a broader cultural narrative. It's a celebration of diversity and personal choice.
Cultural Significance
In Viking times, braids were not just about keeping your hair out of your face while you pillage and plunder. They were imbued with meanings, from marital status (single and ready to mingle with other raiders) to spiritual significance (braids tight enough to keep the gods happy).
Does the Hispanic culture have braids? ›
Hair braids date as far back as the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, which practiced intricate hair braiding to indicate what community or tribe they belonged to. This is why braids are such a popular hairstyle in Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of Central America, even today.
Why do Native Americans cut their braids? ›
In some Native American cultures, cutting hair can signify the loss of a loved one. It can be a way of releasing grief and symbolizing a deep personal loss. Some tribes believe that the hair holds memories and cutting it can help release those memories and the associated pain.
What is the origin braiding hair? ›
Hair braiding has roots in ancient Africa. Many experts believe cornrows are the oldest braiding style. In the 1950s, a French ethnologist and his team discovered a rock painting of a woman with cornrows in the Sahara desert.
Did Vikings braid their hair? ›
In the Viking age, braids were more than just your go-to hairstyle for windy days—they were the ultimate social network. Intricate braids were all the rage among the Norse, signaling everything from your job to your dating status. That's right, braids were the Viking version of a LinkedIn profile or Facebook update.
Did ancient Chinese braid their hair? ›
The Xianbei and Wuhuan were said to shave their heads, while Xiongnu had queues. Other evidence from Chinese histories indicate that the Tuoba or Tabgach groups of the Xianbei wore braids, since they were called "braided" by the southern Chinese.
Did Greeks braid their hair? ›
In Greek art hair usually appears textured, with rare examples of straight hair. This curly or wavy hair was worn long, rolled up, braided, or gathered at the back of the head. Bands made of cloth, leather, or metal held the hair in place, as did elaborate hairnets.
