Fun Facts About African hair braids - Victoria Braids and Weaves (2024)

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Fun Facts About African hair braids - Victoria Braids and Weaves? ›

The art of hair braiding was passed down from generation to generation and was used to indicate a person's social status, tribe, age, marital status, and more. Braids were also used as a means of communication, as certain braiding patterns were used to convey messages and tell stories.

“The origin of braids can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BC—they were very popular among women.” “Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia,” says Pace.

The oldest evidence for the existence of braids is the Venus of Willendorf. Discovered in early 20th century Austria, the 11cm tall Palaeolithic female figurine is around 25,000 to 30,000 years old. It is speculated that she represents a fertility goddess. What is clear is that her head is covered with rows of plaits.

Section a small piece of hair, comb it, and apply your gel or cream. Split your section into 2 equal strands. Wrap the strands around each other to form a rope-braid. Twist the ends of the 2-strand braid together to secure them and prevent the braid from unravelling.

The longer your braids stay in, the harder it might be to maneuver around the build up. Some people end up having to cut their hair after leaving braids on for too long. So how long is safe? I'd recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage.

The patterns typically indicated which tribe a person belonged to and their stature within that tribe. Warriors and kings also used cornrows to show their status in society. Today, the style is seen worldwide and holds significance in West Africa, Sudan, and throughout the horn of Africa.

The art of hair braiding was passed down from generation to generation and was used to indicate a person's social status, tribe, age, marital status, and more. Braids were also used as a means of communication, as certain braiding patterns were used to convey messages and tell stories.

One of the biggest factors that can contribute to hair damage when braiding is improper braiding techniques. If the braids are too tight, for example, this can cause traction alopecia, which is a type of hair loss that results from pulling on the hair.

The roots of braiding have been traced to West Africa where it began as a symbolic art form to denote culture, status, and tribe. Bridal up-dos with braids were considered the most complex forms, complete with intricate patterns and hair weaving.

What are African braids called? ›

Cornrows (sometimes called canerows) are a style of traditionally three-strand braids, originating in Africa, in which the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to make a continuous, raised row.

For coarser textures with tighter curls, knotless braids have the potential to last longer, potentially staying intact for two to three months.

Box braids, characterized by their distinctive square-shaped sections, are known for their longevity. With proper care and maintenance, box braids can last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Not only is hair braiding an expression of fashion and style, in the 1500s, braids were a mode of communication between various African societies. Your style of hair was a way to reveal your identity, indicating things such as your tribe, marital status, beliefs, and beyond.

Ancient Egypt and African Indigenous Cultures

One of the earliest examples of braids can be seen on the Lady of Aguilafuente statue dating back to around 4,500 BC. In ancient Egypt, braids were not only a fashion statement but also a symbol of social status.

In Viking society, women wore their hair long as a sign of status and to be appreciated for its beauty. Naturally, these hard-working women tied their hair back, braided it, or wore it up to keep it out of their way while they worked the loom or performed their other daily tasks.

The practice of wearing braids and dreadlocks in Africa dates back to 3,000 BC in the Sahara Desert. It has been commonly thought that other cultures influenced the dreadlock tradition in Africa. The Kikuyu and Somali wear braided and locked hairstyles.