A Twisty Tales

(Hair Braiding)

Ma. Anne Rose R. Encina

Grade 9 – St. Lawrence
 HISTORY
Hair braiding has a long history, dating back at least 5000 years. It has been a
big part of many cultures all around the world including Asia, Africa, the
Americas, Egypt and even Europe.

Hairstyles come and go but braided hair is an ancient beauty technique with a
long literally winding history that roams across countries, cultures and
centuries.

Braids have made appearances on the heads of men and women throughout
history, indicating everything from utility to glamor, social status to ethnicity,
marital status to even religion affiliation.
Since we all seem to love them, let’s take a look through the styles and
meanings braids have taken on over the years and get some styling tips
along the way.

STYLES AND MEANINGS

Ancient Egyptians
Braids Greek Goddess
Cornrows in Africa
Braids

Medieval European
Braids
Native American
Mongolian Braids
Braids
The Modern
Cornrow
Cornrows in Africa

 The style of cornrow worn varied on complexity and often identified a

person’s kinship, age, ethnicity, and even religion. Centuries later, in the
1970’s, this look becomes popularized again in America.

Examples
Ancient Egyptians Braids
 Multiple braids with intricate embellishments were extremely common in
ancient Egypt. Much like the “Cleopatra” look seen below, wealthy women
were often seen with beautiful, beaded braids that, at times, had added
extensions. Ancient Egyptians braided styles gave clues to the nature of
the person – wether they were royal or common.

Examples
Greek Goddess Braids
 These elaborates hairstyles eventually became popular amongst wealthy
Roman women and became even more dramatic in later Roman
periods. The more elaborate the style, the more it indicated a woman’s
wealth and available leisure time.

Examples
Native Americans Braids
 Native American hairstyles varied from tribe to tribe in style and
cultural significance. In certain tribes, unwed women wore braids while
married women wore their hair loose. In other tribes, men wore braids
to prepare spiritually and physically for war.

Examples
Medieval European Braids
 Although beautiful braided buns and crowns were commonly worn in
Medieval Europe, social life was characterized by conservatism and
modesty - and it was socially intolerable for a woman to let her hair
loose in public.

Examples
Mongolian Braids
 Mongolian braids began in the 13th century Mongol Empire as elaborate
headpieces with braids hidden beneath or intertwined with each "wing"
on each side of the head. These two "wings" were said to evoke mythical
beasts - and similar hidden braided "wings" are created by Mongolian
women even today.

Examples
The Modern Cornrow
 Rather than using chemical straighteners and relaxers, it was more
popular during this time to wear natural afros and cornrows like those
in Africa so many centuries ago. Zigzag braids, classic cornrows and
micro braids became popular hairstyles and continue to be to this day.

Examples
 The disadvantages of using
Braid Hairstyle
While making the braids, it is important to understand the problems
which are associated with the hair style. For example, if the braids are too
tight, then they may cause the damage to the hair and it is painful. If the
braids are not treated in the right way, they can even lead to the damage of
the hair and the look can be unflattering. This will be contrary to what you
were looking for before you get your hair braided. Keeping the braids for a
long time can also be a risk. It can cause unkempt look, hair loss and hair
breakage. Bare in mind that braids don’t have to be tight to be effective. If
your braids are too tight it could damage the hair, breaking it and pulling
the hair follicle. It could cause headaches as well.
 The advantages of using Braid
Hairstyle
The braids secure together the hair even if it can be found in different
layers and which may make the hair too hard to be contained otherwise.
Having your hair braided can help your hair look amazing, you can easily
change your hair style and be different every day. It also protects your hair
because it helps prevent split ends. If you decide to braid your hair on a
regular basis, you give it a beneficial break from the daily washing that can
be harmful to your hair. Even if some hair style can be hard to make and
take time to be completed, when they are completed they will require you
little effort to keep up and they last for long.
 REFERENCES

http://janiceparlor.com/hair-braiding-history-function-and-advantages/
http://www.lovelyish.com/2013/04/15/the-beautiful-and-amazing-history-
of-braids/
 A Twisty Tales
(Hair Braiding)

Ma. Anne Rose R. Encina

Grade 9 – St. Lawrence