7 Styles of Black Braids You’ll See All Over Pop Culture

Remember a while back when when people started referencing cornrows as “boxer braids”?

Yeah, we don’t need another incident like that ever again… well, at least we can try to prevent it as much as possible. Just because a Kardashian/Jenner makes it a “trend,” doesn’t mean they created it, and that goes for everybody.

Consider this post a reminder for future reference.

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Braids are a part of every culture, but today I’m focusing more on African American braids that are often times overlooked when it comes to the mainstream.

According to Leaf.tv, braids were used as an expression of religion, kinship, ethnicity, status, etc. During slavery, many Africans went back to braids as a way to hold on to their heritage and assert independence. Because they didn’t have the necessary tools needed for creating or maintaining braids such as combs and products, they had to rely on butter, bacon grease, and kerosene as hair conditioners and cleaners.

Africans are known for their intricate and elaborate braiding styles, which can still be seen in today’s generation. Black women often use braids as way to protect our hair, but at the same time killing it with the styles.

Braids come in all forms, shapes, and sizes. It’s a hair style that can take hours of your day to complete and even pain, especially if you’re the tender headed type. So if you don’t know exactly what I’m talking about, look below:

1. Cornrows

Again, these are cornrows, not the infamous “boxer braids.” They can come in many different looks and styles. This is just one of the many styles.

2. Box Braids

Can we say sister slayage (Beyonce and Solange)! But that’s besides the point. This used to be one of my go-to styles back when I had enough hair to grab. The term was coined because of the box-shaped parts formed while making the style.

3. Senegalese Twists

With Senegalese, there are other types of twists called Marley and Havana that can be confused easily because of the strong similarities, but the only difference is the hair. While Senegalese use Kanekalon hair, kinky or wavy hair is used to create Havana and Marley twists, which is meant to mimic natural black hair the most.

4. Micro Braids

Such a great hairstyle, but the devil to take out. These intricate braids can take hours on end to put in, but save you time in the morning getting ready.

5. Crochet Braids

They might look like just big, curly natural hair, but what you don’t notice right away is the braiding at the scalp. Your hair is braided to the scalp and then kinky extensions or weave is put into the braid using a crochet needle with a latch.

6. Faux Dreads

This is when kinky Marley hair is wrapped tightly around natural hair to create the look. It’s also the style that Zendaya was ridiculed for back in 2015, but she got them together real quick with class.

7. Yarn Twists

Acrylic yarn is used to achieve not only this style, but also braids and faux dreads as well.

Instead of just claiming a new trend and renaming it, make sure you fact check and get background info before going forth with your new discoveries. What maybe new to you, may not be for everybody else. So make sure you give credit where it’s due!

For more info on black hair styles and in-depth history, click here.

 

Gimme More Beauty


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