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Why Do We Love Braided Hair?
Braided hairstyles are more popular than ever, sported everywhere from primary school girls to rap stars and professional models. However, the history of hair braiding can be traced back for thousands of years. Here’s a look at how this iconic hairstyle developed over the centuries.
It’s at least 30,000 years old
There is a lot of debate around the cultural identity of hair braiding. However, its roots can be found across many cultures, with the earliest known example thought to be the Venus of Willendorf, a female figurine which was discovered in Austria in 1908, and is thought to date from around 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
The social origins of hair braiding
Hair braiding is a naturally sociable activity, as it needs at least two people, and it takes some time to do. This lends itself to forming or strengthening social bonds, as generally the participants will chat to pass the time.
It was traditionally a skill that was passed down from generation to generation, as the older members of the family braided the hair of children or grandchildren, while the elder siblings watched and practiced on their younger siblings.
It’s a cross-cultural tradition
Examples of artworks depicting hair braiding have been found across societies in North Africa, Asia, Native America, and in Northern Europe. The braids appeared to serve different purposes in each society, however. In some African and Asian regions, it was thought that the pattern of the braids was related to a person’s tribe and social status.
In other cultures, braids may have simply been a way to keep long hair neat and tidy. In Northern Europe, loose flowing hair in women was considered immodest, so they would often tie it back in thick braids.
Hair can be a particularly emotive issue for people of African-American origin. Braids are a commonly adopted style to protect naturally thick and tightly curled hair from the effects of heat and humidity.
However, in Western societies such hair type has been a source of discrimination, so now many people of African heritage are reclaiming the hairstyle as part of their heritage.
It’s not just for humans!
Hair braiding skills are also prized in equestrian circles, as competition horses and ponies are usually required to have neatly plaited manes and tails. Some breeds of long-haired dog may also be showed with braids.
Different types of braids
There are many different types of braid, from the simple three-strand plait, to the French braid and the Dutch braid which are a little more complicated to master. However, there are plenty of online tutorials to help you practice.
Box braids are another classic type of braid, especially popular for afro-textured hair. The whole head is sectioned into squares and plaited individually. Hair extensions can be weaved into the braids for an extra eye-catching style.
Cornrow braids are popular across all genders. The hair is plaited very close to the head, to create neat rows. This looks super stylish, and it is also low maintenance, and protects the hair from pollutants and heat damage.
If you are interested in taking a hair extension course, please get in touch today.
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Choosing your wedding hair style can be almost as tricky as drawing up the seating plan for your reception: all eyes will be on you during your big moment, and the whole day will no doubt be documented on a hundred camera phones, not to mention by the official wedding photographer. You definitely want to look back on your hair with no regrets! One of the most common dilemmas is whether to go for a classic updo, or a more contemporary looser and more creative style. Here are some pointers to help you decide. The classic updo Wearing your hair up in a chignon or a French twist is a classic wedding hair style. It looks sleek, stylish and sophisticated, ensuring that your hairstyle will look timeless in the photographs that you will enjoy looking back on. It’s generally a flattering look no matter what your age or facial structure, making you look and feel more elegant. The updo also works better with certain types of dress. If you have a ball gown style, or a dress with an intricate neckline that is intended to be the focal point, then wearing your hair up will show it off to best effect rather than fight with it. The same applies to elaborate necklaces or earrings; wear your hair up so that they can be seen! A further consideration is the overall tone and theme of your wedding: if it’s a formal affair that follows the usual wedding traditions, then an updo will complement the venue and mood of the day. Finally, consider the natural texture and length of your hair: short or medium length fine or very silky hair may be more challenging to keep in place throughout the day. Contemporary styles In recent years, loose soft waves or half up, half down wedding hairstyles have become very popular. These freer styles can be more creative and easy to adapt to a range of different wedding themes. For example, if you are having a rustic wedding with outdoor socialising, a messy bun or loose half-up style could work well with the surroundings. If you have a flowing bohemian style dress in diaphanous fabrics, then loose soft waves will complement this look perfectly. If you have a strapless or spaghetti strap dress, then a casual updo with some loose tendrils to frame your face could work well. If you are having a chic urban wedding and wearing a non-traditional outfit such as a two piece suit or a jumpsuit, then a slicked back ponytail or a sleek blow dry will complement this look well. Again, you need to take your natural hair length, body and texture into consideration, as styling products can only do so much and the effects may be undone if the weather is wet or windy. Loose hairstyles call for hair that is in great shape, so if you are wearing your hair down invest in some deep conditioning treatments in the weeks before your wedding.
We all have the odd bad hair day, but one occasion when you definitely don’t want this to happen is on your wedding day. You have probably invested a lot of time and money into putting your wedding look together, from your dream dress to beautiful accessories and flattering makeup. Your hair needs to be on your side! Here are some tips. Have a trial run it is probably the case that you are wearing your wedding day hair in a style that you are not accustomed to, and you may even have had a special treatment or restyle such as a new colour or length. This can leave a lot to chance on the big day, so consider booking a pre-wedding hair trial to see if it will really go the distance. You can combine the appointment with a makeup trial so you can get used to your own reflection! It’s also a chance to check that your hair won’t slip out of place as you go about your day, and make sure you are really happy with the style. Consider the weather While it may be impossible to accurately forecast the weather conditions on the day, consider the usual climate and location: for example, if you are going to be somewhere hot and humid or by the sea, your hair may be prone to frizz and flyaways. This will not be a good look for your wedding photographs, especially if you want to wear your hair down. Consider investing in a deep conditioning treatment to ensure your hair is sleek and controllable. One of the most effective solutions is botox hair treatment, which will miraculously transform damaged, dry or fine hair into glossy smooth tresses, without weighing it down. Do not be tempted to make last minute changes In the stressful few days before you tie the knot, your emotional state may be running a little high, and this is not a good place to be making decisions about your hair! Do not give into a panic or an urge to make everything look ‘perfect.’ This could lead to some regrettable choices, such as a dramatic change of colour that doesn’t suit you, or a cut that just doesn’t work when it is too late to do anything about it. Build up a relationship with your stylist in the months before the wedding, so that they are familiar with your hair type, wedding day plans, and personality, and hopefully they will step in to avert disaster if you suddenly demand a daring restyle on the eve of your wedding. Pack an emergency kit Keep an emergency kit to hand, or give it to a trusted party to take care of, packed with bobby pins, hairspray, a comb, and a frizz tamer, to deal with any mishaps that might occur on the day of your wedding.
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