African Braiding

African braiding refers to a wide range of traditional and contemporary hair braiding techniques and styles that originate from various African cultures. These styles are deeply rooted in centuries of cultural practices, identity expression, and social meaning. African braiding includes intricate patterns such as cornrows, box braids, twists, and locs, with each ethnic group and region having distinct techniques and meanings. The practice remains a living tradition that continues to evolve, influencing global fashion and cultural identity.^[1]

Hair braiding has been practiced in Africa for thousands of years,^[2] with archaeological evidence of braided hairstyles dating back to at least 3500 BCE. Rock art and early sculptures from regions like the Sahara and ancient Egypt display intricate braid patterns, suggesting their significance in early African civilizations. Braided styles were found on different African ancient art of ethnic groups like the Yoruba.

In many societies, braids were more than aesthetics. They symbolized social hierarchy, marital status, age group, kinship, religion, and even resistance to colonial cultural erasure.

Across the African continent, a wide range of hair styling techniques have developed, each deeply tied to culture, identity, and history. Braiding and hair threading are practiced not only for beauty but also to mark age, marital status, spiritual beliefs, and major life events.^[3]

In West Africa, braiding remains a deeply rooted tradition. In Senegal, styles such as Senegalese twists, created with synthetic extensions like Kanekalon are known for their smooth, rope-like appearance. Braiding sessions often serve as social spaces for storytelling, bonding, and intergenerational exchange.^[4]

Among the Fulani people, who span several West African countries, the Fulani braids include center-parted cornrows with side braids and decorative elements like beads, cowries, or metal pieces. These styles often signify cultural lineage and personal adornment.

Among the Yoruba people of present-day Nigeria, Benin and Togo hairstyling blends artistry with symbolism. Popular braided styles include:

• Sùkù – an updo braid style with a raised, crown-like ridge.
• Ipàkò Elèdè – meaning "pig’s back," a braid laid flat against the scalp in horizontal rows.
• Koroba – a rounded, basket-style braid shaped like an inverted bucket.
• Adimọlẹ – fine, neat cornrows often styled for children or casual settings.
• ìrun dídì – a form of hair threading used for stretching, protection, and aesthetics.

In East Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, ethnic groups such as the Oromo, Tigrayans, and Amhara maintain traditions like Shuruba. These braided cornrow styles are symmetrical and complex, often enhanced with beads and worn during festivals, weddings, and religious holidays.

In Central and Southern Africa, styles such as Bantu knots involve coiling the hair into small buns across the scalp. These styles serve as protective hairstyles during sleep.

Across all regions, African hair braiding is a living art that communicates identity, creativity, resilience, and community pride. Whether worn daily or for ceremonial occasions, these styles reflect the vibrancy and diversity of African cultural heritage.

Braiding serves as a communal practice across Africa. It can take hours or days to complete a full head of braids, fostering storytelling, social bonding, and intergenerational relationships.

During the transatlantic slave trade, braiding styles sometimes served subversive roles. In some oral histories, enslaved Africans used braided patterns to map escape routes or hide seeds for survival in the Americas.^[5]

Today, African braiding continues to be a medium for cultural pride, protest, and identity expression. In many African nations and the diaspora, braids are worn during ceremonies, festivals, and as statements of heritage.

Braiding styles across Africa include:

• Cornrows – found across the continent
• Box braids – associated with African-American communities, but rooted in African tradition
• Fulani braids – from the Fula people
• Sùkù – Yoruba updo braids
• Koroba – A Yoruba braid style
• Senegalese twists
• Bantu knots – Southern Africa
• Matuta/Zina braids – Kenya and East Africa
• Shuruba – Ethiopia

African braiding traditions were preserved and evolved in the diaspora, especially in the Americas and the Caribbean. Braiding became a means of resisting Eurocentric beauty norms and reclaiming cultural identity.^[6]

In the 20th and 21st centuries, braids have appeared prominently in film, music, and runway fashion. Braids have also become points of political discourse, especially in contexts where Black hairstyles face discrimination.

• Box braids
• Cornrows
• Hairdressing