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Braiding is a hairstyle that has been around for centuries. Women from every part of the world then and now know at least the most basic hair braid. There are several braid hair styles for women and for men too. A braid is also called a plait. However if the weave becomes a little more complicated the style is usually called a braid.

Braid hair styles named after countries

The most basic of all the braid hair styles is called the English braid. It is also the easiest braid to do. The braid is made with a simple zigzag of strands going one on top of the other. The braid starts from the nape of the neck working all the way down and tied at the ends. The French braid on the other is basically the same of that with the English braid. The slight difference is that weaving starts from the crown progressively adding more hair for each weave all the way to the tip. Then there is also the Dutch braid which is actually just an inverted French braid. This means instead of having the braid go one on top of the other, a Dutch braid is woven by going under the strands.

This style creates an elegant raised look. One of the braid hair styles popularly worn by queens and princess in the movies is the Swiss braid because it forms like a crown. This can be achieved by weaving two different braids starting at the nape of the neck. The two braids are then crossed from the nape to bring the braids up and pinned to form like a crown. However, this braiding style is not to be confused with the crown braid. The crown braid is actually difficult to do alone as it is achieved by weaving the hair around until it forms into a crown.

Complicated braided hair styles

Braiding hair styles have evolved through time and are becoming more complex too. The number of strands woven into a braid is limited only by the hair itself. There are no standard three-stands or four strands only when it comes to modern hair braids. To make a braid more stylish than ever, a stylist will even make a combination of braids and forming it into a single style. The cornrow may just be considered the most intricate of all hair braiding styles. It is also one of the very popular black braided hairstyles.

A nation’s pride

The cornrow braid has long been identified with the African nations. Hair braiding is also an integral part of their history as people. If for some countries hair braiding is only for function, for the black community hair braiding has a deeper meaning. During the time where Africans were being kidnapped and brought to Europe and America to be made as slaves the people kept hair braiding alive to show that they are an independent nation despite the hardships that they have been succumbed to.

Masculine braids

Braiding also looks good in men. There are several braid hair styles for the guys that bring out the macho in him. A Herrington braid is a popular wear for bikers but it is the cornrow that is most preferred by men when it comes to braiding. In fact there are several versions of the corn row these days making the basic but already difficult braiding style even more complicated.

Patience has rewards

Braids take time to form but women are willing to put in enough patience if not more just to have the perfect braid. Classic braids or funky modern braids no matter what the braided hair styles for women may be hair braids can always make a woman look soft and feminine. Women from all over the world who love braids know that the result after the long wait is definitely worth it.

Looking back

Would you believe that braid hair styles are no less than five centuries old? In fact there are those who believe that this hair style is even older. Moreover, braiding is not just about hair style. In fact in Africa braiding is an excellent time to bond with families and friends. Women of all ages have hair braiding sessions where they learn how to weave starting with simple braids going progressively to complicated styles. African women also experiment doing new braid hair styles during these sessions. Additionally, for some tribes in this nation braiding is a tradition that is passed from one generation to the next. In Egypt, hair braiding was popular with the royalty. Slaves would weave the wigs their kings and queens wore into fine braids.

Function and style

The braid serves a lot of function for the wearer aside from just being stylish. Although in these modern times braid hair styles is more about style rather than function. For some, braiding is cultural as well as a family tradition while for others it is all about looking clean and keeping hair away from the face. Ancient men and women from all over the world also braid their hair so they won’t have to wash it all the time.

Benefits of braiding the hair

Being beautiful and feminine for women as well as being very masculine in men is just an example of the advantage of wearing a braid. Oddly enough despite having the hair woven and tied a correctly formed braid can actually prevent split-ends. Braiding the hair and not washing it at least a day gives the hair a breather from all the chemicals taken from daily washing. Moreover for those who are especially talented in making braid hair styles this becomes an opportunity to earn too.

Not an excuse

Take note though that braid hair styles excuses no one from washing their hair. Regular washing is very important especially if the braid uses multiple strands. If it is not possible to wash the hair everyday then wash it every other day. Remember regular washing is a part of our daily hygiene. Another important reminder when it comes to taking care of the hair while sporting hair braids is to never pull the hair too tight. Tight does not necessarily mean effective. A very tight braid will cause hair damage instead like pulled hair follicle. Tight braids will definitely cause headache too.