Braiding is a complex structure or pattern formed by intertwining three or more strands of flexible material, such as; hair fibers, materials, extensions, etc.

A braid can contribute up to nine or more strands, depending on style desired. Usually the selections of strands in a Braid are amongst an odd number to support the plait. Braiding is a form of creative art that influences numerous components in a cultured society.

Braids could signify rather a person or groups were wealthy. Braids determined if one was married or single. Braids were distinctive to certain nations or culture traces through-out history. Braids were also, defined as a social art. Many people would gather together starting with the elderly. While the elders would braid and younger generations would socialize and both learn the techniques in braiding at once.

As a licensed cosmologist, it is imperative to retain the most desired up to date braid style including top trends. In doing so would not only please your clients but also create a lucrative business for you salon. Braids and different braiding styles are constantly changes as time goes on. See below, to receive an awesome understanding of braiding history.

Evolution of Braids

Africa 3500 BC

Braids were expressions of identity, kinship, ethnicity, religion, age, and status. These braids signified certain styles being simple (linear cornrows) to more elaborate complex designs.

Ancient Egypt 3100 BC

This culture exemplified braids with wigs, jewels, beads and extensions. Both men and women would wear and honor these braids. Braids were also expanded to more than hair. They would braid materials into woven baskets, cloths, and blankets. They were also known for adding extensions to their braids to appear to make thicker or fuller.

Romans 79-81 CE

This culture embraced hair and transformed into extravagant up-do garnished with crescent-shaped plated leaf frames. They also added to the design, beautiful cascading curls throughout and around the perimeter of the head. These elaborate do’s also, reflected their status and rank in their social network.

Ancient Celts 750 BC

These tall fair skinned folk are better known for all of the conspicuous clothing and braid style. Both men and women would wear these alluring braids to express their personality as well as persona. The more elaborate the style the higher in rank there would appear to be. See visual:

Essentials in Braiding:

What to look for:

Diameter of hair- Is the hair fine, medium, or coarse?
Feeling of hair- Is the hair oily, dry, soft, smooth, or wiry?
Wave pattern or coil- Is the hair straight, curly, wavy?

Is the hair tightly curled, loose, curl, does the hair spiral when stretched or lengthen?

You also want to evaluate the condition of the hair; rather it’s damaged or broken from previous chemical services or hair styles. Is the hair long enough to execute the braid style desired? Is the scalp health in tip top conditions to perform any hair braiding styles? For example, if someone has thin or fine hair in certain areas then it wouldn’t be best to add more tension from braids in those area because it may cause pulling or hair lose in those areas.

Tools for Braiding:

In order to complete these beautiful braiding styles, it is important to understand what tools are necessary to complete the various hair braiding styles.

Tool Terminology

Boar-Bristle brush

These tall fair skinned folk are better known for all of the conspicuous clothing and braid style. Both men and women would wear these alluring braids to express their personality as well as persona. The more elaborate the style the higher in rank there would appear to be.

Square Paddle brush

This large size brush assists with releasing tangles, and knots in short or long straight hair. By this brush being pneumatic the cushion of air under the bristle causes it to collapse when too much resistance is applied to the hair. This cause less breakage in the hair.

Vent brush

This brush has a single and double row of widely placed teeth with protective tips to lessen the amount of possible tangles for both human and extension hair.

Wide-Toothed Comb

This comb has wide teeth to help glide through the hair with little to no snarling. The teeth can range in several of sizes.

Double-Tooted Comb (detangling)

This comb helps separate the hair rather wet or dry. Excellent comb for wet curly hair.

Tail Comb

This comb is great for designing partings, sectioning hair, opening and removing braids also.

Finishing Comb

This comb ranges between 8 to 10 inches in length. These combs are ideal for cutting.

Pick with Rounded Teeth

This is a comb utilized to pick up or lift textured hair.

Long Clips

Used to separate large sections of hair.

Butterfly and Small Clips

These are used to separate large or small sections.

Hood Dryer

This dryer will assist in removing excess moisture before blow-drying the hair.

Small Rubber Bands and String

These are used to secure ends of braid.