Protective styles have been a part of black hair culture for centuries. These hairstyles protect natural hair from damage caused by constant manipulation, harsh weather conditions, and other environmental factors. They also promote hair growth and retention. One of the most popular protective styles is braids. However, braids have evolved over time into other protective styles, such as passion twists. In this blog, we will explore the evolution of protective styles from braids to twists.
Braids
Braids have been around for centuries. Historically, braids communicated social status, wealth, and cultural identity. For example, in some African tribes, women wore intricate braids to symbolize their social status. Braids were also a practical hairstyle for working in the fields or doing household chores. Braids are still popular and have evolved into many styles, such as box braids, cornrows, and Senegalese twists.
Box braids are a protective style that involves sectioning hair into small square-shaped sections and braiding each section with extensions. This style gained popularity in the 1990s and has been a staple in black hair culture ever since. Box braids are versatile and can be worn in various lengths and styles. They are also low maintenance and can last up to two months with proper care.
Cornrows
Cornrows are another popular braided style. Cornrows are created by braiding hair close to the scalp in a straight line. This style originated in Africa and has been worn for centuries. Today, cornrows are often styled in intricate patterns and can be adorned with beads or other accessories.
Senegalese twists are a newer style that has gained popularity in recent years. Senegalese twists are created by twisting extensions into natural hair. This style is similar to braids but requires less tension on the hair and scalp. Senegalese twists are low maintenance and can last up to two months with proper care.
While braids have been a staple in protective styling, twists have become a popular alternative. Twists are similar to braids, but hair is twisted around itself instead of crossing strands over each other. Twists are a gentle alternative to braids and require less tension on the hair and scalp. They are more natural than braids and can be styled in various lengths and sizes.
Two-strand twists are a popular style that involves dividing the hair into two sections and twisting each section around itself. Two-strand twists can be styled in various sizes and lengths and worn as a standalone or base for other styles, such as twist-outs.’
Twist-outs
Twist-outs are a popular style that involves unraveling twists to create a defined curly hair pattern. Twist-outs are a great way to add volume and texture to natural hair. They are also low maintenance and can last up to a week with proper care.
Marley twists are a newer style that has gained popularity in recent years. Marley twists are similar to Senegalese twists, but natural hair is twisted around Marley’s hair extensions instead of synthetic hair. This style is versatile and can be worn in various lengths and sizes.
In conclusion,
Protective styles have been a part of black hair culture for centuries. Braids have been a staple in protective styling, but twists have become a popular alternative. Twists are a gentle alternative to braids and require less tension on the hair and scalp. They are more natural than braids and can be styled in various lengths and sizes. From box braids to Senegalese twists and two-strand twists to Marley twists, protective styles have evolved and continue to evolve. These styles protect natural hair and promote hair growth and retention.