Braiding Hair

Braiding hair is interweaving three or more strands together in a specific pattern. It can also be called plaiting, lacing, or interlacing. Braids can help protect hair from damage and encourage growth. They can also lock in natural moisture and protect hair from the elements. Braids can have cultural significance, representing a person's age, marital status, wealth, kinship, religion, or personality. For example, in Africa, braids can indicate a person's tribe, and in the Underground Railroad, braids could represent escape routes.