The History of Braids & Bans on Black Hair | MANE | NowThis

Braids and other traditionally Black hairstyles have been banned in the military, schools, and the workplace — but they're also championed as a symbol of celebration. Here's a look at the history of Black hairstyles and the evolution of the natural hair movement in America.

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Hair is not just a part of our appearance, it’s a part of our identity. It’s how we show our personality, our background, and our beliefs. MANE is about the intersection of hair and culture. Each week we’ll explore a different hair trend, from the history behind it to the people who drive it, and the culture that keeps it alive.

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[painToTearx]

Funny how you bring up Bo Derek, because the first time I wore box braids to work, all the white people were like OMG you look like Bo derek 😒(mind you I had no idea who that was) so when I searched her up later that night, you could only imagine what I was thinking.

[thinadlamini]

The so called Bo-Derek braids are originally known as Fulani braids. Miss me with that b.s.. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[Mskeyboogie]

We didn't opt for straight hair. We didn't have a choice.

[manuhartman]

I don't understand how straight hair is considered "nicer", there's nothing special about straight hair, I prefer curly hair.

[olinalundy]

They want the braids but don’t want the history behind it

[marissajones]

I love her dreads and her she's a beautiful soul.

[adiahtaylor]

I never really went natural I always switch from box braids to an occasional relaxer, but I honestly hate when people say natural hair isnt for everyone? How is the way your hair naturally grows out of your head not for you? And this is why black women get frustrated with things as little as hair, because although it shouldn't be a big deal we still get backlash for how we chose to wear it. I am glad conversations like this are happening.

[bollagurl]

Thank you to this beautiful woman for standing up for our black military women.

[coralday]

Glad I live in the Caribbean. Most people wear natural styles. Hated explaining my hair when I lived in the states.

[carolina]

I love to know about african hair styles!! Pride to be black

[danielewenkhare]

To ALL my BLACK SISTERS across the world, ALL your hairs SLAYYYY👑👑👑👑

[jennifercampbell-klomps]

It’s so annoying and frustrating being told that our natural hair is not acceptable! 🙆🏾‍♀️ I had a similar experience in the British Army and could only get a forage cap or beret on my head wearing braids; I was told to adapt a European look! Yikes! And don’t even mention regulations flesh coloured tights for white skin in mind; no can do, I fought the system and wore chocolate coloured tights, after all they excluded my skin colour so I did it for myself. What a mixed up world we live in! 😳

[mellajoe]

And THEY SAY slavery NO LONGER exist IN America?

[freewithnature]

I was called unkempt before and didn’t understand. I thought okay, so no matter what I do I’m not good enough to some. I speak without slang, I go to college pay my own bills and keep myself groomed, but I usually keep my hair in a bun. While that’s not good enough for some, that’s on them. I’m thankful to have hair. ❤️ and everyone has their own beauty.

[SWEETTEMPER]

I hate doing my hair. It stays in braids all the time.

[rowan]

'Bo braids' 🤮 then some wypipo wonder why we're annoyed

[emptynester]

If God wanted my hair to be straight he/she would have made it straight. I love my God Given textured hair.

[JazzyCrumbles]

When is society going to leave people and their hair alone? This whole military "uniformity" thing doesn't even make sense in the USA. Diversity is the foundation of the USA, and its military should reflect the individuality of the many cultures that make up American society.

[belfam]

Yasss black women are loving themselves again🙌🙌🙌.. preach

[osofoxleyoxley]

I love telling my story of braids thru my clients. Although, it may take hours, I love the appreciation they show me after I'm done.