French braid

Classic French Braid

French braid is a type of braid that includes three sections of hair that are braided together from the crown of the head to the nape of the neck, with each strand crossing over the other in the center of the braid. This technique incorporates small sections of hair into the braid as it progresses down the head, creating a woven appearance that lies flat against the scalp. The French braid is distinguished from the Dutch braid by the method of braiding; in a French braid, sections are crossed over the top of the braid, while in a Dutch braid, they are braided underneath, giving the braid a raised appearance.

History

The origins of the French braid are not precisely known, but it has been depicted in art dating back thousands of years from various cultures around the world, including African, Celtic, and Greek cultures, among others. Despite its name, the French braid did not originate in France; the name might have come from the way the technique was popularized or because it was considered a sophisticated style in the 19th century.

Technique

To create a French braid:

1. Begin by brushing the hair to remove any tangles.
2. Take a small section of hair at the crown of the head and divide it into three equal parts.
3. Start the braid by crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
4. Continue by adding more hair to each strand as it crosses over the middle, picking up small sections from the sides of the head to incorporate into the braid.
5. Maintain tension on the braid to keep it tight and secure.
6. Continue braiding in this fashion until reaching the nape of the neck, then finish with a traditional three-strand braid.
7. Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie.

Variations

There are several variations of the French braid, including:

• The Fishtail braid, which involves dividing the hair into two sections and alternately pulling small pieces from each side to the other.
• The Dutch braid, which is essentially an inverted French braid.
• The Crown braid, where the braid wraps around the head.
• The Waterfall braid, which allows pieces of hair to fall out of the braid, creating a "waterfall" effect.

Cultural Significance

The French braid has been a popular hairstyle for centuries, worn by women, men, and children across various cultures and societies. It is appreciated for its practicality in keeping hair tidy and out of the face, as well as for its aesthetic appeal. In some cultures, braided hairstyles, including the French braid, hold significant cultural and symbolic meanings, often associated with social status, age, marital status, and other social markers.

In Popular Culture

The French braid has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, partly due to its versatility and the rise of DIY beauty and fashion trends on social media platforms. It is a favored style for formal events, such as weddings and proms, as well as for everyday wear.

See Also

• Braid
• Hairstyle
• Plait