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Home · News

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids

Judging from the sudden popularity of Solange Knowles' retro Nineties 'do and Willow Smith's micro-braided strands, it's safe to say that braids are definitely hot again! By don't call it a comeback--this look has been one of the most popular Black hairstyles for centuries. From Reconstruction era styles to Brandy, here are some of the most memorable moments in the history of braids.
By · Updated October 29, 2020
01
1867, Frances Harper

While touring with the American Anti-Slavery Society, free Black author Frances Harper wore cornrows instead of mimicking white styles—a dramatic political statement at the time.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
02
1964, Cicely Tyson

As a star on “East Side/West Side” in the mid-60’s, Oscar-nominated actress Cicely Tyson was the first Black woman to wear cornrows on TV!

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
03
1980, Donna Summer

At the 1980 American Movie Awards, Donna Summer wore a disco-era braided look popularized by, ahem, Rick James.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
04
1982, Patrice Rushen

With her micro-braids, multi-colored beads and hair accessory flourishes like chopsticks and feathers, “Forget Me Nots” singer Patrice Rushen took braids to a whole new level.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
05
1989, Susan L. Taylor

With her sleek micro-braided cornrows and graceful persona, ESSENCE’s legendary editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor set hair trends for an entire generation of Black women.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
06
1993, Patra

Dancehall Queen Patra sparked one of the most memorable trends of the early ’90s with her Jamaican “Dookie” braids (see also Janet Jackson in “Poetic Justice,” and R&B group Jade).

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
07
1995, Brandy

In the mid-Nineties, teenage pop starlet Brandy made braided extensions her trademark. Here, she sports an elaborately pin-curled, half-up/half-down ’do.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
08
2001, Beyonce

On an MTV TRL tour with Destiny’s Child, Beyonce sported long, blonde cornrowed extensions.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
09
2004, Alicia Keys

When Alicia Keys first stepped on the music scene, intricately braided, skinny cornrows were her signature look.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
10
2009, Ciara

At Maxim’s 10th Annual Hot 100 party, Ciara flaunted uber-dramatic, waist-length, cornrowed braids.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
11
2010, Solange Knowles

Always on the cutting edge, Solange sported butt-length, early ‘90s-style braids—plus a chic, African print turban—at the grand opening of Las Vegas’ Marquee nightclub.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
12
2011, Brandy

After over fifteen years in the music industry, Brandy recently returned back to the hairstyle she helped make trendy in the Nineties.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
13
2011, Jaden and Willow Smith

All eyes were on Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith’s superstar offspring, Jaden and Willow, when they hit the Grammy’s sporting adorable braided styles.

Hairstyle File: The Evolution of Braids
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