Braiding is more than a hairstyle. For generations, African American hair braiding styles have held deep cultural significance, telling stories of survival, status and self-expression. What may seem ...

When it comes to protective styles, braids will forever be a fan favorite. They can be chic or casual, depending on how you decide to rock them. While a sophisticated braided bob can elevate the class ...

To playwright Jocelyn Bioh, the African hair braiders of Harlem are icons. “They’re a large part of the economy of Harlem,” Bioh said of the Manhattan neighborhood. “Those are women-owned businesses, ...

African hair, celebrated for its versatility and unique texture, is often styled in braids for both aesthetics and manageability. However, knowing the optimal duration to keep braids in and how to ...

Jordan Rice had never been a customer at an African hair braiding shop in New York. But when she read Jocelyn Bioh’s “Jaja’s African Hair Braiding,” she saw her friends, her family and even herself in ...