For the Afro community, in America, braiding have an ancestral meaning as a means of collective communication and a means of cultural survival. The weaving of the braids can mean joy for the birth of a new being or marriage and the start of a new family, but also sadness for the death of a loved one or community difficulties.
But, its meaning goes far beyond joy and sadness. A story of escape was woven into the braids for the slaves. And this can be summed up on the road to freedom for this small refuge. Being a means of communication and resistance, since the palenqueras in their hair wove what they saw, maps of the roads, delimiting the traveled paths. For in this way the slaves, led by Benkos Bioho, planned the escape, armed with what would be a compass in the head of these women.
Tangled hair
In the tangled hair of the slaves, they hid gold nuggets that they managed to dig during their work in mining during the Colony. In addition, in the middle of their braids, they hid the seeds of native and medicinal plants where the wisdom of the elders was present, which they would later sow in what would be their town, thus guaranteeing food security for the community.
The hairstyles of the Palenqueras women are a forceful example of their African essence, but it is also a sample of their ingenuity and their creative capacity that has passed from generation to generation. Well, when walking through the streets of San Basilio, you can see women who make and allow themselves to be braided in any corner of the town. Capable of transforming a short afro hair into a work of art.
Inside this community, with their hairstyles, the memory of their past is captured and outside a forceful manifestation of their freedom, whose celebration is woven, like their braids, day by day. Well, through hairstyles they achieved the liberation of a people, and today that African legacy remains in force. Braiding salons are available everywhere even you can look for best braids by searching “braiding salons near me”.
Tips for the Care of hair
Washing:
While we don’t tell you to limit the number of times you wash your hair to just once or twice a week (everyone’s hair is different, and after all, you may have to wash your hair more often if is very greasy), most experts agree that over-washing can strip your locks of their natural oils and moisture. As a rule of thumb, try not to wash your hair more than every other day.
Drying:
Avoid terry towels at all costs, as their rough material can damage the hair cuticle and cause frizz. If you want to towel dry your hair, opt for a cotton shirt or microfiber towel. Make sure to prepare your hair with a leave-in conditioner, and use a diffuser or nozzle when blow drying your hair.
Dyeing:
Since frizzy hair is so fragile, it can be easily damaged by the harsh chemicals in dyes. “Permanent hair dyes are too drying and can destroy curly locks when not used properly,” says Sean Steigerwald, R&D expert for hair care at John Frieda. “If your hair is thick and curly, it is best to have it professionally colored in the salon.”
Brushed:
For easy, frizz-free brushing, use a hot air brush with nylon bristles and a titanium ceramic barrel.”These not only distribute heat evenly and safely,” says Steigerwlad, “but they also increase volume, add shine, and control frizz thanks to ion technology.”
Must-Have Products:
Why it works: “The deep side part creates fullness on the upper part of the face, while the wavy and curly layers fill the cheeks. This cut is very flattering on diamond-shaped faces, as the narrowest parts are the forehead and chin.
What to ask your stylist:
A deep part with a side swept, and loose layered waves. And make it clear that the curtain bangs cut should be minimal – you’ll want long layers that start at the chin and go down at an angle around the head and shoulders.
Maintenance tips:
Since this cut is very long, you will be able to visit the salon less often to cut it. However, you will have to put in a little effort and condition your hair. If your curls are naturally tight. Additionally you’ll want to have a wide curling iron on hand to expand the waves when you need it.
