Braids

Braids and braided hairstyles are the most common hairstyle in the world. The history of braiding is ancient and can take up a whole book. The culture of different nations has its own peculiarities of wearing braids. Men and women braided their hair and endowed it with symbolism. Let’s consider women’s braided hairstyles in Western fashion in the 14th – 16th centuries.

In the Middle Ages, braids are often present in women’s hairstyles, even if we do not see them. Young girls usually wore their hair loose, and married women covered their heads. Braids were hidden under headdresses, veils or accessories. Braids are convenient. Long braided hair can be comfortably and beautifully styled on the head, secured in a hairstyle and will not get tangled.

In the 14th-15th centuries, braids were twisted into rings at the temples. In Italy, during the Early Renaissance, complex hairstyles were made from many braids, jewelry and ribbons, combined with loose strands. A hairstyle of two braids was popular, when the braided hair was raised up and intertwined around the head.