# How Did Ancient African Traditions Shape Textured Hair Practices? ❉ Question

**Published:** 2025-06-03
**Author:** Roothea
**Categories:** Question

---

_
![The monochromatic image conveys a sense of timeless ritual, highlighting the intentionality behind crafting herbal hair treatments rooted in cultural heritage, a deeply connected practice for textured hair health and reverence for ancestral hair care knowledge and holistic self care practices.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/hands-preparing-herbal-hair-treatment-infusion-black-and-white-photography.jpg)

## Roots

There exists a profound connection between the helix of our hair and the winding paths of our ancestral journeys, a link often whispered through the generations yet rarely examined with the reverence it deserves. For those whose hair dances with coils and curls, each strand carries a vibrant legacy, a testament to resilience and ingenuity forged over millennia. This exploration begins not with a casual glance, but with a gaze turned inward, toward the very essence of what [textured hair](/area/textured-hair/) embodies: a living archive of heritage.

How did the earliest hands, guided by wisdom passed down through time, begin to understand and care for these unique crowns? We trace these initial gestures, uncovering how ancient [African traditions](/area/african-traditions/) laid the fundamental groundwork for textured hair practices, shaping not just physical care, but a deeper, spiritual relationship with the hair itself.

![A tender gesture of ancestral hair care traditions, captured in monochrome, showcases the application of natural ingredients, symbolizing heritage and wellness. This image honors cultural practices while nurturing tightly coiled textures, fostering self-love and communal connection with time-honored Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intimate-moment-of-heritage-hair-care-black-hair-traditions-and-ancestry.jpg)

## The Architecture of Ancestral Hair

To truly grasp how [ancient African](/area/ancient-african/) traditions shaped textured hair practices, one must first appreciate the inherent biological distinctions of coily and curly hair. This is not simply a matter of curl pattern, but a complex interplay of follicle shape, cuticle structure, and protein distribution. Scientific study today confirms what ancestral wisdom intuited long ago: textured hair possesses a distinctive elliptical or ribbon-like cross-section, a stark contrast to the rounder cross-section of straight hair. This unique shape creates points where the hair strand can twist upon itself, leading to the characteristic curls and coils we recognize.

The outermost layer, the cuticle, is often raised more frequently in textured hair, contributing to its distinct sheen and moisture retention needs. Ancient communities, without microscopes or chemical analysis, observed these characteristics through touch, through interaction, through generations of direct experience. They saw the tendency for dryness, the capacity for volume, and the inherent strength when hair was meticulously cared for.

> The very biology of textured hair, with its unique structure and inherent qualities, guided early African traditions in developing distinctive and effective care practices.

![This evocative monochrome image captures the beauty of Afro textured hair styled into a sculpted shape, symbolizing strength and heritage. The tailored blazer adds sophistication, creating a striking visual narrative of elegance and cultural pride, emphasizing design and textured hairstyle traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-black-woman-with-sculpted-afro-and-blazer.jpg)

## Understanding Hair’s Unique Physiology

The understanding of hair’s physiology, even without modern scientific nomenclature, was deeply embedded within ancient African societies. They observed how environmental factors impacted hair: the drying sun, the desert winds, the need for protective barriers. This observational science, honed through centuries, led to the development of highly specialized ingredients and methods. Think of the **follicular differences** that produce a tight coil or a loose wave; these variations were not merely aesthetic curiosities.

They informed specific styling choices and care regimens. For instance, the tightest coils, often more prone to shrinkage and dryness, would necessitate richer emollients and gentler manipulation, practices intuitively applied across countless communities. The historical understanding of [hair growth](/area/hair-growth/) cycles, while perhaps not formalized into scientific phases like anagen, catagen, and telogen, certainly manifested in practices that promoted length retention and scalp health, knowing that hair was a living, growing entity.

- **Shear Butter** ❉ Extracted from the nuts of the African shea tree, this rich butter was a fundamental emollient, providing intense moisture and a protective barrier against harsh climates. Its ancestral use spans medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic applications.

- **Argan Oil** ❉ From the Argan tree of North Africa, its liquid gold offered lubrication, shine, and a means to soften and manage hair, prized for its restorative properties.

- **Baobab Oil** ❉ Derived from the seeds of the ‘Tree of Life,’ this oil was used for its nourishing qualities, known to strengthen and promote healthy hair growth.
These natural resources were not simply products; they were extensions of the earth’s bounty, carefully integrated into daily life and sacred rituals. The meticulous gathering and processing of these ingredients speak to a profound respect for their power and a deep understanding of their efficacy. This ancestral knowledge, passed down through generations, forms the initial strata of textured hair heritage, revealing how observations of nature directly informed hair care.

![The monochromatic study centers a Black woman, her short hair enhanced with silver leaf, reflecting a blend of artistic expression and ancestral reverence, inviting contemplation on the intersection of personal style and cultural identity, while honoring her natural hair formation.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-woman-with-textured-hair-adorned-with-silver-leaf.jpg)

![This image celebrates the legacy of textured hair through intergenerational African diaspora women, highlighting the enduring connection between cultural identity and ancestral hair styling with intricate braids and a headwrap, illuminating a profound narrative of heritage, beauty, and shared experience.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/intergenerational-portraiture-of-african-descent-women-displaying-textured-hair.jpg)

## Ritual

Beyond the foundational understanding of hair’s physical attributes, ancient African traditions wove [hair practices](/area/hair-practices/) into the very fabric of daily life, transforming care into ritual, and styling into communication. This is where the tangible act of hair manipulation ascends into something more profound: a living dialogue with heritage, a reflection of community bonds, and a canvas for identity. The meticulous braiding, coiling, and adorning were not mere adornments; they were deliberate acts, steeped in cultural significance and ancestral knowledge.

Each part of the process, from cleansing with saponins found in local plants to moisturizing with indigenous oils, carried weight, connecting the individual to the collective wisdom of their lineage. This continuous engagement with textured hair, through practiced routines, speaks to a heritage of purpose and intention.

![The image celebrates natural textured hair, as a vital part of Black identity and pride, with a timeless and elegant portrait in monochrome. She embodies strength and beauty through her confident gaze and perfectly shaped afro, making a powerful statement about self-acceptance and ancestral beauty practices](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-a-woman-with-natural-afro-hair.jpg)

## The Styling Legacy of Protective Forms

The protective styles, so prevalent in textured [hair care](/area/hair-care/) today, are not modern inventions; they are direct descendants of ancient African artistry and strategic care. These styles, which tuck away fragile ends and minimize exposure to the elements, were born from necessity and refined into aesthetic masterpieces. Cornrows, for instance, known by countless names across the continent, were not only practical for managing hair in demanding climates but also served as intricate maps of social status, tribal affiliation, and even spiritual belief.

Consider the **complex designs** seen in ancient Egyptian depictions or the diverse braiding patterns from the Benin Kingdom; these were forms of non-verbal communication, announcing who one was, where they came from, and their place within the community. The cultural roots of these styles run deeper than mere aesthetics, speaking to their foundational role in protecting hair while conveying meaning.

![The evocative black and white portrait captures the essence of cultural pride, blending henna artistry, a traditional hijab, and healthy low porosity high-density hair, symbolizing ancestral heritage and self-expression, resonating with a narrative of identity through art and spiritual wellness.](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/woman-in-hijab-with-henna-design-and-traditional-black-hair-updo.jpg)

## How Did Communal Practices Influence Hair Care Innovations?

Communal practices played an indispensable role in shaping hair care innovations. Hairdressing was often a shared activity, particularly among women, providing a space for storytelling, bonding, and the transmission of knowledge. This collective environment naturally fostered the refinement of techniques and the experimentation with new materials. Elder women, seasoned in the nuanced care of textured hair, would impart their wisdom to younger generations, ensuring that specific braiding patterns or oiling regimens were perpetuated.

This oral tradition, coupled with hands-on learning, preserved complex methods that otherwise might have been lost. The very act of gathering to “do hair” built stronger familial and communal ties, weaving a social safety net where knowledge of hair care was not just a skill, but a communal endowment. This shared experience solidified practices, turning them into collective rituals that affirmed identity and belonging.

> The communal act of hairdressing in ancient African societies transformed individual care into a shared ritual, transmitting ancestral knowledge and reinforcing community bonds.
The tools employed in these rituals were often crafted from natural materials available within the environment. Think of **bone combs**, expertly carved to detangle and shape hair, or **wooden picks** used to create volume and define styles. These implements were extensions of the hand, designed with an intuitive understanding of textured hair’s delicate nature. Adornments ❉ cowrie shells, beads, precious metals, and even dried flowers ❉ were integrated into hairstyles, adding another layer of meaning.

The specific arrangement of these embellishments often signified rites of passage, marital status, or even a recent harvest, making hair a living, evolving diary of personal and communal life. The care taken in selecting and applying these elements speaks to the profound respect and artistry associated with hair as a sacred aspect of identity.

Traditional hair care, beyond mere cleansing and styling, embraced a holistic perspective that recognized the hair as an extension of one’s spiritual and physical wellbeing. The use of specific herbs for their medicinal properties, applied directly to the scalp and hair, reflects an understanding of the interconnectedness of body and spirit. For example, in many West African cultures, the **calabash** was a common vessel for mixing hair treatments, signifying the Earth’s natural abundance contributing to beauty and health.

The reverence for hair meant that it was treated with utmost care, often seen as a conduit between the spiritual and earthly realms. This spiritual dimension elevated hair care from a mundane task to a purposeful act of self-affirmation and connection to the divine, cementing its place within a rich cultural heritage.

![A timeless monochrome portrait evokes strength and grace, celebrating the beauty of naturally textured hair, and the heritage and wellness within ancestral styles. The headband subtly accents the afro](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-afro-wearing-headband-and-strapless-top.jpg)

![An evocative image showcasing minimalist adornment emphasizing elegance in afro hair, her silver head jewelry speaks to ancient African hair traditions and modern aesthetic principles. This portrait explores heritage and self-expression within the nuanced conversation of textured hair and identity, with deep cultural roots](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-sleek-short-hair-adorned-jewelry.jpg)

## Relay

The journey of [textured hair practices](/area/textured-hair-practices/) from antiquity to the present day is a powerful relay, a continuous handing off of wisdom, resilience, and identity across vast stretches of time and challenging geographies. Ancient African traditions did not simply vanish; they adapted, transmuted, and endured, proving their profound relevance even in the face of immense historical disruption. This enduring legacy is particularly evident in the African diaspora, where ancestral practices became not just methods of care, but potent acts of cultural preservation and resistance.

The very act of tending to textured hair, as generations of Black and mixed-race individuals have done, became a quiet defiance, a way to maintain connection to a rich heritage that forces sought to erase. The complex interplay of tradition and necessity gave rise to an evolving set of practices that still speak to the initial blueprint laid down on the African continent.

![Illuminated by soft light, the intergenerational braiding session unfolds a celebration of Black hair traditions. This intimate act strengthens familial bonds, promotes wellness, and celebrates cultural identity through expert practices passed down offering ancestral pride in the formation of textured hair](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-hair-care-rituals-braiding-traditions-and-familial-bonds.jpg)

## The Enduring Legacy of Adornment and Expression

The intricate artistry of African hairstyles, often imbued with symbolic meaning, remains a powerful testament to the enduring heritage of textured hair. Adornments, far from being superficial, were integral to communicating identity, status, and affiliation. For instance, among the **Maasai** of East Africa, elaborate hairstyles, often involving red ochre and animal fat, are highly symbolic. Warriors might wear long, braided styles, while women might shave their heads or wear shorter, beaded styles, each signifying a particular stage of life or social role.

The preparation of hair for such styles was a time-consuming and often communal effort, reinforcing social bonds and transmitting cultural knowledge. This level of intentionality in hair practices underscores a deep connection to self and community, where hair served as a living canvas for cultural expression, a heritage that perseveres.

> Hair practices in ancient African societies were deeply symbolic, with adornments and styles serving as complex expressions of identity, status, and communal belonging.

![The intimate portrait celebrates ancestral heritage through intentional hair care, a woman lovingly coats her intensely coiled textured hair with a nourishing hair mask. A self-care ritual honoring the legacy of Black hair traditions, showcasing the commitment to healthy, expressive styling with holistic products](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/applying-rich-hair-mask-to-intensely-coiled-textured-hair-at-home.jpg)

## How Do Historical Practices Continue to Influence Contemporary Textured Hair Identity?

Historical practices exert a profound and continuing influence on contemporary textured hair identity, often in subtle yet powerful ways. The resurgence of natural hair movements globally owes much to an inherent desire to reconnect with ancestral aesthetics and practices that prioritize the health and integrity of textured hair. Modern protective styles, from box braids to twists, draw directly from the ancient techniques of cornrowing and coiling seen across various African ethnic groups. These styles offer not just aesthetic appeal but also a link to a heritage of resilience and resourcefulness.

The intentional use of natural ingredients like shea butter and various oils, which have seen a global popularization, traces back directly to indigenous African wisdom regarding their efficacy. This continuous thread of tradition, woven into modern regimens, highlights how ancestral wisdom continues to shape how textured hair is perceived, cared for, and celebrated as a marker of identity and heritage.

Consider the Dinka people of South Sudan, whose hair traditions offer a compelling case study of heritage in action. Traditionally, Dinka men styled their hair into elaborate crests and patterns, often using ash and cow dung to achieve sculptural forms (Berman, 2017). These styles were not merely decorative; they communicated social standing, marital status, and even spiritual beliefs. The process of creating and maintaining these styles was meticulous and communal, passed down through generations.

This historical example illustrates how hair practices served as a complex system of communication and identity affirmation within a specific cultural context. The deep personal and communal investment in these forms speaks to the profound symbolic value attributed to hair within these ancient traditions, a value that continues to echo in contemporary expressions of textured hair identity. Such practices underscore the idea that hair is never solely about aesthetics; it carries profound cultural and historical weight.

The transmission of these practices, particularly through the transatlantic slave trade, represents one of the most poignant examples of cultural relay. Despite brutal attempts to strip enslaved Africans of their identity, hair traditions, often disguised or adapted, persisted. Braids became maps to freedom, carrying rice grains or seeds for survival (Walker, 2007). Simple twists or knotting techniques provided some semblance of care amidst harsh conditions.

This continuity, born out of immense struggle, underscores the inherent power of these practices as repositories of heritage and resistance. The memory of communal hair sessions, the knowledge of specific herbs, and the skill of intricate braiding were carried across oceans, becoming vital links to a lost homeland and a preserved sense of self. This historical journey solidifies textured hair as a symbol of endurance, memory, and an unbroken lineage of care.

![This black and white portrait illustrates the ancestral practice of textured hair care, a mother nurturing her child](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/mother-combing-childs-textured-hair-at-window-black-and-white-portrait.jpg)

![The black and white portrait celebrates afro textured hair in its naturally shaped state, while showcasing elegance and beauty in simplicity. The minimalist aesthetic allows focus on heritage, individuality, and the enduring strength found through self-acceptance, reflecting cultural roots, and unique hair identity](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-portrait-of-a-young-black-woman-showcasing-afro-textured-hair.jpg)

## Reflection

Our exploration reveals textured hair as far more than mere strands upon the head. It stands as a living, breathing testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and profound cultural depth of ancient African traditions. From the biological intricacies observed by ancestral communities to the communal rituals that transformed care into collective acts of belonging, the heritage woven into every coil and curl is unmistakable. This journey, from the elemental understanding of hair’s unique nature to the intricate styling techniques that carried layers of meaning, speaks to a continuous thread of wisdom passed through countless hands across generations.

It reminds us that our hair is not just a part of us; it is a repository of stories, a canvas of history, and a conduit to the ancestral spirit. The choices we make today about our textured hair are, in essence, echoes of those ancient hands, reaffirming a heritage that continues to thrive, evolve, and inspire. Each strand holds a soul, a memory, and a promise, linking us irrevocably to a deep, luminous past.

![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

![Intense monochromatic portraiture celebrates natural coiled hair, highlighting the texture and shape under stark lighting. This artistry signifies deeper narratives of identity affirmation, self-acceptance, and the beauty found within authentic expressions of ancestral heritage, specifically related to Black hair traditions](/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-portrait-of-woman-with-intricate-coiled-natural-hair-texture.jpg)

## References

- Berman, K. (2017). <i>African Hair: Culture, Aesthetics, and Literature_. Palgrave Macmillan.

- Byrd, A. D. & Tharps, L. (2001). _Hair Story: Untangling the Roots of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Press.

- Mercer, K. (1994). _Welcome to the Jungle: New Positions in Black Cultural Studies_. Routledge.

- Opoku, A. A. (1978). _African Traditional Religion: An Introduction_. Abingdon Press.

- Patton, S. (2006). _African-American Art_. Oxford University Press.

- Robbins, S. (2005). _Hair: A Cultural History_. Yale University Press.

- Tharps, L. & Byrd, A. D. (2014). _Hair Story: The Definitive Historical and Cultural Exploration of Black Hair in America_. St. Martin’s Press.

- Walker, A. (2007). _The Temple of My Familiar_. Pocket Books.

## Glossary

### [Cultural Significance of Hair](https://roothea.co/area/cultural-significance-of-hair/)

Meaning ❉ "Cultural Significance of Hair" denotes the deeply rooted connections between coily, kinky, and wavy strands and the personal, communal, and ancestral identity of Black and mixed-race individuals.

### [Hair Practices](https://roothea.co/area/hair-practices/)

Meaning ❉ "Hair Practices" refers to the considered actions and routines applied to the care, maintenance, and presentation of one's hair, particularly pertinent for textured hair types, including Black and mixed-race hair.

### [African Hair Traditions](https://roothea.co/area/african-hair-traditions/)

Meaning ❉ African Hair Traditions signify the enduring legacy of hair care customs and styling practices established across generations within African and diasporic communities.

### [Hair as Resistance](https://roothea.co/area/hair-as-resistance/)

Meaning ❉ 'Hair as Resistance' signifies the gentle, deliberate choice to wear and care for one's natural textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals, as an act of personal autonomy and cultural recognition.

### [Bone Combs](https://roothea.co/area/bone-combs/)

Meaning ❉ Bone Combs offer a return to foundational hair care, providing a naturally smooth, anti-static glide essential for the delicate architecture of textured hair.

### [Hair Growth Cycles](https://roothea.co/area/hair-growth-cycles/)

Meaning ❉ Hair Growth Cycles delineate the natural, sequential phases each strand experiences: active elongation, brief transition, and a resting period before release.

### [Black Hair History](https://roothea.co/area/black-hair-history/)

Meaning ❉ Black Hair History represents the accumulated knowledge and evolving practices surrounding textured hair care and styling across generations and continents, particularly for Black and mixed-race individuals.

### [Protective Hairstyles](https://roothea.co/area/protective-hairstyles/)

Meaning ❉ Protective Hairstyles represent a deliberate styling approach for textured hair, particularly for Black and mixed-race hair, engineered to safeguard delicate strands from daily manipulation and external elements.

### [Ancient African](https://roothea.co/area/ancient-african/)

Meaning ❉ "Ancient African," within the scope of textured hair understanding, refers to the foundational knowledge and gentle practices passed through generations across diverse African cultures.

### [Baobab Oil Uses](https://roothea.co/area/baobab-oil-uses/)

Meaning ❉ Baobab Oil Uses, within the sphere of textured hair understanding, denote the purposeful integration of this fine, golden oil, sourced from the revered African Baobab tree, to fortify and sustain the inherent resilience of coils, curls, and kinks.

## Explore Your Heritage

### [How Did Heritage Shape African Hair Care Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-heritage-shape-african-hair-care-practices/)
![The portrait captures the timeless elegance of textured hair styled into neat finger waves, reminiscent of vintage glamour and reflecting cultural artistry. The interplay of light and shadow emphasizes the hair](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/elegant-portrait-of-woman-with-short-finger-waved-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Oils Shape Hair Care?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-oils-shape-hair-care/)
![The textured surface of the shea butter block, captured in monochrome, speaks to the rich heritage of natural hair care. Its emollient properties, a staple in ancestral African and Black hair traditions, offer deep hydration and coil strengthening, essential for healthy, resilient hair textures.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-close-up-of-shea-butter-block-for-textured-hair-care.jpg)

### [How Did Ancestral Hair Care Traditions Shape Black Hair Heritage?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancestral-hair-care-traditions-shape-black-hair-heritage/)
![The black and white treatment amplifies the subject’s strong features and distinctive coiled textured hair, celebrating Black hair traditions and modern self-expression through styling. Light and shadow define her gaze, inviting a connection and deeper contemplation on beauty and identity.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/striking-black-and-white-portrait-of-woman-with-coiled-textured-hair.jpg)

### [How Do Ancient Traditions Shape Hair Identity Today?](https://roothea.co/question/how-do-ancient-traditions-shape-hair-identity-today/)
![Illuminated by soft light, this intergenerational moment shows the art of braiding textured hair connecting grandmother and granddaughter, symbolizing cultural heritage, holistic hair care, and the enduring power of ancestral skills and traditions passed down through generations.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/generational-bond-textured-hair-heritage-grandmother-braiding-granddaughters.jpg)

### [What Historical African Hair Practices Continue to Shape Modern Care Rituals?](https://roothea.co/question/what-historical-african-hair-practices-continue-to-shape-modern-care-rituals/)
![This floral display mirrors the careful selection of natural ingredients for optimal Afro hair hydration and resilience. The monochrome palette enhances the organic textures, symbolizing a deep connection to ancestral heritage and the art of textured hair care.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/monochrome-floral-arrangement-black-background-textured-hair-care-ingredients.jpg)

### [In What Ways Do Historical African Hair Rituals Shape Present-Day Textured Hair Practices?](https://roothea.co/question/in-what-ways-do-historical-african-hair-rituals-shape-present-day-textured-hair-practices/)
![The horsetail reeds, with their unique segmentation and organic form, provide a powerful visual metaphor for the architecture of textured hair, offering a natural lens through which to appreciate diverse formations and celebrate the innate beauty of each coil and spring.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/abstract-horsetail-reed-arrangement-evokes-natural-textured-hair-patterning.jpg)

### [How Does Cultural Identity Shape Textured Hair Care Traditions?](https://roothea.co/question/how-does-cultural-identity-shape-textured-hair-care-traditions/)
![Hands administer creamy treatment to textured coils, as women stand by, witnessing an outdoor hair ritual rooted in ancestral heritage and holistic wellness practices for Black hair the scene offers a poignant reflection on historical hair care traditions passed down through generations, emphasizing the importance of heritage and community.](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/black-and-white-image-of-textured-hair-treatment-ritual-outdoor-setting.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Tools Shape Hair Science?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-tools-shape-hair-science/)
![Standing with poised strength, the windswept woman against the stark coastal backdrop embodies a blend of resilience and artistry, the dramatic lighting accentuating the striking contrast and the afro](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/contemplative-woman-with-afro-hairstyle-on-rocky-coast-in-black-and-white.jpg)

### [How Did Ancient Hair Care Shape Community Bonds?](https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-hair-care-shape-community-bonds/)
![The young girl](https://roothea.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/young-girl-adorned-with-traditional-beads-displaying-textured-hair-braids.jpg)

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```


---

**Original URL:** https://roothea.co/question/how-did-ancient-african-traditions-shape-textured-hair-practices/
