Who invented French braids?
Andrew Patterson
Published Apr 30, 2026
Despite its name, the origins of the French braid are widely disputed. Greeks and Africans are often credited as the first to use this styling technique. The earliest evidence is from the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria, where rock art from almost 6,000 years ago depicts women wearing this style of braid.
Who was the first person to invent braids?
“The origin of braids can be traced back 5000 years in African culture to 3500 BC—they were very popular among women.” Braids are not just a style; this craft is a form of art. “Braiding started in Africa with the Himba people of Namibia,” says Alysa Pace of Bomane Salon.When was the French braid invented?
Despite its location-based name, the exact origin of the French braid is actually a hotly contested topic. Some believe it can be traced back nearly 6,000 years to North Africa where cave art depicts women wearing the hairstyle. Others think it may have originated in China's Sung Dynasty which began in 960.What culture is French braids from?
Instead, the place to start is North Africa. People have been wearing the three-strand gathered plait for thousands of years, and the earliest evidence of the style comes to us from the Tassili n'Ajjer mountain range in Algeria.Did Vikings create braids?
By examining statues and texts discovered from the Viking era, it appears that most Norse warriors wore their hair short, making braids fairly uncommon. Other hairstyles existed in Norse culture.WHITE PEOPLE STOLE FRENCH BRAIDS TOO... OR ARE WE APPROPRIATING WHITE CULTURE?
Who invented cornrows?
Cornrows on women date back to at least 3000 B.C. and as far back as the nineteenth century for men, particularly in Ethiopia. Warriors and kings were identified by their braided hairstyles.Who created Dutch braids?
The Dutch braid was not invented by the Netherlanders as many people wonder, instead, this hairstyle was adopted by the South African immigrants that came to the Netherlands. African women used to tie their hair into various kinds of braids to protect them from the damage caused by the sun.Why are French braids called Dutch?
The hairstyle has been a global phenomenon throughout history, taking on a number of names. The Dutch were early adopters, giving rise to the "Dutch braids." In 1871, a short story in the USA publication Arthur's Home Magazine popularized the term "French braid," referring to the cornrow technique.Is a Dutch braid a French braid?
The Dutch Braid TechniqueNow, a Dutch braid is actually very similar to a French braid hairstyle, with the minor tweak that you are crossing the side sections of hair underneath the middle strand each time as opposed to over it. It creates a more 3-D effect, with the braid displayed on top of the style.