Hair braiding's popularity grows, crosses ethnic lines

YOUNGSTOWN — Hair braiding and natural hairstyling are experiencing growing popularity with blacks and nonblacks, but with its popularity has come some controversy.

According to Bestdooz.com, a Web site that deals with ethnic hair care, hair braiding, a system of interlocking segments of hair, is an ancient art practiced by the ancient Egyptians as long ago as 4000 B.C. The Web site says hair braiding, as it is seen today, originated in West Africa.

Local hairstylists say braiding always has been appealing to some people, but braiding and dreadlocks in recent years have grown considerably popular. Dreadlocks are a natural hairstyle where hair is twisted together and allowed to “lock” into long strands over time.

Aphynna James, owner of Hollywood Hairdressers on Belmont Avenue, has been in the field of cosmetology for more than 25 years and said she has witnessed the increase in braiding’s popularity.

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