Black women’s metaphorical pledge of allegiance to braids dates back thousands of years. In the 60s, advancements in polymer technology (the manufacture of materials such as plastics, paints, rubber, foam, etc) allowed for the mass production of affordable hair alternatives turning synthetic braiding hair into a cornerstone of Black hair culture and it has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar market. Its affordability, versatility, and wide availability have made synthetic hair the go-to choice for countless women seeking protective styles with extra length, extra volume, and more longevity like box braids, twists, cornrows, wigs, and so on. I for one don’t know life without it. I’ve been getting my hair braided since it was long enough to do so and started adding a bit of synthetic hair by the time I was old enough to ask for it.
