# data[].attributes.body
Here is a video the explains the various roots of Locs and Twists. Locs date back to Ancient Egypt were Pharaohs were often depicted with locs. In contemporary Hinduism, The Hindu deity Shiva and his followers were described in the scriptures as wearing "jaTaa", meaning "twisted locks of hair".

# data[].attributes.body
This video explains how African box braids and cornrows date back to 30,000 BC. It's believed that the longer a women sits to put in her braids meant that she came from fortune. Hair is decorated with seashells and wooden beads to establish wealth.

# data[].attributes.body
Locs are now famously attached to the Jamaican Rastafarian Culture. Rastafarians would grow their hair into locs to pay homage to Solomon - a man from Biblical times. Bob Marley in the 70s made locs his staple look, soon after Whoopi Goldberg made it her staple look.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
And often, dreadlocks can be trendy and have significant meaning, too. Singer Kelela is synonymous for her music and for the artistic statement that she makes with her hair. "The original hair-spiration came from a broad amount of sources," Misha Notcutt, Kelela's creative director, tells us. "For example, Kelela is Ethiopian and there are so many amazing traditional hairstyles that we got inspired by. Also, '70s crystal hats, chandeliers, and Nina Simone. We really wanted to re-interrupt and try and make something just as inspiring in a contemporary way."

Which just goes to show why it's so important to know the true history behind any given hairstyle. Hopefully, by educating ourselves and talking about locs more openly, we can help erase the stigma for those who choose to wear them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
And often, dreadlocks can be trendy and have significant meaning, too. Singer Kelela is synonymous for her music and for the artistic statement that she makes with her hair. "The original hair-spiration came from a broad amount of sources," Misha Notcutt, Kelela's creative director, tells us.

# data[].attributes.body
Here are 2 photos showing both a new and old photo of locs. According to ancient scripture and the Rastafarian culture, the longer your locs - the more you strength you have. Because its believed that the Biblical Solomon and Shiva had locs, having them meant that you are a very wise and spiritual person.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a link that features the many different cornrow styles that are popular amongst Black women. Cornrows on women date back to 3000 BC, however was popular amongst kings and warriors. Modern day men didn't start wearing cornrows until the early 19th century.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Braids are one of those win-win styles: low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, and photogenic. But let's get this straight: Braids are not "the next best thing" or the "new coolest hair trend to try." Braids go way, way back, and have been deeply rooted in the cultural history of the African diaspora for decades. In fact, the origin of braids dates back to 3,500 B.C. Gorgeous cornrow hairstyles have endless options-any design you dream up, you can achieve. It just takes a skilled stylist, patience (braids can take hours to complete), and inspiration.

I've got you on the inspiration front. In fact, I have a whole album on IG dubbed "Braidspo," dedicated to the braided styles I've been eyeing. Keep scrolling for the cornrow styles you need to try this year.

These Zig-Zag Parts

An incredibly easy way to dress up straight-back braids? With fancy parts, like this zig-zag design. Use a tiny, rat-tail comb to get the cleanest-looking split.

These Baby-Pink Braids

Hair hack: With braids, you can try a bold color without fully committing. All you have to do is use colored extensions. These pink box braids coupled with cornrows in the front, plus a side of baby hair, are such a vibe.

These Gorgeously Beaded Braids

Words don't do this style justice. This one truly takes my breath away, and is my personal favorite of the bunch. Every part of this-from the braided topknot to the beaded design-is unbelievably beautiful.

These Simple, Straight-Backs

From thick to tiny, cornrows look good in every size. Case in point: the photo above. It's the perfect protective style for events like music festivals, when you don't feel like fussing with your hair.

This Braided Halo

A halo crown looks even better with braids. A few single cornrows in the front of your hair, adorned with beads and cuffs, is what transforms this from a look into a lewk.

These Cornrow Accent Braids

I know, it's hard to take your eyes off these epic bubble ponytails, but just try for a sec to focus on the cornrow accent braids topped with beads. This simple detail makes such an impact on the style.

Everything About This Braided Gorgeousness

There's so much beauty in this picture, it's hard to focus on one thing. This photo proves that baby hair is your best friend when it comes to braids. Slicking down your wispy flyaways in an intentional design makes the style so photogenic.

This Edgy, Hooped Braid

A single braid can do so much for your style. This simple cornrow is taken up several notches with the addition of hoop accent jewelry. Pick one side for your accent braid, and let your hair hang on the other to create the illusion of a frohawk.

This Elegant Braided Bun

Celebrity hairstylist Vernon François is a texture expert, so of course he knows how to create a sophisticated braided bun. This style suits any occasion.

This Half-Braided Style

Looking for the perfect way to add drama to your fro? Braids.

This Braided Frohawk

Leave it to Yara Shahidi to wear not a regular mohawk, but a cool frohawk, created by the blessed hands of Lacy Redway. This geometric design is everything.

This Trendsetting Short Hairstyle

Who says cornrows aren't for short hair? If this is wrong, I don't want to be right. Add this look to your mood board. It's created by the talented Felicia Leatherwood, who is also Issa Rae's go-to stylist.

These Elegant, Medium-Sized, Straight-Backs

Tracee Ellis Ross is a goddess in braids. You're welcome for this hairgasm.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE HERE

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
13 Gorgeous Cornrows Photos to Inspire Your Next Look

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Braids are one of those win-win styles: low-maintenance, effortlessly cool, and photogenic. But let's get this straight: Braids are not "the next best thing" or the "new coolest hair trend to try." Braids go way, way back, and have been deeply rooted in the cultural history of the African diaspora for decades.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is a photo showing various cornrow styles that have been popular since ancient times. During slavery, cornrows on a women's heads would map out escape routes during the Underground Railroad.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a photo that show both men and women in wigs and weaves. In Ancient Egypt, when it came to hair, both men and women wore wigs and weaves and would adorn them with gold, jewels and seashells. They would shave their own hair to avoid having lice and wear weave and wigs instead.

# data[].attributes.body
This Link further explains how many of the styles worn by African-decedents root from Ancient Egypt to Ancient India. it explains how in ancient times, only the rich would wear colorful wigs and weaves to show their status. There are strict laws against the poor having wigs or weaves since they wouldn't have the funds to maintain them.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Visual History of Iconic Black Hairstyles | HISTORY

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Afros, cornrows, dreadlocks and beyond: The ancient roots of black hairstyles.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a video that explains the history of weave and wigs. They both dates back to Ancient Egyptian times. They were created either out of human hair, vegetable fibers or sheeps wool. Wigs and weaves were as valuable as gold and incense and mostly worn by men at the time.

# data[].attributes.body
I learned that Locs originate from India and Africa and Box Braids were originally called Banana or Fish hook braids. I remember growing up in grade school and my white ‘friends’ would make fun my hair because it was always in the same style of braids and would make me sit there so they would take it out so my hair flowed out like theirs - but it didn’t because my hair defies gravity. What I found most interesting about my research was that Cornrows were sometimes used as escape routes during slavery, Box Braids originated from Ancient Ghana and that the longer a women would sit to adorn her crown meant that she was from wealth since braiding hair in itself takes a lot of time, material and money. I mostly remember that white people wear dreads while black people wear locs and white people tend to forget to give credit when it’s due, especially for hairstyles. Nothing has really changed for me other then the fact that I think that doing this project made me realize that I may be a descendant of a Queen because I am willing to sit for hours in order to braid my hair, and I now see why Caribbeans have a problem with Caucasians wearing locs. It’s messy and ratty-looking and doesn't express locs true beauty and nature. Here is a final video that time lines Black Hair from Braids to the legendary afro.