Summer is officially braids season! With packed schedules, a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and the possibility of taking a last-minute trip abroad, a flexible ‘do that will suit any given occasion is needed.

It’s for this reason that braids have stood the test of time and see a resurgence each summer. Additionally, braids are a great protective style. They protect the hair from the elements, cause minimal damage and allow the hair to rehydrate and repair. Just be sure not to wear them for over two months and wash and treat weekly!

Braids have been around for centuries. From as early as the 15th century in Africa, hair was the main way to differentiate tribes. It was also used as an indicator of social status. The Fulani and Wodaabe tribes of Western Africa are considered to be the originators of braided hairstyles. In Jamaica, braids are typically a go-to hairdo, primarily because of their durability, the fact that they encourage the growth of the wearer’s natural hair, and they are very versatile.

Braids can be styled to suit any occasion — from complementing formal attire to officewear to jazzing up the most casual get-ups.

The primary drawback is the time it takes — put it this way, the finer the plait the longer it takes.

Over the years, stylists have updated the classic box braid look (remember Janet Jackson in Poetic Justice) by incorporating intricate patterns, especially in cornrow styles. So today, braided cornrows, updos, bobs and faux locs are among the preferred hairstyles.

Another increasingly popular trend is the use of metal accessories like braid cuffs and wire designs that give the braids an edgier aesthetic. This hairstyle can do anything!

If you’re not sure what to with your hair, or are considering a style change or need to repair hair damaged by heat or processing, it’s time to start shopping for bundles to get your braid on. Summer is officially ‘hair’.