Academic literature on the topic 'Braids (Hairstyling)'

Abstract ‘Braids of strength, history’s embrace, afro crown, a legacy we trace. Braids hold secrets, whispers of pride, Afro hair, a heritage we can’t hide’ – Anonymous. Understanding the history of afro-textured hair takes us on a journey, illuminating the complex structure of the hair follicle, its unique texture, and the various sociocultural and political implications it has carried throughout the centuries. The journey begins in the ancient African kingdoms and stretches into the contemporary era, exposing the shifting attitudes, practices and perceptions of afro-textured hair. It paves the way for an understanding of maladaptive hairstyling practices that can lead to hair conditions such as traction alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, and trichorrhexis nodosa, and it helps us to create a path for healthier hairstyling practices. The ancient African kingdoms, with their diverse cultures and traditions, held afro-textured hair in high esteem. The structure and texture of afro-textured hair, characterized by its tightly coiled strands and curved follicle, were not mere biological attributes but were integral to identity, status, and societal roles. Bantu knots from the Zulu tribe of South Africa were symbols of femininity and beauty. The braided crown, native to the Mangbetu people of Congo, were symbols of wealth and status, where beauty standards highlighted the elongation of the skull. And the Amasunzu style worn by the Hutu and Tzutzi population of Rwanda were worn in preparation for battle and therefore in preparation for death. Hairstyles were an art form, rich with symbolism, a canvas that depicted the individual’s life journey from birth to death. However, these hairstyles, handed down over centuries and once revered as symbols of status, strength and beauty, became a tool for racial segregation with the advent of slavery in the 1400s. Protective styles like braids were replaced with damaging hair-straightening practices including hot combs, flat irons and relaxing agents, to mimic European hair textures. These practices, often painful and damaging, were introduced in a bid to emulate European hair textures, reflecting the pervasive influence of racial hierarchies on self-perception and aesthetics. In conclusion, understanding the history of afro-textured hair provides a background that enables us to appreciate its natural structure and texture. It also underscores the importance of incorporating historical understanding into dermatological consultations and treatments, thereby ensuring culturally competent care. The history of afro-textured hair is more than a tale of evolving hairstyles; it is a reflection of the broader sociopolitical transformations experienced by ­people of African descent. Recognizing this historical context can change our attitudes, promote healthier hair practices, and encourage acceptance of afro-­textured hair in all its forms.

Recently, beauty companies in the Republic of Korea have attempted to expose their brand to consumers in competitive market where diverse brands already exist and differentiate it from other brands. In this sense, franchise chains have made a lot of efforts for continued growth by transferring their business knowhow and brand image. In fact, one of such efforts is on-the-job training (OJT). This study attempted to investigate the influence of career decision on transfer of training and job satisfaction after training at beauty-related franchise chain academies with a goal of increasing their sales by raising pay and satisfaction with skills. For this, a self-administered offline questionnaire survey was performed against those who had training at franchise chain academies in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Among a total of 305 questionnaires distributed, 300 copies were used for final analysis. The collected data were analyzed, using SPSS 22.0, and the results found the followings: This study examined the influence of career decision on transfer of training and job satisfaction after training at beauty-related franchise chain academies. The above results confirm that such training can be helpful in increasing sales at work. It is anticipated that they would be available as basic data and helpful in the growth of hairstyling training and education.

Cosmetics are external preparations normally applied to human body parts to enhance or alter the appearance of the face or fragrance and texture of the body. The common cosmetic products include: foundations, mascaras, powders, lipsticks, eye shadow, skin cleansers, body lotions, shampoos, hairstyling products (gel, hair spray, etc.), perfumes and colognes. Total of (96) cosmetic products were investigated. Twenty (20) samples of foundations, mascaras, compact powders, (5) samples of lip-gloss and (15) sponges of compact powder making a total of 80 products were bought from the market and evaluated for their bacteriological quality before use (as new products) and after three months of their use by volunteers. Total bacterial count was carried out using pour plate technique, and then all bacterial isolates were identified using microscopic examination, biochemical reactions, and gram staining technique. These identifications were confirmed by the use of Analytical Profile Index (API). Challenge test was conducted on (8) foundations and (8) compact powders of different brands to determine the efficacy of preservative(s) included in their formulations. The results revealed that only 15 (18.75%) out of 80 cosmetic products were found contaminated with bacteria and fungi after use. The maximum bacterial contamination (40%) was observed in lip-gloss samples, followed by 35%, 25% and 0.6% of contamination for mascara, foundation and sponge samples respectively. In contrast no bacterial contamination was detected in compact powder samples. The bacterial viable count of 15 cosmetic products showed that most of them exhibited bacterial count ranging between 2.37 x 10-5 and 2 x10-4 CFU. High viable bacterial count (2 x10-4) was observed in mascara samples of Mac trademark. The predominant bacterial isolates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The S. aureus was predominant in both lip-gloss and foundation samples followed by Klebsiella pneumonia in .........

ABSTRACT Introduction Throughout history, armies of the world have codified grooming standards for their members. In the USA, the Department of Defense (DoD) provides overall guidance for grooming standards and each uniformed military service develops, promulgates, and enforces its own grooming standards. The specific details of each service’s grooming standards are revised regularly to conform to contemporaneous notions of professionalism and operational necessity. In light of growing recognition of and respect for the diversity of people serving in the military, specific language used to describe certain hairstyles and hair textures as well as associated grooming policies have gained attention. Efforts have been made to modify the policy and language to be more inclusive, especially of minority groups with physiologic and cultural differences that influence grooming practices. Initial efforts in the DoD toward this endeavor were made possible with advocacy from members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Materials and Methods We obtained service-specific documents, current and former, from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps that regulate the grooming standards for military personnel. We then examined the documents for text that addressed hair and hairstyles, specifically noting language describing and regulations regarding traditionally Black or African American hairstyles (i.e., afros, dreadlocks/locks/locs, braids, twists, etc.) for female and male soldiers. We also examined recently introduced legislation which seeks to end discrimination based on a person’s hair texture or hairstyle, “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act,” abbreviated as the CROWN Act in the context of current grooming standards. Results Our examination of the grooming regulations of four branches of the U.S. Military shows recent modifications of the language governing female hairstyles, particularly natural hairstyles seen among African American women, such as cornrows, braids, and locs (or locks). Changes made to grooming standards demonstrate a shift in language used to describe natural hairstyles. Words with negative connotations (i.e., “matted,” “unkempt,” and “dreadlock”) have been removed. These have been replaced with more descriptive language that provides a more objective definition of certain hairstyles. While these hairstyles have some level of regulation as to exact dimensions and styling rules to fit with the goal of uniformity in appearance and do not extend to male service members, recent updates in grooming standards have expanded to be inclusive of these natural hairstyles. Recent changes in language and policy in the military have been noted as positive examples in the CROWN Act. Conclusions The DoD has recognized that former grooming standards, specifically regarding hair and hairstyles, may have introduced inequities in the treatment of military personnel. The DoD and its component military services have long been engaged in programs to ensure equal protections among its workforces. The re-examination and clarification of grooming standards related to hair and hairstyles is another effort to ensure equity and inclusion. The military services are working with great sincerity to implement policies that promote inclusiveness broadly. Steps to remove discrimination on the basis of hair and hairstyle can make the overall work environment more inclusive for people of color. Passage of a federal CROWN Act will promote similar or parallel changes for federal employees outside the military services.

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused due to mechanical trauma to the hair by traumatic hairstyling with continued long term traction. This can be secondary to social, cultural, religious or occupational practices. The hair loss depends on the extent, force and the duration of the traction. This non-scarring form of hair loss if not addressed early can lead to permanent scarring alopecia. In most of the patients, this is an accidental diagnosis especially in school going girls in India where they need to tie tight braids as a part of their curriculum. In this article, we report a case series of traction alopecia with emphasis on its early diagnosis, clinical features and management