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ENTITY shares information about box braidsPhoto via Instagram/bestboxbraids

Recently, the Jenners and Kardashians have been seen rocking hairstyles such as box braids, cornrows and Bantu knots. They started a cute new trend, right? No. Not at all. Not in any way.

Here’s a quick history lesson for all the people who may not know why the trend doesn’t belong to the Kardashian-Jenner family.

For too long, black women and women of color have been shamed for their natural hair and traditional hairstyles. In order to feel beautiful and accepted by Eurocentric standards of beauty, these women were forced to abandon their natural hair and traditions to follow western beauty ideals.

But now, Kylie Jenner is being praised for rocking the same hairstyle black women were led to believe was ugly. When Kylie Jenner rocks a traditional black hairstyle, she’s hip and trendy. When a black woman does it, she “seems like she smells like patchouli oil.” Great.

Where did box braids originate from?

Box braids date back to Africa in 35,000 B.C. According to Ebony, these braids were charmed with cowrie shells, jewels, beads and other items, which symbolized classifications such as wealth and priesthood. It was understood that if a woman had the time to sit for hours adorning her crown, then she must have been wealthy.

Clearly, this is a tradition started by African women, not Kylie Jenner.

So for all of the melanin women looking to feel like the empowered queens they are by rocking box braids, here are a few styles to help begin or continue your journey into box braids.

1 Short Hair

ENTITY reports on box braids

Photo via Instagram/bestboxbraids

The best part of box braids is that they’re versatile. With this summer heat, having a lot of hair or just long hair is way too much of a hassle. Wearing your braids short or even in a bob is a great summer style.

2 Thin Braids

There is a world of possibilities with box braids. From thin to medium to thick, you can adjust your braids to your desired thickness. It’s best to have these braids installed and uninstalled by a professional hair braiding stylist, though.

With thin braids, you have the advantage of having lighter and thinner strands of hair. This way, you get easier access to your scalp and they don’t weigh you down as much as thicker braids would.

3 Normal box braids

These are just slightly thicker than thin braids and give you the same advantages of thin braids.

4 Jumbo box braids

Jumbo box braids are a lot more dramatic and really stand out. So, if you’re looking for a style that’s thicker and fuller, these braids are perfect.

5 Long box braids

ENTITY reports on box braids

Photo via Instagram/swedenbeyhive

With any long hairstyle, this can be a little hard to manage, but they do look dramatic and classy. You can style long box braids in a super high ponytail, a half bun or let it drop down your shoulders for a classy nighttime look.

6 Color

Colored hair is a hot trend right now, so if you want to add a little pop of color to your everyday look, choosing a color for your box braids can be the perfect addition.

From blonde to pastel purple, the options are honestly endless.

7 Different hairstyles

ENTITY shares information about box braids

Photo via Instagram/bestboxbraids

Box braids can be put into any desired hairstyle. You can put your braids into a ballerina bun for a black-tie event. Or you can put it into a half-up, half-down top knot for a more casual look. Side swept strands or a center part is an easy hairstyle that can be done in seconds.

Box braids are an old African tradition, and when a style that black women were mocked for wearing for years is worn by other cultures without understanding its significance, it’s considered cultural appropriation.

While these braids can always be appreciated, these braids are what make black women special and unique, not what make Kylie and Kendall Jenner trendy. Don’t forget it.

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