It started with a simple call to action framed as a question, “Can we start a braids thread?” Twitter user @__AutumnStarr tweeted it and within moments, it had thousands of shares and retweets.
“During this time of Covid-19 many non-essential businesses are shut down including hair salons. I started the thread because protective hairstyles are very convenient, advantageous and easy maintenance,” Autumn Starr explained in a DM.
The thread captures the beauty of Black women wearing braids — a hairstyle that doesn’t always conform to European beauty standards. Braids and other natural hairstyles have been used against Black women in professional settings like work and school. And even on public platforms like Twitter where this very braid thread originated.
Braids, in any form, are a staple in the Black community and a style that allows for versatility, protective styling and, simply, being cute. Braids are a transformative beauty look when you’re tired of your usual blow-out, wig, weave, or natural fro. They look great in the summer and are effortless. So forget what a hater got to say.
We love this Twitter thread because Black women look bomb in braids. Add some melanin and golden hour and voila!
Happy scrolling…
1. @maurachanz
— Maura Chanz (@maurachanz) March 29, 2020
These Bantu knot braids are giving us ancestral vibes.
2. @primalaprincess
Need them again π₯΅ pic.twitter.com/m8jL41TNZD
— Toniπ¦ (@primalaprincess) March 29, 2020
@primalaprincess looks flawless in this sunny portrait.
3. @Jujuzaina_
π₯° pic.twitter.com/6lXdzQMkKZ
— juju (@jujuzaina_) March 29, 2020
Braids and baby hair make for the perfect melanin-rich combo.
4. @keikoleefit
Pregnancy Plaits lol π pic.twitter.com/yTy2CsNxol
— Keiko Lee (@thekeikolee) March 29, 2020
Pregnant and slaying in plaits!
6. @JasminUnlimited
Cute in the car is a full mood.
7. @tallialee
β¨ pic.twitter.com/pKztVDKYsQ
— Boo Lee (@tallialee) March 29, 2020
This sun-kissed beauty hit golden hour just in time to showcase her box braids.
8. @iamdknicole
— Destynee (@iamdknicole) March 29, 2020
Braids, lashes and radiant skin equals a slay in the driver’s seat.
9. @talltayy
π€π€π€π€ pic.twitter.com/xZiJfI9o0m
— Taylor (@talltayy) March 29, 2020
This svelte beauty likes her braids as long as her legs.
10. @vivalafrance
A thread for meee pic.twitter.com/UcxSHcv6BY
— πππ£π©ππ¨π©ππ π’π¨ ππ€π (@__vivalafrance) March 29, 2020
Our girl @vivalafrance is sending us Parisian vibes with her braided pigtails.