These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly

16 images from The FADER’s photo archives that celebrate the fresh and innovative hairstyle.

August 05, 2016
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Girls of Grime   Liz Johnson Artur

Braids have been around for centuries, and despite recent appropriations, they still have an intrinsic appeal. They're incredibly versatile — try hypnotizing cornrow swirls, pigtails, and divine halos for starters — and they’re also worn across genders. Braids can be protective for natural hair, a low maintenance go-to look, and crafted to show personal expression. Some people use braids to embrace their identity, others rock them to emulate an aesthetic or simply to look good. Below, we’ve shared some nostalgic and vibrant photos of people sporting braids in all their splendor.

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 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Peggy Noland   John Francis Peters
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Kehlani   Joyce Kim
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 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Georgia Girls   Lauren Fleischman
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Thymann
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Total Freedom   Jake Michaels
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Little Boots   Leonie Purchas
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 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly The Fixxers   Robert Yager
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Movado   Andrew Dosunmu
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Little Simz   Ellie Smith
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 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Lil Yachty   Petra Collins
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Joseph Rodriguez
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Girls of Grime   Liz Johnson Artur
 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Girls of Grime   Liz Johnson Artur
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 These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly Outkast   Jonathan Mannion
These Classic Photos Show Just How Many Ways Braids Can Be Fly