Braids refer to a relatively common hairstyle that lots of individuals adorn today to beautify their heads and bodies from time to time. However, there are often questions about who can culturally wear braids and whose culture has braids. So, this brings us to the questions about whether braids are part of Thai culture or not.
After checking various sources, we have found out that Braids are part of Thai culture. This is because braids were worn by many Thai ancestors hundreds of years ago before having any contact with other places where braids were common at the time. However, the braids worn by the ancient Thais culturally were different from braids adorned by other people in most other parts of the world.
According to Quora.com, braids were usually worn by boys in Thailand. In the Thai language, the Thai braids for boys are known as Phom Pia (loosely translated as hair braids). Generally, the Thai braids for boys would start from the middle of the head or around the back of the head and drop loosely to the back of the neck. Even today, lots of girls and women in the country wear braids.
History of braids
While still contemplating whether braids are part of Thai culture or not, it is paramount to examine the specific history of braids. With this, we can explain how braids are part of Thai culture or not. Besides, this will shed light on other places where braids are part of their cultures.
As noted on Byrdie.com, the Himba people of Namibia were the first tribe to start braiding their hair. It is worthwhile to note that Namibia is in Africa; therefore, we can deduce that this particular hairstyle began in Africa. The Himba people started braiding their hair lots of centuries ago and even introduced it to other tribes around them.
It should be understood that there was no one-size-fits-all way for braiding hair around the globe. This is because lots of African tribes invented their particular ways and styles of braiding hair; hence, each tribe tended to be identified through their braiding style. Besides, the braid styles of a person could be used to show the wealth, tribe, religion, age, power, and marital status of such an individual in those days.
However, at different times in history, braids were also done by people in other parts of the world. For instance, the afro box braids were invented by the Egyptians in 3100 BC whereas the halo braids were first done by Greeks in the first century. In the fifth century, Native Americans were credited with doing pigtail braids. Europeans, Chinese, Caribbean, and other groups of people also did different forms of braids at varying periods.
Based on the timing of invention, many of these cultures started braiding without learning directly from Africans or other people that had been braiding before them. As a result of this, we cannot say ancient Thais learned braiding from any other groups of people around them. Therefore, braiding could be considered a part of Thai culture.
Is braiding cultural misappropriation for Thais?
Cultural misappropriation happens when an individual from a particular culture adopts the trend, fashion, or style from another culture. Of course, cultural misappropriation often takes place when the fashion or trend of a historically oppressed culture is adopted by people from another culture.
Since braiding was first done by some tribes in Africa, there are often discussions about whether people from other cultures should wear braids or not. Therefore, you may be wondering whether braids will be seen as cultural misappropriation for Thais.
Factually, it is not reasonable to consider braiding a cultural misappropriation for Thais. According to some commenters on Quora.com, braiding is historically associated with a wide range of cultures. As noted earlier, braids were done by numerous groups in Europe and Asia. From Greeks to Koreans, Chinese, Japanese, Eskimos, Vikings, and so on, numerous cultures used braids at different periods. Also, Thai boys wore braids a few centuries ago.
As a result of this point, it is not cultural misappropriation for Thais to wear braids. If you are a Thai and like the look of braids on your head, you should not hesitate to try out braids. It is culturally appropriate for you to adorn this amazing hairstyle.
In addition to this, the use of the term is still largely debated by many groups that believe that fashion, style, trend, etc. cannot be specifically attributed to a particular group. Besides, every group of people is influenced by the culture, style, and fashion of others around them.
Where you can get braids in Thailand?
Whether you are a local or foreigner in Thailand, you may want to braid your hair during your stay in the Land of Smile. Therefore, you may be wondering where you can get braids in Thailand? The good news is that there are numerous places where you can braid your hair in Thailand.
Generally, you can braid your hair in:
- Hair salon or stall
In Thailand, hairdressing is a relatively common job as numerous women and men are into this job. According to Lookinwell.com, many members of the National Hairdresser Association of Thailand like offering braids to their customers. As a result of this, you will have no issue with finding a hair salon that can help you to braid your hair. You just need to walk into a salon and get your hair done. For some salons in Thailand, online booking is even possible.
Also, you can find hairdressing stalls in some streets in Thailand. Although these stalls may not be as beautiful and comfortable as the fancy salons, they offer quality braids like the salons.
- Get outcall services
If you don’t want to visit a hair salon or stall before braiding your hair, you can request home services. In some cases, you may even find hairdressers on the beaches and other places in Thailand. However, remember that braiding usually takes time, so it may not be convenient to braid your hair in some places.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, braiding is a part of Thai culture as the hairstyle was done numerous centuries ago by many Thai boys and girls.
