Laid edges explained

Laid edges, also called slayed edges or swooped edges, refers to a style of arranging the fine "baby hairs" at the edge of the hairline into flat, decorative waves or swirls. The style is sometimes referred to as simply baby hairs, and originates with African-American fashions of the 1990s.

History

The inspiration for this style is attributed to the kiss curls sported by women in the 1920s, such as African American performer, activist, and style icon Josephine Baker. The modern laid edges style began in the 1990s in the African American community, popularized by major musicians of the period such as Chilli from TLC[1] [2] as well as Ginuwine, Missy Elliott, and Brandy.[3] Laid edges has been associated with "ghetto" culture in America.[4]

Method

Typically, edges are laid using a toothbrush or other small bristle brush, to which hair gel or pomade is applied. The stylist can express their creativity by creating different designs and patterns with fine hairs. Small gems or other decorations can also be added.[5] Edges can be laid when wearing any type of braids or protective styles, or when the hair is pulled back into a ponytail or afro puff(s). When the hair gel holding down the fine hairs begins to flake and lose its hold, one's edges are said to be "lifting."

Laid edges can also be used to blend the hairline of a wig (particularly lace wigs) or hair extensions to make them look more natural and aesthetically pleasing. In this case, many wearers trim the hairs on the hairline of the wig to create "baby hairs" to work with.

Reactions

The use of the laid edges style among white or other nonblack groups has been criticized as a form of cultural appropriation or blackfishing, especially when used in conjunction with other style choices which create the effect of someone who is "not quite white" and embodies the most desirable, easily commercializable elements of African American women's appearances.[6]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Washington . Alex . A conversation with TLC's Chilli celebrating 'CrazySexyCool' . 2023-12-27 . Detroit Metro Times . en.
  2. Web site: 2021-10-02 . History Behind the Slayed Edges Hairstyle and How to Pull it Off . 2023-12-27 . Tricoci University.
  3. Web site: Robinson . Phoebe . 2015-06-04 . How I Got Over the 'Baby Hair' Obsession TLC's Rozonda 'Chilli' Thomas Gave Me . 2023-12-27 . The Root . en.
  4. Web site: Webster . Sina H. . 24 September 2018 . When life gives you lemons, "get in formation:" A Black feminist analysis of Beyonce's visual album, Lemonade . Digital Commons @ EMU.
  5. Web site: Simeon . Aimee . Miller . Nigella . Forbes . Christine . 4 April 2023 . Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know About The Origin of Laying Baby Hairs . 2023-12-27 . Byrdie . en.
  6. Stevens . Wesley E. . July 2021 . Blackfishing on Instagram: Influencing and the Commodification of Black Urban Aesthetics . Social Media + Society . en . 7 . 3 . 205630512110382 . 10.1177/20563051211038236 . 2056-3051. free .