Braids and Long Hair

I was looking through ticktock out of boredom when I came upon a post about Native Americans and long hair. The ticktocker was talking about how he was asked why he has long hair.

His response was, "that it brings us closer to the spiritual world and is like an extension of us. Braids are to be woven with positivity."

He goes on to mention that during the boarding schools for Native Americans, the long hair was cut off. So he wears his long hair and braids with pride and solidarity for his ancestors.

I've also heard that from other tribes as well, not just the Navajo's. Long hair is more than what it seems and we should take care of it. The longer your hair is, the closer you are(your senses) to the spiritual realm.

When a guy asks a female to braid his hair, it's a sign that he likes that female and would want her to braid it with loving and caring hands.

Another thing I remember hearing while growing up is to be careful who you let touch your hair, and always get rid of your loose strands or what was cut from your hair right away, because you don't want someone with maleficent intentions to get hold of it and use it against you.

Believe what you want. I'll believe what I want too. I know what I've seen and heard growing up, so I always try to be careful when I cut or brush my hair. I also try to make sure my emotions are in check when my boyfriend asks me to braid his hair. I don't want to instill my pettiness while I braid.

I hope this answers some questions as to why we Native Americans(Indigenous tribes) have long hair and braids and why it is a big deal when we were forced to have our hair cut in boarding schools.