What Are Justice Braids? All You Need to Know

Justice braids are a type of braiding style that gained popularity after being worn by Janet Jackson in the 1993 movie “Poetic Justice.” They are characterized by:

• Thick, jumbo-sized braids: Typically thicker than traditional box braids, creating a bold and eye-catching look.
• Often worn long and loose, Cascading down the back or styled in various updos.
• It can be accessorized with bands or headwraps, Adding style and personality.
• Versatile: Can be dressed up or down for different occasions.
• Protective hairstyle: Protects natural hair from damage and breakage, promoting hair health.

Here are some common variations of justice braids:

• Mid-sized poetic justice braids: A slightly thinner version of the classic style, offering more versatility in styling.
• Sculptural justice braids: Incorporate braiding techniques to create unique shapes and patterns, adding visual interest.

Justice braids, also known as poetic or box braids, have become increasingly popular.

These stylish and versatile braids offer a range of benefits, from protecting natural hair to allowing for creative and unique hairstyles.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the world of justice braids, exploring their history, different styles, and maintenance tips.

Whether you’re considering getting justice braids or want to learn more about this iconic hairstyle, this article covers you.

What Are Justice Braids?

Justice braids are a braided hairstyle from the iconic film “Poetic Justice” starring Janet Jackson in the early 1990s.

The style was popularized by the character she portrayed, Justice, who wore long, thin braids throughout the movie.

These braids quickly became a fashion statement and gained widespread popularity.

The History of Justice Braids

The history of justice braids can be traced back to ancient Africa, where braiding was a form of self-expression and a cultural tradition.

Braids conveyed social status, age, religion, and even tribe affiliation. Over time, braiding techniques evolved and traveled across continents.

In the United States, braided hairstyles gained popularity during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.

The Black Power movement embraced natural hairstyles as a symbol of black pride and identity. This led to increased interest in braided hairstyles, including justice braids.

Different Styles of Justice Braids

Justice braids offer a wide range of styling options, allowing individuals to express their creativity while protecting their natural hair.

Here are some popular styles:

Long Justice Braids

Long justice braids are the classic style that Janet Jackson popularized in “Poetic Justice.”

These braids are typically waist-length or longer and can be styled in various ways, such as updos or ponytails.

Medium-Length Justice Braids

Medium-length justice braids are a versatile option for those who prefer a shorter length.

These braids usually fall between the shoulder and mid-back, offering ease of maintenance while still allowing for creative styling.

Jumbo Justice Braids

Jumbo justice braids are thicker than the traditional style, creating a bold, eye-catching look.

These braids are perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle.

Coloured Justice Braids

Coloured justice braids add a fun and vibrant twist to the traditional style.

With an array of colours to choose from, individuals can experiment with different shades and highlights to create a unique look.

Tribal Justice Braids

Tribal justice braids incorporate intricate patterns and designs into the braiding style.

These designs can honour specific tribes or cultural symbols, adding a touch of heritage and personal significance to the hairstyle.

How to Get Justice Braids

Getting justice braids requires preparation and professional assistance to ensure the best results. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Preparing Your Hair: Before getting justice braids, it’s important to prepare your hair by washing and conditioning it thoroughly. This will ensure your hair is clean and moisturized before braiding.
• Choosing a Professional Stylist: Look for a professional stylist who specializes in braiding and has experience with justice braids. Ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have had successful experiences with getting this hairstyle.
• Selecting the Right Extensions: Justice braids are typically achieved by adding synthetic or human hair extensions to your natural hair. Discuss with your stylist which extensions work best for your desired style and hair texture.
• Braiding Process: The stylist will section your hair into smaller parts and braid them tightly using the chosen extensions. This process can take several hours or even a whole day, depending on the desired length and thickness of the braids.
• Post-Braiding Care: After getting justice braids, following proper care and maintenance routines is important to keep your hair healthy. This includes regular washing, moisturizing, and avoiding excessive pulling or tension on the braids.

Maintenance Tips for Justice Braids

Maintaining justice braids is crucial to ensure the longevity of the hairstyle and the health of your natural hair.

Here are some essential tips for maintaining your justice braids:

• Washing: It’s important to wash your scalp regularly while wearing justice braids to prevent product buildup and maintain scalp health. Use a diluted shampoo or a specialized braid cleanser to gently cleanse your scalp without disturbing the braids.
• Moisturizing: Keeping your hair hydrated is essential for preventing dryness and breakage. Apply a lightweight moisturizer or hair oil to your scalp and gently massage it in using your fingertips.
• Protecting at Night: Before bed, tie your braids up with a satin or silk scarf or use a satin pillowcase to prevent friction and maintain moisture in your hair.
• Avoiding Excessive Pulling: Refrain from pulling or tugging on your braids excessively, as it can lead to breakage or damage to your natural hair. Be delicate while styling or tying up your meshes.
• Regular Touch-ups: Schedule regular touch-up appointments with your stylist to fix loose or frizzy braids and maintain a polished look.

Pros and Cons of Justice Braids

Like any hairstyle, justice braids come with their own set of pros and cons. We should investigate some of the following:

Pros of Justice Braids:

• Versatility: Justice braids offer endless styling possibilities, allowing creativity and individuality.
• Protection: The tight braiding technique used in justice braids helps protect natural hair from external damage.
• Low Maintenance: Once installed, justice braids require minimal daily styling, saving time in your hair care routine.
• Longevity: With proper care, justice braids can last several weeks or even months, reducing the need for frequent styling.

Cons of Justice Braids:

• Initial Discomfort: The tightness of the braiding process may cause discomfort or tension on the scalp initially.
• Heavyweight: Depending on the length and thickness of the braids, justice braids can feel heavy on the head.
• Time-consuming Installation: Installing justice braids can be lengthy and requires patience.
• Potential Breakage: If not properly maintained or left in for too long, justice braids can lead to breakage or damage to natural hair.

Removing Justice Braids

When removing your justice braids, it’s important to do so carefully to minimize damage to your natural hair.

Here’s how you can safely remove them:

• Prepare Your Hair: Before removing the braids, detangle them gently using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. This will assist with relaxing any bunches or tangles.
• Apply Oil or Conditioner: Apply a generous amount of oil or conditioner to each braid before unravelling them. This will help lubricate the hair and minimize breakage during removal.
• Unravelling Process: Starting from the bottom of each braid, carefully unravel them by gently pulling them apart. Take your time and patience to avoid unnecessary tension on your natural hair.
• Detangling and Washing: After removing all the braids, detangle your natural hair using a wide-toothed comb or brush. Follow up with a thorough wash and conditioning treatment to restore moisture.

Styling Options with Justice Braids

One of the great advantages of justice braids is their versatility in styling options. Here are some ideas for styling your justice braids:

• Half-Up Half-Down Style: Gather the top half of your braided hair into a ponytail or bun while leaving the rest flowing freely.
• High Bun: Create a sleek high bun using all your justice braids for an elegant and polished look.
• Side Swept Style: Sweep all your braided hair to one side for a glamorous and asymmetrical style.
• Braided Crown: Take sections from each side of your head and braid them towards the back, creating a crown-like effect.
• Accessorize: Add decorative hair accessories such as beads, cuffs, or ribbons to enhance your justice braid style.

Conclusion

Justice braids have stood the test of time as a fashionable and protective hairstyle option for people with different hair types and textures.

From their historical roots in African culture to their prominence in popular culture today, justice braids continue to evolve and inspire new trends.

By understanding their history, various styles, maintenance tips, and styling options, you can confidently embrace this iconic hairstyle while expressing your unique personality.

So go ahead and explore the world of justice braids – they might just become your new favourite hairstyle!

FAQs

Anuli

Anuli is a Hair Styles Expert & the founder of wiselybraids.com, a website dedicated to providing the latest tips, trends, and Articles for hairstyling with Braids. With years of experience in the industry, Anuli has become a go-to source for hair care advice and inspiration.