In America, braids have often been a heated topic when it comes to politics, beauty, and the workplace. Elle Magazine´s short documentary titled Braided: An American Hair Story takes a political, historical and cultural look at braids in America. The well produced documentary includes anecdotes from Lupita Nyong’o, Young M.A, Ayana Bird, Lacy Redway, Vernon François, Karrueche Tran and more.

Watch the documentary below.

Photo and video credit: Elle Presents Braided: An American Hair Story