Braids: an artful language of culture and expression : New Frame

20 May 2019: Hairdresser Princess Ndlovu at a salon in the Johannesburg suburb of Melville, where she plies her trade. Ndlovu works with many clients, highlighting her contribution to hair culture. On Beyers Naudé Drive, five black hair salons are situated within walking distance of one another. It is one of the busier streets in Melville, Johannesburg. Most offer similar services: barbering for those who want to keep their hair and beards trimmed and fresh; and weaves, wigs, braids, cornrows, hair straightening options and professional nail services for everyone else. But at the salon with pink fluorescent walls and MetroFM blaring in the background, Princess Ndlovu’s work stands out. At...