<P> If the main mass of hair is initially parted into two or more sections along the scalp that are kept separate from one another, multiple French braids may be created, each in its own section . One unique feature about the French braid is that an individual can braid their own hair without the help of others . The difficulty of braiding can depend on the type of hair the individual has, some styles of hair are easier to braid than others . The length of hair also plays a role in the ability to braid; shorter hair can be more of a challenge . Bobby pins can be useful when braiding shorter hair or hair with many different layers to keep all of the hair in the French braid in place . There are many different ways of French braiding that make it unique; a person can braid at a slant, braid into a bun and only braid the bangs are just a few examples . </P> <P> Compared to the simplest form of hair braid, a French braid has several practical advantages: it can restrain hair from the top of the head that is too short to reach the nape of the neck, and it spreads the weight and tension of the braid across a larger portion of the scalp . Its sleeker appearance is also sometimes viewed as more elegant and sophisticated . However, a French braid is more difficult to construct than a simple braid because of its greater complexity; when performed on one's own hair, it also requires a more prolonged elevation of the hands above the back of the head, and leaves more tangled hair along the scalp when unbraiding . </P> <P> In this style of braid start on top of the head and braid it till the end of the hair . Braiding in this manner can be done with different braid types but the most popular are the classic type and the fishtail type . Sister braid to the French braid is a Spanish braid . The Spanish braid is a French braid but in the beginning instead of grabbing three sections of hair, like a fishtail braid, grab two . </P> <P> The oldest known recordings are from North Africa . It was also depicted in art from early Greek and Sung dynasty periods . </P>

Where did the french braid get its name