Mexican culture is known for being colorful, vibrant, and full of joy and life. A big part of this culture is the traditional hairdo of trenzas, or braids, which, like the rest of the culture, are colorful and full of life. Perla Valenzuela, a proud Mexican American, explains, “The braids connect me to traditions long held in my family and the culture I grew up with.” Now you may be thinking, what’s so special about braids? Well, let me begin by saying that these aren’t your typical three-strand braids–they are so much more. 

Trenzas have been around for thousands of years, long before Mexico existed as a country. Their origins go back to ancient indigenous civilizations such as the Aztecs and the Maya. Nereida Núñez (S) expands on this, describing, “Mexican culture is so diverse, and the braids are just a small part of it. Mexico has many regions, indigenous groups, and traditions, so no single hairstyle represents everyone, but it’s a beautiful part of the Mexican cultural expression.” 

These braids were worn by indigenous communities, representing identity, marital status, and cultural resistance. Although they are still used today, they don’t necessarily have the same meaning as they used to. 

So, what do traditional Mexican braids look like? Two braids formed by three separate strands of hair, woven with vibrant satin ribbon and sometimes even flowers. This is the best way to describe the unique style of braids, although these words don’t justify their true beauty. Alissa Macedo (10) says, “I have seen so many different styles of traditional Mexican braids, and they are all beautiful! I love the fun colors and pretty ribbon.”

There are plenty of different types of traditional Mexican braids, and whether it’s one braid, four strands, short, or long, they scream color and life. With time, styles and trends come and go, so it is great to see how traditional styles can blend with today’s trends. 

As beautiful as they are, trenzas aren’t all about the look; what some people who see them may not notice is the deep cultural significance that they carry. In dark, tough times, this style shines light on the world with its vibrant and flamboyant appearance.

In today’s modern age, there are unfortunately several problems in the world, affecting all kinds of people, and as tragic as this may sound, what should give you some peace of mind is knowing that there are amazing people in the world who are ready to help. 

Among these amazing people are Krystal Ramírez and Chelsea Salazar at Trenzas Amigas. Krystal and Chelsea are the founder and co-founder of Trenzas Amigas, a non-profit organization dedicated to braiding hair in the traditional Mexican styles, while also including fun, modern trends. Krystal and Chelsea host events, where they braid hair in the traditional style. 

These events are open to everyone, and all profits go to families affected by the ICE raids. Krystal says, “Everything is political, fashion and hair are political!” Forget the fact that these braids are beautiful, or even their significance; they are helping a cause, and it is amazing to see how people like Krystal use such culturally significant symbols to raise money for good causes. 

Trenzas Amigas is an example of a fun and creative way to help a meaningful cause. They accept volunteers and are located in Santa Ana. Krystal first started this organization because “[she] was mad and sad seeing all the ICE raids occurring in our community. I myself have protested, but despite this, I still felt like I needed to do more.” It’s ambitious people like Krystal who make a difference in the world. As she continues raising money and spreading the culture, she is helping so many people. 

Though to some it may seem like the sole purpose of Trenzas Amigas is to braid hair, the truth is that they have a meaning and a goal. Krystal describes their message, saying their goal is to “Embrace our culture, stand in solidarity with our immigrant community, and show resistance, resilience, and empowerment. We want to show them that we are not going anywhere.”

When silently protesting, it is important to know that even though it isn’t an organized rally, your efforts are still seen. Trenzas Amigas is both seen and heard. The effort and dedication put into all of their events is loud, and each braid is doing its job. 

Numerous women of all ages have gotten their hair braided, whether for the braids themselves or to support the cause. Trenzas Amigas has gotten its fair share of customers. Krystal shares, “Many of the women who come to our pop-ups love getting their hair braided! It feels nostalgic as it reminds them of when their mom and grandma would braid their hair as niñas.” 

Traditional Mexican braids have brought women together, creating special moments and reminding them of sweet memories from their childhood. Nereida Núñez (S) recalls, “I remember my mom braiding my hair and adorning it with special ribbons when I was going to perform a traditional Mexican dance at a school event.” Trenzas Amigas is truly an amazing organization. Their hard work is evident in all their pop-ups, and it is amazing to see how their work affects the communities. 

When it comes to non-profit organizations, we don’t typically hear much about how the money actually gets donated or who it even goes to. Trenzas Amigas has been very clear as to where their profits go, with their main goal being to help immigrant families. Krystal further expands on this by saying, “The money we make goes directly into our immigrant community. Sometimes we buy out street vendors or provide groceries and other essentials to families who are too afraid to go out and buy them themselves.”

These are just a few examples of how Krystal and Chelsea return all their profits to those who have been in any way affected by ICE raids. Their customers love getting their hair braided here because they know their money is going to a good place. Perla Valenzuela describes how these events make her feel, saying, “It makes me joyful to see our culture being spread, and how it’s bringing more awareness to what’s going on.” 

These braids are beautiful, but what is it like walking around with this hairdo? Perla Valenzuela is one of the many women who have gotten their hair braided by not only Trenzas Amigas but also other similar organizations, such as Ponte Your Moños; in fact, she even does these hairstyles by herself in her everyday life. 

Perla describes her experience as she began wearing trenzas to her job, where she works with kids: “Many of the kids and parents that I work with called my braids “art,” saying they were beautiful, while others asked me what the occasion was. The kids asked if I was a doll and made comments on how beautiful I looked, and how much they loved the bows.” 

When it comes to wearing them outside of work, Perla has different information to share, saying, “When I wear them out on a regular day, I get lots of stares and questions. Despite the nice comments most people make, recently I have faced people who call me names in public, telling me to go back to my country, as if this wasn’t my country too.” 

It is difficult to understand how people can be so cruel and make unthoughtful comments like those made to Perla. Despite the hurtful words, it is important to stay resilient and remember who you are wearing the braids for. 

These trenzas are so much more than just hair. It is the message they convey, and the people they stand for, that are truly highlighted in their beauty. They are just one of many significant elements of Mexican culture, and it is crucial to remember that, despite their intricate beauty, they are so much more than some ribbons in your hair.