Pinterest inspirational quotes like to tell us that your hair is the crown you never take off, but the crown braid is a truly regal look. With noble origins in Ancient Rome, where it was only allowed to be worn by women of a certain status, the crown braid was also a practical styling solution for hair that was both long and largely unwashed. The crown braid was a favourite in Medieval and Byzantine times when women were expected to grow their hair long as a sign of status, but wearing it loose was verboten; increasingly intricate and detailed braided styles provided a way to showcase the length and luxurious quality of the hair, without any scandalous side effects. To top things off, literally, noble women would be expected to cover up their braided hair in public lest they be confused with witches.