1.   Even the cover of the U.S. edition of the book, which features a single braid of hair down the length of the cover, is castigated.

2.   Many of the women had shaved heads, with a single braid on the right side, in honor of a Mother Nature-like deity.

3.   Single braids can be arranged in various styles, from casual to dressy.

4.   The mobility of single braids is a plus for women who like to change styles often, Shaffer said.

5.   Her light brown hair was tied back in a single braid.