[MR] A hairy question

[Deep Fat Friar]

Salve, fraters carrissimi.

I was IMing with a friend who may turn up in Seareach soon who asked a
question about medieval women's hair styling, which I offered to pass on
in the hope that someone here might have some sort of answer. 

Was there ever a practice of women in period braiding cloth or ribbons
into the braids of their hair? If so, any web-available illustrations
and/or indications on how it was done? And generally how long were
braids in period, if worn at all? (The braids of the friend in question
currently hang to the knees.)

Thanks. 

Thomas