Instructions for braiding hair for beginners.
African hair braiding is a great way to switch up your look and add some flair to your style. It’s also a great way to give yourself a break from the daily styling routine, as braids can last for up to 8 weeks with minimal maintenance. Before you get started, there are a few things you should know about braiding afro hair.
First, it’s important to choose the right type of braid for your hair texture and desired look. There are many different types of braids and hairstyles available, including box braids, cornrows, Bantu Knots, kinky twists, braids senegalese twists, and more. Each type has its own unique characteristics that will affect how they look in your hair.
Additionally, make sure you use quality products when prepping your hair for braiding; this will help ensure that the braids stay in place longer and look their best. Finally, be sure to find experienced hair stylists who work in hair braiding salons that know how to work with afro-textured hair; this will help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you end up with beautiful results!
Nine Important Tips for Braiding African Hair
African braids are a great way to switch up your look and add some flair to your style. Not only is it a fun and creative way to express yourself, but it also requires very little maintenance for 6-8 weeks. This makes African braid hairstyles the perfect choice for those who are looking for an easy and low-maintenance hairstyle. However, before you get braids installed, there are a few things you should know to ensure they stay looking fabulous.
- 1. Understand your needs and what is achievable.
First, make sure that you have the right type of hair for braiding. Is it curly hair? Is it shoulder-length hair? Is it braids bra length? Afro hair can be difficult to braid due to its texture and thickness, so again, you must choose hair stylists who have experience with this type of hair. Secondly, make sure that you use the right products when washing and conditioning human hair before getting braided.
This will help keep your scalp healthy and prevent any irritation or itching while the braids are in place. Finally, be prepared for some discomfort during the installation process as well as some soreness afterward as your scalp adjusts to the new style.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy these beautiful hairstyles without any hassle!
2. Schedule a whole day
Braiding is an art form that requires patience and dedication to achieve the desired look. To ensure that you get the perfect style, it is important to set aside a large portion of your day for braiding. Depending on the type of braid and length of hair, it can take anywhere from four to ten hours to complete.
For short to medium hair, hairstylists suggest setting aside four to six hours for braiding. If you have longer hair, then you should plan on spending six to ten hours getting your hair done.
It is also important to factor in time for breaks during the process. Braiding can be a long and tedious task, so taking regular breaks will help keep your energy up and make sure that you don’t become too overwhelmed by the process.
Taking breaks will also give your stylist a chance to check their work and make sure everything looks perfect before they move on to the next section of hair. Setting aside a full day for braiding will ensure that you get the perfect style without feeling rushed or stressed out by the process.
- 3. Preparation is key
Prepare your hair for joining the tight-knit community that is into braided hair trends. Preparation is the key to achieving the best results. Before getting your braids done, it’s important to make sure that your hair is in the best condition possible. Start by purchasing 4-6 bags of braiding hair, depending on how long you want your braids to be. This will ensure that you have enough hair for the entire style.
The day before getting your braids done, wash and condition your hair with a clarifying shampoo like OUAI Detox Shampoo to get rid of any build-up on the lengths of your hair. Google African Hair Braiding LLC and learn more. Follow up with a deep conditioning treatment like Dizziak Deep Conditioner to inject moisture into your strands and keep them nourished during the styling process.
Taking these steps will help ensure that you have healthy, beautiful braids when all is said and done!
- 4. Stretch it out…let it breathe.
Stretching your curls is an essential part of achieving smooth and frizz-free braids. If you don’t mind using heat, then blow-drying with a paddle brush in sections is the best way to stretch out your hair. Make sure to use a good heat protector before doing so, as this will help protect your hair from any damage caused by the heat.
If you prefer not to use heat on your hair, then there are still ways to stretch it out without compromising its health. Start by moisturizing your hair thoroughly and then do a simple braid out or divide it into buns post-wash and allow it to air-dry fully.
This will help elongate the curls and give them more definition while also keeping them healthy and hydrated. Doing this regularly can help keep your braids looking their best for longer periods of time.
5. Hair should be properly taken care of and protected, but not neglected.
Hair is an important part of our appearance and should be taken care of properly. To maintain healthy hair when wearing protective styles like braids, it is essential to hydrate and lubricate your natural strands.
For moisturization, use a water-based hydrating spray on your hair from root to tip. Additionally, lightly oil your scalp as needed. By following these steps, you can avoid potential damage caused by neglecting your braided hairstyle.
It is also important to remember that protective hairstyles should not be neglected. Regularly check the condition of your hair and scalp while wearing braids, paying particular attention to any signs of dryness or irritation.
If you notice any issues, take the necessary steps to address them before they become worse. Additionally, make sure you are using products specifically designed for protective styles to ensure that your hair remains healthy and strong.
- 6. Try giving the style a few weeks
It can take a few weeks for your braids to settle in and feel comfortable. Initially, you may feel the weight of the braids on your head and be aware of the direction of the wind. This is normal and should pass as your scalp adjusts to the new sensation.
You may also find that you need to move your entire body when speaking to someone, rather than just turning your neck.
As time passes, you will begin to loosen up and style them as desired. However, it is important to ensure that they are not too tight when being put in as this can cause damage to both your hair and scalp health.
If they ever feel too tight, make sure you tell your braider so that adjustments can be made accordingly. With proper care and maintenance, these braids should last for several weeks before needing to be redone.
- 7. Make it last a really long time
Having beautiful braids is a great way to switch up your look and add some style to your hair. However, it can be difficult to make them last for more than a few days. To ensure that your braids stay in place and look their best, there are a few steps you can take.
One of the best ways to make sure your braids last is by sleeping with a silk headscarf. Keeping your braids secured while you sleep is an effective way to prevent tangles and frizz. The best and easiest way is folding the scarf into a triangle.
Then wrap it around your braids. Afterward, either bunch your braids into a low ponytail or let them freely hang inside the scarf. If you don’t like the idea of wearing a headscarf, then using a satin pillowcase is also an option. It won’t provide as much protection as the scarf, but it will still help keep your braids looking fresh for longer.
With these simple tips from Jessys African hair braids, you’ll be able to enjoy beautiful braids for days on end!
8. Take good care when washing
Washing your hair when it’s braided is an important part of keeping your hair healthy and looking its best. It’s a myth that you don’t need to or shouldn’t wash your hair when it’s braided, as product buildup, dead skin cells, and general dirt from life can mount up in the plait.
To avoid frizz and breakage, you should wash your braids with care. Vigorous washing can cause frizz and you won’t be able to get all the product out of your braids which can cause breakage.
Using a mist spray can help relieve scalp perspiration and itching between washes. With synthetic hair, avoid the use of heat and allow it to air-dry instead. To maintain the health of your braids and keep them looking beautiful for longer, wash them regularly but gently – this will reduce the build-up of product residue or hairs bending from too harsh of a cleansing.
- 9. Give your hair a vacation and stop doing anything to it.
It is important to give your hair a break from braided styles every now and then. Braids are a great protective style, but if worn for too long, they can cause damage to the hair. To ensure that your hair is getting the break it needs, I recommend taking 6 weeks off between each braid installation.
This will give your scalp time to breathe and allow your natural oils to nourish the hair follicles. Additionally, it’s important not to re-install braids in the same month as you took them out. This will help prevent over-manipulation of the hair which can lead to breakage and split ends.
During this break period, it’s important to take good care of your hair by using moisturizing products and avoiding heat styling tools. You should also try to wear loose hairstyles such as twists or buns that don’t require any tension on the scalp or roots.
If you want more protection for your hair during this time, you can opt for silk or satin scarves or bonnets at night instead of sleeping with a tight head wrap or scarf. Taking these steps will help keep your hair healthy and strong.
5 Different Types of African Hair Braiding.
1. Senegalese Twists
This hairstyle, popularized by Senegalese Americans and often referred to as Senegalese or rope twisted hair, is one of the most common African hair braids. I’m especially fond of it for its chic and stylish look. Micro braids are made with synthetic hair, as explained further below.
The hair is separated into tinier sections and the synthetic locks are coiled around like a rope encasing the hairs. A couple of hairstyles attempt to incorporate Senegalese plait, crochet Senegalese curve, huge Senegalese twists bun, and mohawk with Senegalese spiral. They stay set up for 8-16 weeks. It is perfect for get-togethers or gatherings with your friends!
2. Havana Twist
Havana twists are a popular African braiding style that has become even more popular in recent years. This type of braid is like the Senegalese braid, but is thicker and done with fewer twists. The hair used for Havana twists is special, giving the finished look a thick dreadlock-like appearance. These braids can last up to three months and look great when styled into a bob cut.
The process of creating Havana twists involves wrapping the hair around itself in a spiral pattern, starting from the scalp and working down toward the ends. It takes time and patience to get this style right, but once it’s done, it looks amazing!
Not only does it give you an eye-catching hairstyle, but it also helps protect your natural hair from damage due to styling or environmental factors. If you’re looking for a unique way to switch up your look without damaging your hair, then Havana twists are definitely worth considering!
3. Ghana Braids Styles/ Cornrow Hairstyles
Cornrow braids are a traditional African hairstyle that has been around for centuries. It is native to the Caribbean and was popularized by slaves working in the cane fields, hence its other name cane-rows. The style consists of forming simple straight lines like big cornrows, with a variety of patterns, sizes, and combinations. This allows for plenty of creativity when styling this look, from fishbone designs to adding colored extensions or whirlpool-style braids.
The cornrow braids look so artistic and can be worn in many ways. They can be styled into intricate patterns or kept simple and neat. They also provide an opportunity to add color with extensions or beads. Cornrow braids are a great way to express yourself and show off your unique sense of style. With all the possibilities available, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste perfectly!
4. Dreadlock Hairstyles
Dreadlocks have become a popular form of expression among African people – even Bob Marley was seen wearing them! The versatility of dreads allows for many styling options, such as twisting and pinning, twisting and ripping, brush braiding, and more. With the intentionally disheveled aesthetic of dreads, you can achieve a chic yet edgy look.
However, dreadlocks need to be maintained and styled well if you want to avoid looking like a rag-picker! You can use various styling products to keep your dreads looking neat and tidy. Additionally, you can also get dreadlock extensions for more length and volume.
With these extensions, you can create different styles with your dreadlocks such as updos or half-updos. With the right maintenance routine and styling techniques, you can make sure that your dreadlocks always look their best!
5. Box Braid Hairstyles
Box braids are a popular African American hairstyle that has been around for centuries. Box braids, made by weaving box-shaped sections of micro braids, became popularized by Janet Jackson in the 1990s movie Poetic Justice and have become a mainstay of African American culture. This hairstyle is incredibly versatile and can be worn in an array of ways, from ponytails to buns to half-up styles.
Box braids are an easy way to protect your hair from damage caused by heat styling and harsh chemicals. They also require minimal maintenance and can last up to two months with proper care. The best part about box braids is that they look great on all hair types and textures, so anyone can rock this style!
With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect box braid style for you. Whether you’re looking for something simple or something more intricate, there’s a box braid style out there for everyone!
