You may not know that African braids, also known as cornrows or cane rows, are the simplest way of biding hair near the scalp. They were distinctive ways to describe each tribe in many African tribes.
Braid patterns and hairstyles indicated a person’s tribe, age, marital status, wealth, strength, and religion. Braiding was a social art, and it is. Almost all the women, children, and most of the men had their hair braided somehow. These styles can be further elaborated into more complex and coordinated designs
Having been a favorite braiding style with the All Things Hair squad for some time, we were delighted to see that cornrows are finally getting the trendy exposure on the runway they deserve! You may be shocked to learn that cornrows date back to ancient Egyptian times, although they are sometimes called boxer braids.
Read Also : Tools Use for Hair Braiding
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Can African Braids damage our hair?
People often ask their hairdresser if their hair will get damaged from getting an African braid. Keeping in mind that African braids are an intricate design to be made and mostly bound together longer on average, this braid lasts about 5 to 6 weeks. You have to get them out and get them redone
if you want your braids done. You need to have healthy, strong hair that can contain the pain and strength required for the binding. Any binding can cause friction within the hair and can cause breakage of hair.
How Long Should You Wait Before Reinstalling Braids?
Once you have taken out your braids, it is advised to properly stay and nourish them so that they don’t lose the strength in their hair; if they tend to keep hair naturally sustained and maintained, the approximate time of waiting 2-7 days is required so that your head gets some rest and get fed properly before re-installation
Cost of African Hair Braiding
Most African braiding rates vary from around $120-$200, and if you catch a shop that has just opened and needs visibility and customers, it may even be lower. When it comes to braids, nothing beats word of mouth, and the rivalry is fierce with Dominicans and females who braid from home.
Types of African Hair Braiding
Are you a braid lover and curious to know the different types of African braids people often get? Then indeed, you are at the right place. Here are the types of braids written that you can pull off easily
Micro braids
Micro braids are much smaller (hence their name) and take a lot of patience, unlike box braids bigger in size. Depending on how much hair you’ve got and how long you want them, they can take several hours or more to make.
Twists
Would you like to know the distinctions between the Senegalese, Nubian, and Marley twists? With these African hair braiding styles, the main difference lies in their varying sizes, and the hair types used to make them. However, with the 2-strand twisting process, all of them are equally created.
Twists can work with one more minor strand of hair, but they’re just as beautiful as any braid! We particularly love the Marley twists and the natural-looking kinky finish of this braid queen.
Faux Locs
Your next best choice is faux locs! With hair extensions that cleverly resemble dreads, this African hair braiding style is built just without engagement! And we’re sure you’re going to find that they look entirely mesmerizing and mesmerizing (super convincing too).
Crochet braids
You might be shocked to learn that crochet braids are not exclusively an African form of hair braiding. Crochet braids refer to the practice of crocheting extensions of hair into pre-cornrowed hair. Hairstyle chameleons, who love to hop from voluminous curly to straight hairstyles, prefer this quick form.
Golden blonde box braids
It will help place some beads on the box’s braids to make it a perfect hairstyle for the ultimate effect. But here, the only fun part is that the braids are illuminated by the blonde color that has pleased the design. Box braids are one of the most common options for African American protective styling.
Senegalese Twists
One of the most common protective hairstyles in the natural hair group is Senegalese twists (outside of box braids and cornrows). For each segment, it only needs two strands wrapped around one another. Hair is carefully tucked away and looks a bit like a string, which is why “rope twists.” are often referred to in this form.
African Hair Braiding Styles
Now, if you have gotten yourself some African braids, then why not style them. maintaining one look can be exhausting for people, and various styles help people pull out new and more modern looks
Long Box Braids with Copper Streaks
Take a start by braiding neat box braids at the root to create this African braided hairstyle, then gradually plait your hair with some quick Ghana braids. Using different color hair extensions and completing the look with a half-up half-down hairstyle, this hairstyle even added several copper streaks to some braids.
Short Twist Braids with Beads
This hairstyle is formed by adding chestnut-colored hair extensions to the roots and then generating some twist braids. If you want to add some beads, do not forget to apply accessories when you braid your hair, not at the end.
High Side Bun with Braids
If you have long African braids, you can build just about any style. With this high wrap-around side bun, become playful with your long hair. With some robust hairpins, lock your hair at the end to keep your bun in place.
Blonde Box Braids
Cornrows are a functional and traditional African hair braiding style, but they have become an everyday hairdo today in the fashion world. You, too, can make these long blonde box braids with blond extensions.
Shoulder-Length African Braids
You can still go for sporting shoulder-length braids if you don’t want the hassle of managing and styling long hair. It is easy to handle this look when left down or tied up in a low ponytail.
Twist Braid Roots with Micro Braids in Bun
Start by integrating twist braids close to the roots for a unique look while progressively creating Ghana braids towards the edge of your hair. You should do as this lady did if your hair is long and tie your hair up into a high wrap-around bun. Dress up your look with some big earrings with hoops.
Jumbo and Micro Braids in Half-Up Style
Often, what we can do with our hair is incredible. Try to incorporate thick and thin braids into your style to make a thick consistency for your African hair braiding.
Braided High Bun with Ponytail and Copper Stands
This hairstyle is undoubtedly unique and a great inspiration for women who want to wear classic African braids. Integrate some copper-colored braids or style your hair in a bun with long tresses hanging down to add a diverse look.
Micro Braids with Bouncy Curls
If you want both loose curls and African braids, why not begin at your roots with some micro braids and continue down your hair length until halfway. Then, knot the ends of your braid to produce light, bouncy curls using a curling iron for thick hair.
Micro Braids with Bouncy Curls
For those who want both braids and smooth, bouncy waves, this hairstyle are excellent. Start by making micro braids of three inches. After that, to create bouncy curls like this, use a curling iron on the rest of your hair! Use some silicone hair extensions to apply to your hair and curl them as usual by using a curling iron if you have short hair but still want to achieve this look.
Long Twist Braids Blonde Streaks
By making some quick box braids, take this inspiring look from Jada Pinkett Smith. Continue with the braids, use your entire hair length and then make three tight wrap-around top knots in a Mohawk style.
Box Braids with Mohawk Top Knots
Twist braids are an excellent type of African hair braiding that can be spiced up by adding to your choice’s dye color. Experiment with a blonde for an edgy twist! To apply hair extensions to your natural hair and generating long twist braids from there, you can achieve this look unless you have reams of long, luscious hair.
Long Fishbone Braids
Keeping your hair look neat and healthy for longer with reasonable care, just like the singer-songwriter Ciara. To create five fishbone braids, start by splitting five sections of hair.
Then begin making fishbone braids that are tightly knitted and proceed down the entire length of your hair.
Copper Mohawk with Long African Braids
A perfect way to put some trendy colors together is this copper and black combination. Start by making micro braids and progress until you’re at the end of your hair.
Then, cut off the copper braids in the middle of your head and make a Mohawk to add your African braids with a second color.
Final words
African braids are known for their history that arises from Africa when slaves used to wear them a sign of freedom and these types and styles have been originated since.
