How to Braid African Hair: Black Braids Hairstyles
Black braids hairstyles, like box braids and knotless braids, are popular choices for protecting natural hair and ensuring styling versatility. With them, black women can ensure reduced hair shedding, thinning, and breakage due to infrequent hair styling and manipulations. If you want to embrace braids, read this guide until the end, as it features different things you must know before installation. It also features exclusive discount codes, up to 30% off, on short wigs for black women shopping. So, without any further delay, let’s begin exploring!
Things to Do Before Braiding
Here is a detailed guide on things you must do before braiding your hair.
Cleansing and Conditioning
Use a clarifying shampoo to thoroughly cleanse your hair and scalp and remove any dirt, debris, and product buildup.
After shampooing, use a moisturizing conditioner to hydrate strands, reduce hair breakage, and prevent dryness during braiding.
Now, apply leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your hair and scalp for added moisture and protection.
Detangling and Stretching
Begin detangling your hair from ends to the roots using a detangling brush or a wide-tooth comb.
Use the tension method or blow dry your hair to stretch it. This will help elongate hair strands and ease braiding.
If you are using extensions, wash and blow-dry them before installation.
Sectioning and Preparation
Grab your hair and evenly divide it into four box-shaped sections using a wide-tooth comb.
If you are braiding with only natural hair, part them into smaller sections for a neat and polished final look.
If you are adding synthetic extensions, ensure you have enough packs.
Scalp and Braid Hairstyle Care Routine
Once the braids are installed, you must care for them properly. The more you care, the longer the braids will last without causing any issues like scalp irritation, increased tension, etc.
Cleansing and Hydrating
Wash your braids with sulfate-free shampoo every two to three weeks. Be as gentle as you can.
Now, apply deep conditioner to ensure proper moisturization.
Regularly spray your hairstyle with a refreshing spray to keep it hydrated.
Scalp Care
Avoid scratching your scalp, as it will cause inflammation and hair loss. In case of scalp irritation, you may use oils with antiseptic properties, like vitamin E, tea tree, and peppermint.
Moisturize your scalp.
Prefer wearing a scarf or hat when going out in the sun to ensure scalp protection.
Maintenance and Removal
Don’t wear black braids hairstyles for over 2 months. When detangling, carefully remove the braids and use detangling spray for ease.
Give your hair a break between protective hairstyles to let the scalp rest. For improved elasticity and strength, you can apply protein treatments or any other haircare product.
Either sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk bonnet or scarf to prevent frizz, dryness, and breakage.
Style your hair with less manipulations, like twists, pigtails, etc., to let them recover after braids removal.
3 Quick Ways to Achieve Black Braids Hairstyles
By now, you have explored key basics of black braids hairstyles. Let's now move on to some quick guides on how to achieve box braids, cornrows, and two-strand twist braids.
Creating Box Braids
Box braids are known for the square-shaped patterns they create on the scalp. Here's how you can make them:
Begin by parting your hair into small square-shaped sections.
Apply a leave-in conditioner and detangle your hair properly for smooth braiding.
Divide each of the sections into three strands and begin a classic three-strand braid.
If you want to add extensions, feed them in gradually for seamless blending.
Seal the braid ends with hot water if you are using synthetic fibers. In the case of natural ends, you may twist them or use elastic bands.
Braiding Cornrows
If you have short hair, prefer braiding cornrows. They lie close to the scalp and work well with different designs and patterns.
Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean and even section for cornrows.
Grab a small hair section from the front and divide it into three strands.
Cross the outer strands under the middle and continue adding more hair as you move along.
Maintain even tension to ensure the braids have a cleaner finish look and stay close to the head.
Braid down the entire hair length and secure with a hair band.
Making 2-strand Twist Braids in Other Sections
In this braiding technique, you don’t actually braid hair; rather, you twist the sections together to give off an appearance similar to that of braids.
Apply a leave-in conditioner and detangle your hair before braiding.
Part your hair into small or medium sections, according to your preference.
Now, take a section, split it into two, and twist the two strands tightly over one another.
Twist throughout the hair length and coil the ends to secure them.
Use setting spray or mousse for reduced frizz and enhanced definition.
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Conclusion
Black braids hairstyles are leading protective hairstyles with a diversity of styling. You can create braids once and leave them on for around 2 months with minimal touch-ups and proper care. This way, your hair could be saved from daily heat tool exposure. If you plan on installing braids with extensions, you should check out LUVME Hair. Hope you found this information worth reading. Stay tuned for more.
