African braids are a simple and enjoyable way to forget about styling for several months, give your hair a little rest and protect it from aggressive environmental influences. Plus, with the amazing hairstyles listed below, you'll grab attention by admiring the looks and genuine smiles. Weaves create space for creativity. There are many interesting methods to make each head unique. Alternatively, you can experiment with highlights, natural or curly textures, clips, parting, styling, and more.
Content
What are we dealing with
If you have natural curls and thick curls, this is your big plus and a unique bonus that you simply cannot leave unused. If, on the contrary, you decide to create additional volume with the help of artificial inserts, then the goal will be achieved here too. Your hair, which you may have complained about before, is made for braids. So why not use this idea to your advantage?
The options are very versatile: at your disposal are classic micro-braids, pony tail, harnesses, zizi, corrugation, curly curls, Afro-braids with threads, French braids and much more. Once you get the style, thickness you want and get the job done, shape your braids into gorgeous hairstyles for both everyday and special occasions.
Afro-braids originated in Africa and were known even before our era. Then they spread all over the world - not to maintain their image, of course, but because it was a practical way to care for the shock. If they survived to our time, there must be something special in them, right? It's no surprise that world-renowned designers experiment with braids at fashion shows every year. Just take a look at what new items they offer!
Popular trends
Fashion shows are always inspiring, but when it comes to clothing, we need to wait at least until March to start bringing fresh ideas to life. When it comes to hairstyles, it's much easier here: get inspired and try new looks now. What interesting things have you come up with? Here are some trends for inspiration:
- tight "spikelet". The spikelet has always been considered a rather spontaneous way, but now that it has appeared in the Couture collections, it's time to pump it while the season is still relevant;
- Afro-braids, laid in "duli" with fresh flowers. They are free, messy and inspired by Boho chic.
- very loose fancy braids for long hair that start from the middle of the length, are invisible in the front and look messy in the back.
- weak beams. Braided braids, gathered in a bun, are always an additional charge of elegance, enhancing even the simplest outfit.
- braided afrokos with threads.These long three-dimensional braids, perfect for thick hair, look very interesting, unbeatable and deserve attention.
Recommendation! You can braid a very simple option yourself - weave them using the spikelet method with thin tight lines, which are called the braids of the goddess.
Ideal for the beach to avoid extra worries while on vacation, or when you need to give yourself a little break. They will be made for you very quickly in the salon. In an independent performance, most likely, it will take more time if you try your hand for the first time.
Most relevant ideas
There are so many different types of this weave that you are sure to find something to suit your face shape. It will take some time, perhaps even several days, to explore all the options and stop your eyes on one thing. Or not one. It is a fact that deciding on which style to choose is never simple and easy.
The most popular are woven braids that evenly cover the head, fitting snugly against it. This definition has been adopted by professional hairdressers and stylists around the world, but they always add a twist, highlighting each individuality. Their work can be seen at numerous exhibitions dedicated to this skill that take place around the world. Using the African style, hairdressers create masterpieces on the head. Some stylists are so talented that they can make something that looks like a blooming rose, or another flower. A specialist in Afrokos always puts his soul into it and for him it is not just a job, but an art and a way of self-expression. That is why you need to find a talented craftsman you can trust. In addition, it is necessary to select options for the type of person - which also requires certain knowledge.
Advice!Remember that the finer the weaving, the more elegant your look will look. And vice versa: wide braids look extravagant and youthful.
At home
Classic African braids are similar to French ones. Come up with a parting pattern and thickness for each sector, and then get started. Take three even sections of the strand and weave them in turn, taking a few new curls for each movement so that the pattern is close to the scalp. In this case, the direction can be taken not only down, but also up, or to the side. This style looks very interesting and trendy with weaving up, which ends in a bun at the top of the head. But to manipulate the back of the head, you will need a friend if you do this at home. And with side weaving, you will look like a rock star! Here are some ideas for you:
- add colored strings to create extra volume - just lock each strand or ribbon at the base of each strand at the very beginning. Then, when you divide the strands into 3 parts, distribute the strings to the sides.
- add natural-colored faux curls in the same shade to create length. This is especially true with short hair - by adding some fake strands at the base and braiding them together, you get long, tidy, well-styled hair with a stunning bow.
- if you are already familiar with the technique, be sure to experiment with the partings, making them curly - with a geometric or wavy pattern. The shape of the lines depends only on your imagination.
However, it is better to entrust complex techniques to a qualified specialist with a certain skill in this matter.
On a note! If you are inspired to do this at home, choose wider sections for each strand and straight partings for a start - this will greatly reduce the time and not get tired of rather painstaking work.
10 points for inspiration
The number of styles of these hairstyles is limited only by the imagination of the people who create them. Therefore, more and more ideas for inspiration appear on the network every day. We invite you to get acquainted with the most common of them:
- Baby bow with simple even rows of woven afro braids along the scalp with the ability to collect them at the bottom of the tail. Afro-braids for children are a great idea, as they allow you to reduce the time for daily manipulations and preserve the psyche of your child if he does not like to do this in the morning. Look will make your child's appearance neat. They also help keep your curls healthy.
- Large details. Rather, it is a youth direction. It looks quite extravagant. We call them bundles - they consist not of three parts, but of two. Have a twisted appearance. Colored strands are often used.
- Runway look. Afrokos have proven their relevance on the big catwalk. These are a little disheveled, but that is why no less elegant classic Cornrow, as Americans call them, in the direction from forehead to back or with a parting in the middle.
- Combined type. When the row spacing is different. The asymmetry gives a completely unique look. At the same time, Afro-braids can also be of different thicknesses. It looks very original and is suitable not only for adults, but also for children.
- Pigtails and curls. Pairing with cute loose curls is amazing. At the same time, the openwork is only on one side - it is better if it is the temple area.
- Braids and pigtails - when thick and thin braids look as organic as possible. As a rule, finer work is done on the temples, while larger work is done on the crown. All this miracle can end with two large braids lying on the sides. Looks unusual, but you will definitely love it.
- Curly. Delightful curls without exhausting frizz are what they are loved for. At the base of each strand, at the very beginning, artificial details are woven, which should be longer than their hair. Then, going down a little, they stop, allowing each Afro braid to end in a gorgeous curl.
- Zizi. They can be easily created at home. If you have sparse hairs, just weave a zizi rope into each strand - it's great if it has a bright unusual color to cheer up its owner and everyone who meets on her way. Zizi are made isolated - this is when they are not fixed by a spikelet close to the skin, but are located "in free flight", figuratively speaking.
- Pony tail. Suitable for owners of a long tail - just do not bring your Afro-braids to the ends, but leave a beautiful long tail, which is called a ponytail.
- French braids - these are curly woven afro-braids, performing fancy patterns on the head, are the most original option. The method consists in tight fit of each sector to the head, making them practical and effective.
Recommendation! Experiment with bold colors - add blue or green faux strands, don't be afraid of the result - you will be in trend (and can remove them at any time).
Conclusion
When it comes to Cornrow, expect it to take hours. If you want to shape them around the entire perimeter of your head, the process can take up to 5-8 hours, depending on the skill level of your stylist. Be prepared also for some pain, which is inevitable when it is necessary that every millimeter is tightly fixed in the correct position. If you only want to get a few Cornrow, then you will need much less time for them.
Once you have chosen the design that suits you, you will need to find an experienced stylist and make an appointment. It is necessary that he has sufficient experience, otherwise you risk spending much longer than 8 hours in the salon. There are usually barbershops that specialize in weaves, so this will be your best bet.
There are a few technical maintenance tips to keep in mind in order to achieve healthy hair over the course of several months:
- wear a scarf on your head when you go to bed - the braided state retains its shape better, which serves the durability of the styling.
- use special moisturizers that keep you healthy and radiant all the time.
After doing these simple maintenance manipulations, you will keep your updated look for much longer, which will undoubtedly be a nice bonus.
Hairdressers guarantee that you can wear your bow for up to three months - at best. But perhaps longer! In the case when the hairstyle did not last even a couple of months, then the matter is most likely that you did not support it properly.
We hope you liked the article and found your look in it, which inspired you to a new look. Share your choice with us!