Afro braids - you can't go unnoticed. How to braid African hair at home

African braids are a simple and pleasant way to forget about styling for several months, give your hair a little peace and protect it from aggressive environmental influences. Moreover, with the amazing hairstyles listed below, you will attract attention with eye-catching glances and genuine smiles. Weaves create space for creativity. There are many interesting methods to make each head unique. Additionally, you can experiment with highlights, natural or curly textures, clips, parting, styling, etc.

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 here too the goal will be achieved. 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 microbraids, ponytails, plaits, zizi, corrugations, curls, afro braids with threads, French braids and much more. Once you choose your desired style, thickness, and work done, style 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 throughout the world - of course, not to maintain their image, but because it was a practical way to care for the mop. If they survived to this day, there must be something special about them, right? It is not surprising that every year the world famous designers experimenting with braids at fashion shows. Just look at what new products they offer!

Popular Trends

Fashion shows are always inspiring, but when it comes to clothes, we'll have to wait until at least March to start putting them into action. fresh ideas. As for hairstyles, it’s much simpler: 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 up while the season is still relevant;

• Afro braids arranged in “douli” with fresh flowers. They are free, messy and boho chic inspired.
• very loose fancy braids for long hair, which start from the middle of the length, are invisible from the front and look sloppy from the back.
• weak beams. Braided braids, gathered in a bun, are always an additional charge of elegance, elevating even the simplest outfit.
• braided afro braids with threads. These long three-dimensional braids, ideal for thick hair, look very interesting, original and deserve attention.

It will be ideal for the beach, to avoid additional worries during vacation, or when you need to give yourself a little break. They will be done for you very quickly in the salon. Doing it yourself will most likely take more time if you are trying your hand for the first time.

The most current ideas

There are so many different types With this weave, you will undoubtedly find something that suits your face shape. It will take some time, perhaps even a few days, to explore all the options and settle on one thing. Or not on one. It is a fact that deciding on a style is never simple or easy.

The most popular are woven braids that evenly cover the head, fitting tightly to it. This definition has been adopted by professional hairdressers and stylists around the world, but they always add a twist, emphasizing each individuality. Their work can be seen at numerous exhibitions dedicated to this skill, which take place around the world. Using the African type, hairdressers create masterpieces on the head. Some stylists are so talented that they can make something similar to a blooming rose or other flower. An afro braid specialist always puts his heart and soul into it, and for him this 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 based on your face type - which also requires certain knowledge.

Advice!Remember that the finer the weave, 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 braids. Come up with a parting pattern and the thickness of each sector, and then proceed. Take three even sections of strands 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 downwards, but also upwards, or to the side. This style looks very interesting and trendy with an upward braid that ends in a bun at the top of the head. But you will need a friend to manipulate the back of the head if you do this at home. And with a side braid, you'll look like a rock star! Here are some ideas for you:

• add colored strings to create extra volume - just secure each thread or ribbon at the base of each strand at the very beginning. Then, when you divide the strands into 3 parts, distribute the threads to the sides.

• add artificial curls of the same shade with natural color to create length. This is especially true with short hair– by adding a few artificial strands at the base and weaving them together, you will get long, neat, well-styled hair with a stunning look.
• If you are already familiar with the technique, be sure to experiment with partings, making them curly - with a geometric or wave-like pattern. The shape of the lines depends only on your imagination.

However complex techniques It is better to entrust it to a qualified specialist with a certain skill in this matter.

On a note! If you are inspired to do this at home, first choose wider sectors for each strand and straight partings - this will greatly reduce the time and not get tired of the 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. That's why everything appears on the Internet every day. more ideas for inspiration. We invite you to get acquainted with the most common of them:

• Children's bow with simple, even rows of woven afro braids along the scalp with the ability to gather them into a ponytail at the bottom. Afro braids for children are a great idea, as they will reduce the time spent on daily manipulations and will save your child’s psyche if he doesn’t like to do this in the morning. Look will make your child's appearance neat. They also help maintain curl health.

• Large details. This is rather a youth direction. It looks quite extravagant. We call them bundles - they consist not of three parts, but of two. They have a twisted appearance. Colored strands are often used.
• Catwalk look. Afro-braids have proven their relevance on the big catwalk. These are slightly disheveled, but no less elegant classic Cornrows, as the Americans call them, in the direction from the forehead to the back or with a parting in the middle.
• Combined type. When the intervals between rows are different. The asymmetry gives a completely unique look. Afro braids can also be of different thicknesses. It looks very original and is suitable not only for adults, but also for children.
• Braids and curls. Paired with cute loose curls, it's just stunning. The openwork is located only on one side - it is better if it is the temple area.

• Braids and cornrows– 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. This whole miracle can end with two large braids lying on the sides. It looks unusual, but you will definitely like it.
• Curley. Delightful curls without grueling curling - this is why they are loved. At the very beginning, artificial parts are woven at the base of each strand, which should be longer than their hair. Then, having gone down a little, they stop, allowing each afro-braid to end with a chic curl.
• Zizi. You can easily create them at home. If you have sparse hair, 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 the spikelet close to the skin, but are located “in free flight,” figuratively speaking.
• Pony tail. Suitable for those with a long ponytail - just don’t bring your afro braids to the ends, but leave a beautiful long ponytail, which is called a ponytail.
• French braids- these are figured woven afro-braids, performing fancy patterns on the head, are the most original version. The method is to fit each sector tightly to the head, making them practical and effective.

Conclusion

When it comes to Cornrow, be prepared for it to take several hours. If you want to create them around the entire perimeter of your head, the process can take up to 5-8 hours depending on your stylist's skill level. Be prepared for some pain as well, which is inevitable when every millimeter needs to be held tightly in the correct position. If you only want to get a few Cornrows, then you will need much less time for them.

Once you choose a suitable design, you will need to find 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 hair salons that specialize in weaves, so this will be your best bet.

There are a few technical maintenance tips to keep in mind to ensure healthy hair for months to come:

• put a scarf on your head when you go to bed - in a braided state, the shape is better preserved, which makes the styling last longer.
• use special moisturizers that maintain health and radiance throughout the entire time.

By completing these simple maintenance steps, you will maintain your updated appearance much longer, which will undoubtedly be a pleasant bonus.

Hairdressers guarantee that you can wear your bow for up to three months - and this is in best case scenario. But perhaps longer! If the hairstyle did not last even a couple of months, then the problem is most likely that you did not maintain it properly.

African braids look very youthful, daring and original. This Fancy Hairstyle suits absolutely everyone – hundreds of women around the world have already been convinced of this!

Features of braids

Afro braiding involves the use of kanekolon, a special synthetic material that is attached to the hair to add volume, elasticity and length. Outwardly, it is not much different from natural hair, but it is much softer, retains its shape well, and is very easy to use. Experts distinguish several types of afrocos.

Classic

It is a scattering of small braids (100 - 250 pieces), braided using the traditional three-strand technique. The thinner the braids are, the more beautiful and durable the styling itself will be. Completion time – 3-6 hours.

Zizi

This is an option for those who cannot wait long. Zizi is a ready-made thin braid (diameter - 3 mm, length - 80 cm), which is woven into strands. The initial hair length is no more than 20 cm. Completion time is from 2 to 4 hours. Wearing period is from 2 to 4 months. Zizi braids can be made straight, crimped, spiral or twisted.

French braids

They are 10-20 braids, braided in different directions (zigzag, vertical, straight or horizontal) and tightly fitting to the head. Braids can be created from both natural hair, the length of which is 8-10 cm, and with the addition of synthetic kanekalon. In the latter version, the braids will last longer.

French weaving is in great demand among women and men. They are very convenient for dancing and active sports. Brades made from natural hair are worn for 1.5 weeks, and from artificial threads - 1.5 months. Weaving time is 40 minutes.

Katherine Twist

The material for this hairstyle is thin braid with a round small curl (Ketrin Twist or Ketrin Twist de Lux). Unlike others, such braids do not fall off during wear. Catherine Twist looks very light and voluminous.

Curley curls (afro curls)

A weave with curls that is attached to the roots of natural hair. The length of the braid is up to 10 cm, the rest is curled tightly beautiful curl(small, medium or large). Curly curls require regular care - in the first week they will have to be lubricated several times a day with a special fixing oil. This procedure will then need to be repeated after each wash. Required hair length – 10 cm. Time to complete – 2-4 hours. Wearing period is about 2 months.

Pony tail

Translated from English it means “pony tail”. These are classic African braids, which are woven from artificial material and end with a small ponytail. It can be either straight or curled. The client chooses the degree of curling and level himself. The final installation length is 20-25 cm. Completion time is 5-8 hours.

Dreadlocks

Artificial braids sewn to natural strands.

Corrugated

Curly braids reminiscent of wet chemistry. Corrugated Kanekalon is used to create them. The diameter of the curl can be anything. Corrugated braids are fast braids - the braiding time is about 4 hours. It is more convenient to perform it on short hair (5-6 cm) - in otherwise the hairstyle will lose its pomp. Wearing period is 2-3 months.

Senegalese braids

They are also called ropes, spirals or strands. Senegalese braids are twisted from two strands. Their length can be any, and the rich palette allows you to create multi-colored styling. Weaving takes about 5 hours.

Thai braids

Another subspecies of classic afro-braids, for weaving of which only native strands are taken. Thai braids look most advantageous on long and fairly thick hair. Another characteristic difference is that the ends of such braids are not sealed with boiling water or fire, but are secured with thread or a multi-colored elastic band with a bead.

Pros and cons of Afrocos

Afro weaving has several significant advantages, thanks to which they have gained such enormous popularity:

• Significantly lengthen short hair;
• Thread braids change hair color. You can become a brunette, redhead or blonde without dyeing your strands;
• They can be unwoven at any time;
• Allows you to create different types styling;
• Do not require complex care;
• Can be created even on very short hair – 4-7 cm;
• Create a stylish, fashionable look.

To see this, see the before and after photos.

Unfortunately, afro braids also have their disadvantages:

• They don’t wash well – even after using a special shampoo, the hair still remains partially dirty;
• They take a long time to dry - this type of styling takes several hours to dry. In addition, determining whether the strands are dry or not is also very difficult;
• Without sufficient nutrition, natural curls become dull and brittle;
• The increased load on the hair follicles also affects. In most cases, hair begins to fall out after unbraiding;
• At first it is very uncomfortable to sleep with this hairstyle.

Let's make our own braids!

How to weave African braids at home? This is not an easy task, but with the help of our master class you will cope with it without any problems.

You will need:

• Comb with sparse teeth;
• Artificial threads from kanekolon;
• Glue, silicone rubber bands or a special device for fixing braids.

Step 1. Comb your hair.

Step 2. Divide it with a comb into equal vertical partings. Their number can be arbitrary and depends on the thickness of the future weaving.

Step 3: Take a small section of hair from the back of your head using a diamond parting.

Step 4. Comb it well and attach the Kanekolon thread as close to the roots as possible.

Step 5. Divide the resulting curl into three parts and braid it tightly.

Step 6. Using your own strands, add a couple more threads so that the finished braid is the same thickness.

Step 7. Secure the tip of the braid - it can be soldered, glued or tied with a silicone rubber band.

Step 8. Braid exactly the same braid next to this one.

Step 9. Continue weaving along the partings in the direction from the back of the head to the crown. You determine the length, thickness and number of braids yourself.

Advice! Do not wash your hair before creating your hairstyle, otherwise the strands will fluff and fall apart.

Who shouldn't have afro braids?

African braiding is absolutely not suitable for girls with weak, damaged, recently dyed or chemically permed hair. Firstly, they are more difficult to work with. Secondly, such hair needs time to recover, otherwise a fashionable hairstyle can only do harm.

Afro braiding care

Caring for African braids is not that difficult. The main thing is to remember a few rules.

• Rule 1. Synthetic threads cannot be straightened with an iron, curled with curlers or over-dried with a hairdryer - this has a detrimental effect on their condition. You should also avoid visiting a bathhouse or sauna. But braids can be dyed, so if you want to change your hair color, feel free to go to the salon!
• Rule 2. Ideally, you need a special shampoo to wash your hair, but regular shampoo will do. Dissolve a small amount of products in a bowl of warm water, dip the braids in it and rinse them gently. Pay special attention to the spaces between weaves. You cannot use conditioner or balm! To keep your hair aesthetically pleasing, repeat the procedure once every 7-10 days.
• Rule 3. Do not wear braids for longer than 2.5-3 months.
• Rule 4. If any protruding hairs appear, carefully cut them off with nail scissors. Place them flat, as you would when trimming split ends.
• Rule 5. If you are not satisfied with the length of the braids, cut them to the desired level.
• Rule 6. Afro braids with threads are corrected in a salon - preferably by one specialist.

Hairstyle options with African braids

As the photos show, African braids allow you to create a lot of easy and stylish hairstyles. Most often they are worn loose, secured with a wide bandage or tied in a knot at the back of the head. But that's not all! A high or low ponytail, a large and fluffy bun, a wide braid - there are a lot of options!

How to unbraid afro braids?

At the first need, you can remove your afro braids without the help of strangers:

1. Cut the threads from the ends of your hair.

2. Armed with a needle or awl, unravel the weave.

3. Gently pull the braid near the roots to release the thread.

4. Untangle the strands with your hands and remove the Kanekolon thread.

5. Wash your hair with restorative shampoo and strengthening balm.

African braids have been trending in youth culture for several years now. Particularly relevant this hairstyle for those who are going on vacation. Carefully braided strands will not cause any problems for a long time. Let's figure out how to weave African braids.

Varieties of afro braids

Weaving African braids(brades) differs significantly in technology and, accordingly, in appearance. Let's look at the main types of this exotic hairstyle:

Benefits of weaving

Feel free to start braiding African braids at home in the following cases:

An undoubted advantage is that you can easily unbraid your hair without harming your natural hair.

Flaws

Braiding your hair is one thing, but caring for it is another.

1. Even using a special shampoo does not allow you to thoroughly wash your hair.
2. After washing, the braids take a long time to dry.
3. Due to the additional load, your curls become brittle, dull, and lack nutrients. In some cases, after unraveling the braids, the natural hairs, tired from the heavy burden, begin to fall out.
4. It’s not comfortable to sleep, especially in the first days, until you develop the habit of having voluminous hair.
5. It is impossible to braid high hairstyles, since the abundance of braids has a lot of weight.

However, hairdressers assure that native hair, on the contrary, is protected by afro-braids. And harm to them is possible only with an illiterate approach to creating a hairstyle, poor-quality materials and improper detangling. The profuse loss of hair after weaving is removed is due to the fact that they simply could not fall for a long time, because every day we lose up to a hundred hairs. Multiply that by three months.

Technology for creating a masterpiece

Each braid can be fixed in different ways:

• threads;
• rubber bands;
• special adhesive composition;
• sealing device.

To separate the strands you will need a thin, fine-toothed comb. To give your hair length and volume, it is advisable to purchase Kanekalon ( artificial hair), which does not harm your own hair, has high quality and a variety of colors. A budget option especially on a child's head, it is quite acceptable to create using colored knitting threads.

The process of creating a hairstyle is quite lengthy. Salon professionals spend two to three hours on it, braiding two hundred plus or minus fifty braids. Let's consider three classic version How to weave African braids yourself.

Method 1

Method 2

It is performed like the previous one, with one difference: synthetic hair is added to the natural hair. You can braid a braid only after attaching a canecolon thread at the roots (your own strand is, as it were, wrapped with an artificial one). After this, you should work with your hands as described above.

Method 3

This method is similar to weaving a French spikelet. You need to work as follows:

This French type of hairstyle can also be woven with the addition of synthetic strands.

How to weave African braids at home. You will learn the details of braiding afro braids for long and short hair from video lessons.

Since ancient times women Special attention devote to their hair. An original, tasteful hairstyle gives a woman’s appearance uniqueness and mystery. For every day and for special occasions, for long, short and medium hair - the choice is really wide and varied.

By using African braids You can, as if by magic, turn into a naive and pure Cinderella, a purposeful and courageous business lady, or a mysterious and inaccessible stranger. It all depends on the individual wishes of the fair sex.

How to weave African braids at home

If the priority remains the desire to surprise and attract the attention of others, then you simply cannot find a better hairstyle than African braids. Indeed, what could be more exciting than overseas exotica.

African braids are gaining more and more popularity among millions of fashionistas. It’s no longer unusual to meet a girl with such an original hairstyle on the street.

However, the minds of many beauties are still troubled by the difficult technique of performing such an intricate hairstyle. Some people are haunted by the question: “how to weave African braids on short-length hair,” others think that for such a complex braiding you definitely need only long and thick curls, others are afraid of damaging the natural beauty of their hair. So where is the truth and should you be afraid of African braids? Let's try to figure this out...

How to weave African braids for medium and short hair video

First of all, don't be upset if you don't have extremely long hair. African braids are woven using artificial materials. In this case, the length of the hair may not exceed 5 centimeters; even with such a modest hairstyle, it will be possible to make African braids.

How to weave African braids on long hair video

Sometimes it seems that a huge mass of strands is simply impossible to hide in neat braids. Don't be upset! In this case, your own hair is woven together with special materials. This intricate hairstyle on European hair type is performed only using artificial fiber. And all because special synthetics allow you to give your hair the necessary shape and density. What can we do if our hair does not have the properties of the inhabitants of distant Africa?

It is worth noting that synthetic material, which is used today in beauty salons, is completely safe and will not harm the natural beauty of natural hair. As a rule, it is attached to your own hair using a special knot, and then the braid itself is braided.

The technique is identical regardless of the length and density of the curls. Braids can be worn for quite a long time, it all depends on the growth rate of your own hair. If the color of the selected synthetic fiber is radically different from the natural one, the regrown hair will spoil the entire hairstyle. However, you are definitely guaranteed several months of pleasure. Anyway, how to weave African braids at home you can learn from the above video lessons.

As for the harmful effects on hair, African braids are no more dangerous than monthly dyeing or daily use of a hairdryer. After removing their braids, many people notice rapid hair loss, but there is no need to panic here either. This is just the hair that a person loses every day, just in in this case they were bound with weaving.

African braids They beckon you with their amazing extravagance, which is why girls dream of trying on such a bold image for themselves.

This is a unique opportunity to show others the rainbow colors of your inner world, to feel unique, completely different from your friends, to escape from the gray everyday life. Have you ever worn afro braids?

A practical and stylish hairstyle option is African braids. There are a number various techniques and variations in the execution of afrokos. You can braid them either in a specialized salon or yourself at home.

Who is suitable for African braids?

This hairstyle is extravagant, which is why many people are hesitant to try it. In fact, African braids are suitable for almost any lifestyle, with the exception of professions in which you need to be in contact with people most of the time (especially if there are many older people among your opponents).

For example, afro braids for banking workers would not be the best solution: people may perceive such an image as frivolous. It is not recommended to braid such braids for people who are forced to adhere to a strict dress code.

In other cases, this hairstyle will be an excellent addition to any look, given that it suits any style of clothing: from glamorous to rocker. Thanks to different interpretations of execution, braids suit any face shape.

So, for example, people who have high forehead, they can leave bangs in their natural form, which will cover it. However, this hairstyle is not suitable for people with fat type hair: If you frequently wash your hair, your afro braids will constantly unravel, causing your appearance to become sloppy.

When choosing afro braids as a hairstyle, you should also take into account your age, since this hairstyle is most suitable for people under 35 years old.

How long can you weave?

African braids (you can see how to braid them below) can be completely different lengths. There are two types of Afro braids: “safe” and natural. The latter are braids that are braided directly from the hair on the head.

When weaving this type of braids, the hair will look 3-5 cm shorter, and in cases where the strands are not naturally very thick, the braids will be sparse. In this case, the required hair length depends on how long the braids should be.

“Safe” braids are braided using artificial materials, such as kanekalon. Thanks to this material, braids can not only be made longer real hair, but also thicker, more voluminous. The minimum length of hair for which “safe” braids are woven must be at least 3 cm, otherwise the artificial material simply will not hold.

Advantages and disadvantages

African braids have both positive and negative characteristics.

Among the advantages of this hairstyle are:

• Convenience: people with afro-braids do not need to worry about damage to their hair during periods of strong wind or rain, the hair does not become electrified and does not get into the face.
• Time saving: owners of this hairstyle do not need to spend a lot of time in the morning in front of the mirror to create beautiful hairstyle. African braids, even just tied into a ponytail, can create a neat, complete look. In addition, this hairstyle does not require frequent shampooing: once a week is more than enough.
• Saving money: For quite a long time, you won’t have to spend money on various masks and balms for hair care, fixatives, etc. In addition, a minimal amount of shampoo is used.
• Accelerated hair growth: Due to the tight state of the hair roots and scalp, blood will flow better to the hair follicles, bringing more nutrients.

Among the disadvantages are the following:

• Headache and itchy scalp. This occurs due to constant tightness of the scalp. However, the discomfort goes away after 1-2 weeks.
• Dryness and split ends of hair after undoing African braids. Since afro braids are not combed, it does not get on the ends. required amount sebum, which protects them from excessive dryness and thinning.
• Afro braids take a very long time to dry. Unlike regular hair, Afro braids cannot be quickly dried with a hairdryer after washing and then gone about your business: due to the tight bonding of the hairs to each other, air cannot penetrate to each of them and dry them. However this problem It's easy to solve if you wash your hair in the evening.

Classic

African braids (how to braid them can be seen below) according to the classical pattern are standard braids: the hair is divided into 3 strands, which are alternately crossed with each other. However, to weave them, the total mass of hair must be divided into very small strands and braided into a tight braid from each.

In general, their number can reach 200-300, depending on the thickness of the hair.

Corrugated

This type of hairstyle consists of small curls from strands of hair, and their volume varies from small to large curls. In appearance the corrugation looks like perm

, but more harmless to the condition of the hair. Due to the technique of execution, corrugation is suitable even for those with thin and weakened hair.

Senegalese

The peculiarity of this hairstyle is that it is braided not from 3, but from 2 strands, which are twisted in opposite directions. As a rule, such braids are an addition to classic Afro braids, but there are options for creating hairstyles only from Senegalese braids.

French afro braids However, unlike classic ones, French afro braids are braided not “on” the head, but “along” the head: they are braided close to the scalp, due to which geometric patterns of almost any shape are formed.

Upon completion of the work, patches of skin are visible on the top of the head, between the braids.

Thai

These braids look identical to classic African braids. However, unlike the latter, Thai braids are braided exclusively from natural hair, without inserts of artificial material. Because of this, Thai braids are only suitable for those with very thick and long hair, otherwise the hairstyle will not look very beautiful.

With large curls

This hairstyle features zigzag airy curls. A special material (strands with large curls) is woven into natural hair, which creates an additional volume effect.

Zizi

Braids made in the zizi style can be different: straight, corrugated, curled with large curls or a spiral. In addition, this type of braid can be styled in various combinations. Straight zizi braids visually resemble classic afro braids, however, they are thinner and lighter, and dry quickly enough.

Zizi Sue

This is a zizi decorated in a very large curls this hairstyle is perfect suitable for those who want to create maximum volume hair.

Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are not at all like braids in the usual sense: they are more like “sausages”, the thickness of which can be completely different.

In essence, dreadlocks are something like tangles: if you do not comb or wash your hair for a long time, they will form dreadlocks. However, when intentionally weaved, they look neat and beautiful, which cannot be said about “self-braided” ones. naturally

. Several techniques are used to weave dreadlocks. The most common of them is to hold a strand of hair between the ribs of your palms and rub the curl between them. When the curl begins to resemble one whole, it is taken by the edges and “torn”.

Pony tail

The braiding is fully consistent with classic afro braids, however, the lower part of the hair (10-13 cm) remains unbraided.

Curly curls This hairstyle represents large voluminous curls

made of artificial material, which are attached to the base of natural hair by weaving a small braid. To prevent the transition from being visible, the fastening braid is masked with artificial material.

Which African braids should men choose? Among them are dreadlocks. This type of braids looks great on athletic men who have a brutal look. appearance. A striking example are surfers.

They also look beautiful on men french braids. It is especially common among boxers and football players.

Classic African braids can also decorate a man, but not everyone: for this you need to have a specific appearance. Otherwise, a man may become overly feminine.

African braids for girls

Any of the above hairstyles will suit girls. Moreover, the most suitable age for them is from 19 to 35 years old, although they also look good on younger girls (from 7 years old). On women over 35 years old, these hairstyles will not look laconic enough.

Tools and materials for weaving afrokos

To weave African braids at home you will need the following tools:

• comb for dividing the total mass of hair into strands;
• massage comb so that the hair is not tangled with each other and does not have any knots;
• silicone rubber bands for securing braids (not needed for dreadlocks);
• a lighter to solder the artificial material, which covers the place where it is attached to natural hair;
• ribbons, ropes of the required colors to give the hairstyle a brighter look (optional);
• hair clips to collect unwanted curls.

Those who plan to weave “safe” braids will need artificial materials, such as:

• Kanekalon- an artificial material used to create wigs and African hairstyles. When creating African hairstyles, Kanekalon is necessary to create greater hair thickness, as well as to lengthen the hairstyle. It looks like normal hair: comes in thin individual hairs held together in a ponytail or braid. This material is the most popular among materials that perform similar functions. Firstly, it is hypoallergenic and safe; secondly, due to its properties it can take various shapes during heat treatment: ringlets, curls of varying intensity. In addition, Kanekalon has a very wide color palette, and not necessarily one-color: you can find Kanekalon for highlighting, shatuzh, balayage.
• Acrylic threads are a type of thread for knitting, but recently they are increasingly used for weaving braids. When performing African hairstyles, they perform the same functions as Kanekalon, however, firstly, they are much lighter than Kanekalon, and secondly, they lose neatness faster. However, it will be much easier for beginners to weave with threads, since they have a larger volume and are more difficult to get tangled in.

Methods of weaving afrokos

African braids (how to braid them yourself can be found below) carried out through step-by-step execution following simple operations:

1. Comb your hair thoroughly with a massage comb so that no knots remain.
2. Using a comb, the top “cap” of hair is separated and secured with a clip. Only a small mop at the back of the head (across the width of the head) should remain free.
3. Remaining loose hair must be divided into equal strands of the required thickness.
4. One of the strands is divided into 3 parts and they begin to braid the braid according to the standard pattern, but very tight.
5. Having reached the ends of the hair, secure the braid in the desired way: using an elastic band, a strand of Kanekalon and a lighter, and thread.
6. Do the same operations with the remaining strands, then unravel the rest of the hair and separate the next portion from it. The steps should be repeated until all the hair is braided.

How to care

African braids, in the first weeks after they are braided, can cause discomfort and cause itching of the scalp - this is a normal reaction to excessive tightness of the hair. In order for the itching to go away over time and not get worse, it is necessary to take care of the scalp.

For this purpose, moisten a cotton pad in chamomile decoction and treat the scalp with it. It is advisable to do the procedure 3 times a day. The most important thing is that you should never scratch your head, otherwise it will itch even more and you can scratch the skin in this way and accidentally introduce dirt into it.

If the afro hairstyle is made with the addition of artificial materials, then you should avoid excessive heating of the hair, for example, when going to the bathhouse, you should cover your hair with a towel or a special cap.

You need to wash your hair no more than once a week, otherwise your hairstyle will quickly lose its shape and become fluffy. There is no need to wash the braids themselves (unless in case of emergency, for example, something sticky got on them or if they smelled like a fire), only the scalp directly between the braids. There are several ways to do this.

The first method includes the following steps:

1. The scalp is thoroughly wetted from the shower.
2. Squeeze a little shampoo onto your hand (preferably without the 2 in 1 function) and foam it.
3. Gently apply shampoo to bare areas of the head. Massage them so that the shampoo still foams.
4. Wash off thoroughly with warm water.
5. The procedure should be repeated until the head is no longer oily.

The second method is similar to the first, but a sponge is used instead of palms. You need to apply shampoo to a sponge, lather and blot your scalp with it.

Correction

Correction of afro braids can be dramatic or light. The first implies a complete interweaving of braids, i.e. they need to be unbraided and then braided back.

For simplicity, it is better not to unravel the entire mass of hair at once, but one braid at a time. With this method, the main thing is not to get confused which ones have already been corrected and which ones have not. To do this, you can collect ready-made braids into a separate bun using an elastic band or a clip.

Easy correction occurs in an unusual but effective way:

1. Take one braid and place it on the palm.
2. Sharp scissors are placed flat on top of the braid.
3. Run scissors along the entire length of the braid.
4. To get rid of the fuzz on top of the head, the hairs must be collected in a bun and trimmed.

As a rule, the hairs that come out are the ends, so you don’t have to worry that after such a correction, when unraveling your braids, you will find bald spots.

Hairstyles with Afro Braids

Afro braids look impressive both loose and gathered.

The following hairstyles can be made from African braids:

• tail;
• various braids (French, spikelets);
• a bump on the top of the head;
• two bunches on the back of the head or closer to the front of the face;
• You can gather only the top mass of hair into a ponytail, leaving the lower ones loose.

African braids (how to braid them can be decided by choosing a hairstyle to match the style of clothing) can be styled in a variety of hairstyles, and they are done in the same way as with loose hair.

How to unbraid afro braids

It is necessary to unravel the braids correctly and very carefully, otherwise you can damage the hair structure:

• each braid is moistened with water;
• remove the rubber band that secured the tip;
• take any thin object, for example, a needle;
• insert it into every visible hole in the braid and slowly pull it down - the braid should slowly unravel;
• After removing all the braids, you need to wash your hair and moisturize your hair and skin with a mask or balm.

After wearing this hairstyle for a long time, tangles may appear in your hair, which will prevent you from undoing the braids. To prevent this from happening, you can spray your hair with a product for unruly hair.

Hairstyles in African style- This is a great way to change your appearance, as well as free up some time and money for what is important. In addition, braiding braids is easy, the main thing is to know how to do it and follow the instructions.

Video about the varieties of African braids and the rules for weaving them

How afro braids are woven:

Zizi braiding: