Afro braids: types, popular colors, pros and cons of African braids
Photo from folhair.com
African braids are a hairstyle that has been in trend for the past few years and is actively coming into fashion in different countries of the world. This invention of southern hairdressers will be especially relevant when traveling on vacation, since braids braided in this way do not require special care, they will not cause trouble for their mistress. Nevertheless, before deciding to weave afro-braids, you need to understand in more detail the features of this process.
What type of face is suitable for African braids
Despite the fact that African braids are considered a universal hairstyle, such face framing is not suitable for all the fair sex. Leading stylists categorically do not advise ladies with a round face to dwell on this option. This is due to the fact that such weaving will visually enlarge the cheeks even more. Also, experimenting with such a hairstyle is not worth it with a pronounced chin and sharp cheekbones, as they can become even more pronounced. African braids look best on girls with an oval face shape. In this case, they will only emphasize all the advantages of appearance.
The second important point that should be considered before weaving African braids is the style of clothing and lifestyle. Such a hairstyle will complement a youth, sporty or urban style, but it obviously will not work with business or classical suits and will make the image ridiculous.
In most cases, afro braids involve interweaving bangs, so girls with a high and large forehead should refuse them.
Varieties
As this hair style began to gain popularity, many types of African braids appeared. They differ not only in the weaving technique, but also in the use of additional items. For example, some afro braids are woven with additional flagella from synthetic hair, while others are woven using colored ribbons. Consider the main types of afrokos.
Brady
Photo from comode.kz
Their second name is French. Outwardly, they look like spikelets. Depending on the density and preferences of the girl herself, from 15 to 30 pieces are woven. Weaving is carried out along the head, African braids can be in the form of stripes, zigzags or even triangles. On average, braids last up to 15 days. If artificial fiber is woven into them, the duration of the socks increases to a month.
Zizi
Photo from comode.kz
Today, this version of weaving African braids is considered one of the most popular, which is due not only to the stylish look, but also to the time the hairstyle was created. Depending on the experience of the master, weaving 500 braids takes about 5 hours. Thanks to the overlay of synthetic fiber strands, the length can be any. African zizi braids are highly dense, keep their shape well for a long time.
Senegalese afrokos
Photo from en.eyeni.ru
Due to the specific weaving technique, they look more like flagella than braids. They use 2 or 3 strands that are evenly twisted together. In terms of the number of flagella and their location, they look more like classic afrokos. You can wear such a hairstyle for several months, but in this case you will have to periodically correct it.
Ponitel
Photo from womans.ws
Weaving thin African braids, the number of which varies from hair density (from 200 to 600), takes about 5 hours. Duration of socks – up to 4 months. The main feature of these Afro braids is that a long curl remains at the end of each of them. Unlike other varieties, this hairstyle can be combed and styled.
Thai afro braids
Photo from pinterest.com
Weave according to the same algorithm as braids or zizi, but only from natural hair. This kind of African braids will suit girls with long and healthy hair.
Corrugation
Photo courtesy of salonhunter.com
The weaving of such afrokos outwardly resembles a perm, since it involves attaching many colored curly strands to the braids. Depending on the number of strands and their length, the creation of a hairstyle takes about 3 hours.
Curly curls
Photo from aqa.com.ru
A specific hairstyle, in which additional synthetic curls are woven into the braids, in quality as close as possible to natural hair. Such strands have a natural and soft curl, thanks to which it is possible to create a voluminous hairstyle. Despite the beautiful appearance, such afro-braids are capricious in care and are distinguished by the minimum duration of wear – no more than 3-5 days.
Classic afro braids
Photo from comode.kz
Usually, from 150 to 250 braids are woven on the head, the approximate duration of weaving is 6 hours. Classic Afro braids come in 2 types: with a soldered tip or with a live one. The advantage of this technique is that the braids can be given a small or large wave by dousing them with hot water.
At the peak of popularity today are Afro-braids with kanekalon – a high-quality artificial fiber that imitates natural strands. Kanekalon is available in different colors, thanks to which the hairstyle can be given the desired shade.
To achieve maximum volume and effect, it is recommended to weave 2 strands of kanekalon into one braid, and the third from your own hair. How much kanekolon is needed for African braids depends on the initial density and how many strands will be woven. This hairstyle lasts more than 3 months.
Popular colors
Despite the fact that initially afro-braids were created exclusively from natural hair, today most girls prefer to additionally weave synthetic strands. This allows not only to visually make the hairstyle thicker, but also to give it any shade. Most often, the following colors of strands are used for weaving afro-braids at home or in a salon:
- pink – ideal for young girls with a cheerful character, the shade can be both pastel and catchy;
- red – goes well with natural red strands, attracts attention;
- green, light green – this color of African braids is more suitable for girls with tanned skin and helps to create a contrasting look;
- purple – this mysterious and bewitching shade will look good with dark hair;
- black and white is a classic color combination that will always look stylish and trendy.
For girls who want to stay in trend, you can create an ombre effect by weaving strands dyed with a gradient technique into braids, or simply make colored afro-braids.
General rules for weaving
Despite the apparent complexity and duration of weaving, if desired, even with minimal skills, you can independently make Afro-braids at home. Since in some places, for example, at the back of the head, it will be inconvenient to weave an African braid, it is recommended to call someone for help. You also need to remember the following rules:
- regardless of the chosen weaving technique, the hair does not need to be pre-washed;
- to fix African braids, you can use a thread, elastic band or a special composition for soldering;
- to make the hairstyle voluminous and give it a shape, it is recommended to purchase kanekalon of the desired color in advance.
Since only artificial threads are exposed to high temperatures during soldering, this fixation technique is guaranteed not to damage your own hair.
Advantages and disadvantages
Such a hairstyle looks stylish and unusual, but before proceeding with its execution, it is necessary to understand not only the weaving technique, but also the features of care and the possible harm of afro-braids for hair.
The advantages of afro braids include the following points:
- hairstyle helps to radically change the image;
- if a woman has a square or medium hair, African braids will help to increase the length several times;
- with the help of such a hairstyle, you can change the color of your hair by adding a few bright strands of kanekalon;
- African braids do not have to be laid daily, which saves time;
- the hairstyle is durable and can last up to 4-5 months (with regular correction);
- if you wish, you can undo African braids and remove artificial strands at home, which will take no more than 2 hours.
As for the shortcomings of afrokos, they include:
- the first few days after weaving, discomfort and tightness of the scalp may be felt;
- care for afro-braids is more complex and lengthy than for ordinary hair.
- long process of creation. Weaving African braids on long hair takes up to 8 hours;
- such a hairstyle cannot be attributed to universal, since it is not suitable for everyone;
- improper weaving technique and excessive tightening can adversely affect the quality of the hair.
The disadvantages include the high cost of weaving. On average, for such a hairstyle you will have to pay from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles.
How long do afro braids weave
Not a single master can say in advance how long African braids are woven. The duration of the procedure depends on the length and density of the hair, as well as on the experience of the specialist. Weaving large flagella on medium hair takes about 4-5 hours on average. If a girl has long and thick hair, she wants a lot of thin kanekalon braids, the session can take up to 10 hours.
Duration of wear
In fact, African braids for short or long hair can be worn as much as you like. The main thing – do not forget that the hairstyle needs to be corrected periodically. The frequency of correction depends on the rate of hair growth. Usually the procedure is done every 1.5-2 months, otherwise the hair will look untidy.
As practice shows, more than 5 months this hairstyle is rarely worn. This is due to the fact that throughout the entire period, the hair will fall out anyway, but will remain woven into synthetic braids. As a result, after 4-5 months, the hairstyle will become untidy and you will want to change it.
Care rules
It is not difficult to take care of African braids, into which ready-made strands are woven. However, there are certain nuances that you need to familiarize yourself with first.
To maintain a neat appearance and not harm your hair, it is recommended to remember these tips:
- for washing it is better to use shampoo for normal hair, which will be free of oils, conditioning and smoothing additives. It is necessary to refuse the use of these components, since they are poorly washed out of braided hair;
- African braids are dried only naturally. The use of a hair dryer is prohibited, as exposure to strong air pressure can ruffle the pigtails and make them untidy. To speed up the drying process, the flagella can be wet several times with a cotton or terry towel;
- at home, it is recommended to regularly carry out correction, removing protruding and broken hairs, as well as twisting weakened flagella.
Before going to bed, it is recommended to close the Afro-braids in the tail, which will help to avoid tangling.
hairstyles
Although African braiding reduces the variability in creating hairstyles, some hair styling options are still available. Consider the most popular hairstyles from afrokos.
Big braid
Photos from the site jimimorrisonshead.com
After collecting all the afrokos, you can create one voluminous and unusual pigtail. The best option for weaving in this case is standard or French.
Tail
Photos from the site prom.ua
African braids, gathered on top of the head with an elastic band, look stylish and impressive. This option is more suitable for long hair.
Laugh
Photos from the site she.ngs.ru
From the braids, you can collect one or 2 bundles on the sides. It is also allowed to collect part of the hair on the top of the head, and leave the remaining flagella hanging down.
To create a more feminine image of braids, you can braid a wreath by attaching it to your head with beautiful hairpins.
Afrokos weaving at home
Classic afrokos weaving at home is carried out according to the following algorithm::
- First you need to divide your hair into 2 equal parts using a parting.
- Next, you need to remove the upper hair (the horizontal parting should also be even).
- Select a small strand from the bottom and attach a kanekalon thread to its base with a thread.
- To get a beautiful braid, the strands need to be tightly pulled together. Depending on the desire and amount of artificial material, the flagella can be made thin or thick. Since kanekalon threads have a minimum weight, do not worry that the material will spoil the hair or contribute to their loss.
- To make the strands longer when your hair is finished, it is recommended to weave additional artificial material over them. Its use will not only allow you to achieve the desired length, but also make the braids more uniform.
- At the end, the weaving is fixed with an elastic band or thread.
For girls, instead of kanekalon, when creating African braids, you can use ordinary knitting threads. This option is budget-friendly and also won’t ruin your hair.
How hair looks after afro braids
Whatever type of African braids is chosen, this hairstyle complicates hair care, which affects the condition of the hair. After unweaving, the hair will be weakened in any case. If the African braids are not properly braided, the curls may be damaged. It should be borne in mind that the hair after afro braids will remain wavy for a while, since they were tightly braided for a long time.
To speed up the recovery process, immediately after unwinding the flagella, it is recommended to wash your hair with a strengthening or moisturizing shampoo, as well as use balms and conditioners. It should also be borne in mind that during the first wash, care products should never be applied in a circular motion, otherwise you can get another invention of African masters – dreadlocks.
African braids are a stylish and bold hairstyle that suits young girls who lead an active lifestyle. But before you decide on such an experiment, you need to carefully weigh all the pros and cons of this method of hair design, otherwise the result may disappoint.
Author: Alina Sycheva,
especially for Mama66.ru
Useful video about African pigtails
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