Braids are a wonderful way to promote hair health and beauty as well as to enhance the overall physical appearance.The styles are endless: box braids, micro braids, fishtails, cornrows and goddess braids. All shapes and sizes of braids can be done. After I suffered breakage from wearing half-wigs, I decided this summer to begin to use natural hair care products in conjunction with braided styles; it's a winning combination that can't be beat. Further, I am so excited about sharing some of the successes on the blog as well as hearing from others who have come up with great ideas to allow their hair to recover from chemicals, heat and coloring.
Let's take a brief look at what some of the styles have to offer.
Cornrows
Cornrows are the braids that are plaited close to the scalp. They can overlap, form geometric designs and patterns. They can be plaited upward for a sweeping bun or other updo, or downward for length. Generally, with all braids, the smaller the braid, the longer that they can last. I've seen some that the wearer has kept in for six to eight weeks, until new growth warranted rebraiding.
Many women wear extensions in their hair for length as well as for increased styling
options. The hair may be synthetic or human, colored or black. The more daring have even tried purple and red colors, beads and highlights, whatever tickles your fancy. The hair should be approximately two inches in length to obtain this style.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are beautiful, finely plaited braids that consist of only a few strands of the client's hair. This is a tedious process and can take over six hours to complete a head. This style of braids seems to offer the most styling freedom as the wearer can do updos, ponytails, chignons, French rolls and flowing styles. The problem is with these braids are that since they are so fine, the wearer's hair may break when they are removed, which is a very long process.
Generally, women wear curly styles leaving two inches or so from the edge unbraided to give a full effect. Again, extensions are braided into the hair. The results are gorgeous. The braids usually last up to three months.
As far as length, I have seen stylists work wonders with very short hair. It depends on the skill of the operator. I'd say that at least 1/2 of hair is needed for the braid to be successfully woven into the client's hair.
Box braids
This braided style reminds me of the school girl look. However, box braids have been woven into some intricately designed, flowing styles with either curly or straight, human or synthetic hair. Many women can keep this style for about three months.
Styling include such choices as back length hair allowing the use of beautiful combs and barrettes in the hair for updos - such as a chignon or French roll.
Goddess Braids
This is the regal looking thick braid that reminds me of an African Queen. Magnificent updos with a finished bun in the crown or spiraling rows of this large braid are common. This style seems to offer slightly less styling options because the braids are so big. For the goddess look, the client probably should have at least four inches of hair.
Since a large amount of hair is needed to form these braids, Goddess braids only last about a week or two.
Fishtails
This is another intricately plaited braid, that is an underhanded braid. usually very simple styles are done with fishtails. Also, more care is required to keep the braid fresh looking. Usually, gel is used to smooth the hair down.
This is another style that lasts for two weeks or so. Again, the client's hair should be at least four inches long.
General braid care
It is important not to braid the hair too tight as this can cause traction alopecia, or thinning edges. Remind your stylist not to braid so hard that you have a headache. Also, remember when doing updos, not to pull your hair too tight. I have experienced lost of breakage this way. Keep your hair moisturized by using a natural and healthy oil such as olive oil or almond oil. These are high in antioxidants, will give your hair lots of shine and promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.
It's a good idea to tie up the hair with a scarf or stocking cap to take care of the braids. This also prevents the friction and pulling of the hair which can cause breakage.
Shampoo infrequently (probably twice a month) by gently applying soap and massaging the scalp and braids. This is easily done in the shower to prevent tangling and pulling. Now, relax and watch your hair prosper and grow!
Let's take a brief look at what some of the styles have to offer.
Cornrows
Cornrows are the braids that are plaited close to the scalp. They can overlap, form geometric designs and patterns. They can be plaited upward for a sweeping bun or other updo, or downward for length. Generally, with all braids, the smaller the braid, the longer that they can last. I've seen some that the wearer has kept in for six to eight weeks, until new growth warranted rebraiding.
Many women wear extensions in their hair for length as well as for increased styling
options. The hair may be synthetic or human, colored or black. The more daring have even tried purple and red colors, beads and highlights, whatever tickles your fancy. The hair should be approximately two inches in length to obtain this style.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are beautiful, finely plaited braids that consist of only a few strands of the client's hair. This is a tedious process and can take over six hours to complete a head. This style of braids seems to offer the most styling freedom as the wearer can do updos, ponytails, chignons, French rolls and flowing styles. The problem is with these braids are that since they are so fine, the wearer's hair may break when they are removed, which is a very long process.
Generally, women wear curly styles leaving two inches or so from the edge unbraided to give a full effect. Again, extensions are braided into the hair. The results are gorgeous. The braids usually last up to three months.
As far as length, I have seen stylists work wonders with very short hair. It depends on the skill of the operator. I'd say that at least 1/2 of hair is needed for the braid to be successfully woven into the client's hair.
Box braids
This braided style reminds me of the school girl look. However, box braids have been woven into some intricately designed, flowing styles with either curly or straight, human or synthetic hair. Many women can keep this style for about three months.
Styling include such choices as back length hair allowing the use of beautiful combs and barrettes in the hair for updos - such as a chignon or French roll.
Goddess Braids
This is the regal looking thick braid that reminds me of an African Queen. Magnificent updos with a finished bun in the crown or spiraling rows of this large braid are common. This style seems to offer slightly less styling options because the braids are so big. For the goddess look, the client probably should have at least four inches of hair.
Since a large amount of hair is needed to form these braids, Goddess braids only last about a week or two.
Fishtails
This is another intricately plaited braid, that is an underhanded braid. usually very simple styles are done with fishtails. Also, more care is required to keep the braid fresh looking. Usually, gel is used to smooth the hair down.
This is another style that lasts for two weeks or so. Again, the client's hair should be at least four inches long.
General braid care
It is important not to braid the hair too tight as this can cause traction alopecia, or thinning edges. Remind your stylist not to braid so hard that you have a headache. Also, remember when doing updos, not to pull your hair too tight. I have experienced lost of breakage this way. Keep your hair moisturized by using a natural and healthy oil such as olive oil or almond oil. These are high in antioxidants, will give your hair lots of shine and promote a healthy scalp and hair growth.
It's a good idea to tie up the hair with a scarf or stocking cap to take care of the braids. This also prevents the friction and pulling of the hair which can cause breakage.
Shampoo infrequently (probably twice a month) by gently applying soap and massaging the scalp and braids. This is easily done in the shower to prevent tangling and pulling. Now, relax and watch your hair prosper and grow!
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