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Apply a nourishing growth oil to the scalp 1-2 times a week (you can use any oil you prefer). Jojoba and argan oil are great options for nourishment. Unique braids can be anything if they allow you to express your personality and preference. Braided hairstyles lend themselves well to accessories, and this is an opportunity to make your look individual and reflect your style. Play around with different patterns, cuffs, beads, and hair rings, and opt to create your braids in various lengths and sizes, from small to jumbo. Another way to personalize your hair is with the parting you choose; it could be simple and standard with a middle part, or you could get creative with a zig-zag parting. If you want something unique without going overboard, I will recommend adding some creativity to your hairstyle. Once you have your box braids in, it’s easy to forget about your actual from-the-root hair which, yes, still requires moisturizing. There are plenty of curly hair products designed to soften the hair and reduce itching associated with keeping a style in for too long. “Products that have penetrating ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil are great to use while wearing these styles,” says Stephen. As for when to take them down, she recommends keeping them in for two months maximum.
Yes, but the results achieved when bleaching, dyeing, lightening or toning is hugely variable. So we recommend you leave it to the professionals. If you have just colored your hair and want to keep the same hair color when you get your hair braided, you can choose a hair extensions color that best matches your hair color. If you want a hairstyle that you can wear for a few weeks so that you can give your hair a break, you will be best served with this hairstyle. You can wear a variety of hairstyles to change things up if you want to. The crochet technique is one of the simplest and easiest ways to get extra-long braid styles. Like a weave, crochet involves first braiding your hair into loose cornrows. This cornrow pattern forms the foundation for your crochet braids. Next, hair extensions are threaded through and secured using a crochet hook before being plaited into your braid hairstyle of choice. You can also have ready-made braids secured, such as box braids which dramatically cut the time it takes to put in your hair. That makes it a convenient option if you don’t have an extra day to spend in the stylist’s chair. If you love your long hair and also want braids, the half braided hairstyles give you the best of both worlds. A fresh take on it is to double French braid the center section of your hair halfway, then twist it into a messy bun. It adds an extra cool factor to the standard bun hairstyle while maintaining its beachy vibe. You could also braid more sections of your hair into the up section. To nail the look, make sure you leave enough hair loose so the style doesn’t look half-finished.Rastafri hair also tends to be a softer texture, which is a boon on a braider's hands. "Some cheaper brands cut the hands, and can even irritate the scalp and break the hair it’s being installed into," Monae explains. The brand also has a wide array of colors, including rainbow and pastel ombrés, which give clients a lot of choices once they're ready to style. "The color variety maximizes creativity for styles and eliminates the need for creating custom color mixes. Rastafri wins all three categories for me as they have beautiful texture, colors, and are affordable."
As the name suggests, micro braids are tiny and delicate. But while it may seem like they are the most gentle braiding style because they don’t weigh down the scalp, they can cause more breakage than bigger plaits. The reason is that they have to be braided very tightly and close to the head. They aren’t suitable for those with dry or brittle hair and can cause hair loss if left in too long. However, when properly maintained, these types of braids create a cute and cool effect with a lot of attitude. Fulani braids are the signature type of braids of the Fula people in West Africa. The style involves braiding thin to medium plaits in rows along the sides of the head while leaving a central twist at the crown. The central braid is then decorated with accessories – beads and rings are traditional, but hair cuffs are a chic option. Place the braided hair and accessories strategically to maximize your face shape. Fulani braids can also be combined with other braided hairstyles to make a statement.
They’re most often installed with extensions and come in various lengths, sizes, and colors (as you’ll see ahead). When creating the style, synthetic hair is braised into box-shaped parts of hair, achieving a longer style that forms a protective barrier around our natural strands. “When natural hair is over-manipulated, it tends to cause breakage, so a protective style like box braids protects it from being harmed,” says Ursula Stephen, celebrity hairstylist and global ambassador for Suave, Tresemmé, and Dove. The great thing about box braids is they are versatile hair braids for long hair, and you can create them for various hair types. These types of braids are ideal for women who want a feminine protective style that can make a statement. Long box braids take more time and effort to create, requiring more hair. They will also be heavier and more expensive. That said, the finished look is truly stunning. Just be aware that the braided hair can cause tension and pull at your scalp. The fishbone braid is a protective hair braiding style created close to the scalp, not to be confused with the fishtail braid. It features several thin cornrows on the scalp, which support the two large braids running down the head’s sides. You can also wear it in an updo or a high ponytail. The look can be worn on women of all ages, including young kids, and lends itself well to personalization. You can add beads or cuffs, or a bright thread of your choosing, allowing you to add a pop of color to your appearance. Elena Hachaturianc is the founder of Beauty & Melody salon in London. What to Look for in Hair Extensions
The related posts below will discuss more about how to get the most out of your protective style, so that you don’t end up with breakage after taking down your braids. Box braids can look beautiful on any woman with any hair length, color or texture. If you install the braids properly, maintain your hair while in braids and deep condition your hair after takedown, you will reap maximum benefits from box braids. Darker skinned women may feel that using a lighter hair color may look weird on them, when it may not be true at all. If you feel bold enough to try something new, you can start out with this ginger hair extensions. Yes you can grow your natural hair while in box braids, as long as you maintain your hair and do not “forget” about your own hair while it’s in box braids. If you want to wear a fade haircut without cutting off all your hair, you can leave the middle section of your hair so that it’s long enough to be braided.This hairstyle is different from the ombre box braids hairstyles recommended earlier. It simply requires feeding in another color of hair to the ends of your braids to create this contrasting look.
Feel like a goddess for a few weeks in these shoulder-length boho box braids. This hairstyle can be styled in a variety of ways for a different look.
To add extra length and flair to your braids, you will need to add an additional curly hair extensions like a deep wave crochet hair extensions. It’s typical for light skinned women to go with bright hair colors like honey blonde because it goes with their skin tone. If you’re looking for something that will match your skin complexion without going overboard, I recommend this beautiful hairstyle. Los Angeles-based braider Asia Monae favors Rastafri hair for her braiding sessions. "It doesn't tangle, comes in a variety of colors, and even comes pre-stretched, which is perfect for feed-in and box braids." Pre-stretched hair, by the way, is feathered out at the ends, which keeps the braids from unraveling and tapering as you install them. "When the hair isn't pre-stretched, you waste time and sometimes some of the actual hair trying to stretch it." Protective styles are the powerhouse of natural hairstyles. Not only do they keep our natural hair protected, but they also encourage hair growth. Box braids are a particularly popular style. Unlike regular braids, they are named for the way the individual hair sections are parted for use: forming boxes on the scalp resembling a grid.