Elegant and Timeless Style
Full hair braids are an elegant, timeless style perfect for anything from casual beach days to formal events. Easy to style and maintain, full braids require little upkeep while being kept tangle-free with proper care.
Sectioning and Styling
Start by sectioning off your hair into three parts. Next, grab one section from each corner and cross it over their neighbor (the middle section in this example). Continue this criss-crossing pattern until you reach the ends of your locks.
Protection and Maintenance
Protective styles for natural hair can save time, lock in moisture, and accelerate growth. They protect kinky and curly tresses from heat damage and split ends. Choosing suitable protective styles and following proper maintenance techniques is crucial, such as wearing a satin bonnet at night, using detangling spray, and washing regularly to eliminate product buildup on braids.
Fashionable Examples
Drake and Ty Dolla $ign have made protective hairstyles fashionable with their fishtail cornrows and chic twisted look, respectively. Adding color through beaded headbands, bright threads, or loose strands can upgrade the protective style quickly. The halo braid is another versatile option that works for all situations.
Statement-Making Dutch Braid
No matter the look you’re going for, the Dutch braid will make an impressionful statement. This super voluminous style works wonders with finer textures. Divide your hair into three equal sections before intertwining them anticlockwise until they reach the ends and securing them with an elastic hair tie.
Trendy Triangle Braids
Triangle braids are a fashionable braid style, similar to box braids but more daring in appearance. They can be worn in ponytails, buns, or updos as an edgier protective style that locks in moisture while helping prevent the breakage of natural hair.
Medium Box Braids as a Fashion Staple
Medium box braids are a timeless fashion staple worn casually or for more formal events. Easy to maintain than longer or thicker styles, medium box braids compliment many facial structures beautifully and can even be accessorized with beads or hair cuffs for a personalized touch.
Reducing Styling Time with Braids
Braids are one of the best protective styles, lasting several months and easy to remove when needed. However, proper care is essential as braids may cause buildup in natural hair and scalp. Use clarifying shampoo or micellar water to remove buildup from the scalp and protect against difficult-to-remove dandruff and oily hair that leads to breakage.
Taking Care of Your Natural Hair
Use a hair moisturizer or leave-in conditioner suitable for braids to reduce styling time. Take regular breaks between hairstyles to give your locks time to recover before rebraiding them again. Experts advise taking out braids every six weeks.
Maintaining Scalp and Hair Health
Braids can last up to eight weeks when appropriately worn, but regular maintenance is necessary to keep both scalp and hair healthy. Wash braids when any buildup appears, such as an itchy scalp or greasy deposits. Use natural leave-in conditioner to keep braids moisturized, and avoid using products with synthetic hair fibers.
Gentle Washing and Drying Techniques
When washing braids, avoid harsh movements that could damage the hair. Instead, move your hands in circular motions while massaging the scalp. Be gentle while drying to avoid tension that leads to traction alopecia and hair loss.
