African braids have left the confines of summer vacation – today they are braided at any time of the year and for no special occasion. This article gives instructions on how to braid African braids and explains the different braiding styles and the hairstyles that go with them.
African braids are more than just a hairstyle
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What are African braids?
African braids are dense, tight braids of two or three strands. They can be braided not only from natural hair, but also from dyed synthetic hair.
Pros and cons of African braids
Before opting for an extravagant and daring hairstyle, such as B. African braids, you should weigh all the pros and cons.
They are an expression of identity and culture
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Pros of African Braids:
- Hair braided into Afro braids looks thicker.
- This type of braiding can increase the length of the hair.
- African braids are great for taming unruly and overly fluffy hair.
- They allow hair to be washed less often (about every 4-5 days).
- African braids require no styling or styling products.
- A variety of braiding materials will give braids a shiny and unusual look.
Cons of African Braids:
- This hairstyle is not suitable for damaged and weakened hair.
- If you have scalp problems (e.g. dandruff), Afro braids are unaesthetic.
- The braids have to be braided relatively often because the hair grows back.
- Afro braids can cause headaches if braided too tightly or if too much extra material is used in the braiding process, putting stress on the strands.
- This hairstyle is probably not suitable for women who have a strict dress code in the workplace.
African braids stay beautiful and shiny longer if you take care of them properly
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African braids: here are the best tips
- Careful preparation of the hair: It is very important to prepare the hair well for braiding. A thorough hair wash and a nutrient-rich conditioner are the first step. The importance of hair health and a certain elasticity cannot be underestimated. These properties are essential for braiding techniques.
- When it comes to hair care product selection, it is important to choose products specifically designed for African hair. You will find that these products often have one special property: they are high in protein. This wealth of proteins not only acts on the surface, but penetrates deep into the hair to effectively strengthen its structure, making it resilient, healthy and vibrant.
- Hair Protection: Don’t forget to protect your braids overnight so they don’t break or become frizzy. You can cover your hair with a silk scarf or a silk hat.
Products specific to African hair can make braiding easier and improve the end result
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- Regular Grooming: Regular grooming of the braids is very important. Proper care of your hair and scalp is important. Avoid hair breakage and potential damage to hair follicles by keeping your scalp clean and moisturized at all times. A gentle braiding technique is also important. Do not braid your braids too tightly as this can damage your hair and scalp.
- Eat healthy, your hair will thank you!
- Time to relax: Give your hair a break between braiding cycles. This allows the scalp and hair to recover and strengthen.
African braids are a beautiful hairstyle. But they also require a certain amount of care and attention. The following tips will keep your braids healthy and beautiful.
Preparation is key to the health and attractiveness of your African braids
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Whether or not African braids are right for you is a matter of personal taste and comfort. It pays to experiment with different styles to find the perfect look.