Braids and Braiding
Braiding is one of the most common, versatile, economical and easy to manage hairstyles for most people. It allows air to circulate to the scalp and helps to keep the wearer cool.
Braiding offers an instant change of look, from either dramatic to subtle and visa versa depending on the type of braid. It can also act as a retreat, for those wishing to give their locks a break from the harshness of everyday washing, styling and relaxers, or even to have one less thing to worry about during a relaxing holiday.
Everyone can wear braids and people have done so for centuries. Braiding involves taking three strands of hair, starting at the scalp, and over laying one strand on another, until the desire effect is created. There are two main braiding techniques. The on the scalp technique, which is also known as the cornrow, are braids under woven to lie flat on the head and then sculpted into simple or complex parting and sectioning.
Cornrows also acts as a base or track to sew on a commercial weft (sew-in weave). The of the scalp technique is used for traditional braiding styles, of which there are many, such as adding extensions to create Warlocks.
The right style will always give you a fresh and fun look! Try out some of our recommendations.
Straight braid also called Bob Marley:
This braid is perfect on coarse hair because of its texture. It can be done in several ways depending on the choice of the wearer. It can be fish tails, or packed together to form ponytail at the back or dropped around the shoulders.
French Braid:
Woven close to the head and out of your face. The braid runs along the centre of your head and lies flat against the scalp. Secure it at the base of the skull with a hairband, or braid it all the way out to the end of the strands and band it there.
Double French Braid:
A variation on a classic, the double French braid is created the same way as the French braid, only the hair is parted down the middle and two braids are created down each side of the head.
Crowning Braid:
This is a French braid that goes from ear to ear over the top of your forehead next to your scalp, using only the front third of your hair. Secure the end of the braid behind your ear and then tuck it under the braid for a clean look.
Single Side Braids:
This look works best with long hair; pull out a strand of hair from right above each ear and braid. Tie or band the two braids together at the crown of your head for a simple, peasant-girl look.
Multiple Top Braids:
Start with two single side braids as above, and then make two more above those on each side, for a total of six braids. Secure together at the crown of your head. If your hair is thin, you might need fewer braids, and if you hair is thick, you may need more.
Kinky Twists:
Are a fun, two-stranded hairstyle in which the hair is woven into perfect spirals. This look can be created using your natural hair or synthetic extensions, and is known for its easy maintenance. Kinky Twists take about 6-8 hours to complete, and generally last up to three months with proper care.
Corn Rows:
Cornrows are small, multiple braids on your scalp. Once in, cornrows will stay looking neat longer if you sleep with your head in a scarf; as tossing and turning on a pillow tends to frizz up the braids. You can bright beads at the bottoms of the braids if you are feeling colourful.
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