The evolution of braids all started with cornrows. This neat hairstyle keeps strands close to the scalp and can be as simple or complex as you desire. Adding hair extensions gives this look extra length and drama.
Box braids are the popular go-to braided hairstyle. Box braids we’re brought back into pop culture by iconic singers Janet Jackson and Brandy in the 90s. There are endless possibilities with this style, from styling options, length, colour and adding accents and accessories.
The traditional method of placing box braids is simple. Various shapes of different sizes (round, square or triangular) are made on your scalp. Then the entire strand of fake hair is braided right at the start of the braiding.
The braids can be finished in various ways:
- Beads are often used for children.
- If only your own hair is braided, the braids can be left open (only for hair type 4) or closed with a rubber band.
- If fake hair has been used, the braids are melted with fire or sealed with hot water.
One method that is gaining popularity right now is knotless braids. Knotless braids are actually exactly the same as traditional box braids, in terms of the way the fake hair is added.
With standard box braids, the entire strand of fake hair is braided right at the start of the braiding. With knotless braids, fake hair is added by the feed-in method as has been used with cornrows.
As with goddess/bohemian locs, you also have goddess/bohemian braids. The basis of goddess braids and bohemian braids are just the standard box braids, also possible with the knotless method. However, there is a difference. The braids are not braided all the way to the end, but they have an open end with curly hair.
Carefree bohemian box braids are the perfect option for when you want a less than “perfect” look. Bohemian box braids (or twists) are achieved when strands of curly braiding hair are left free hanging . So i’s a mix of braided and free-hanging hair. This results in a beautiful, ethereal effect and gives major island vibes.
Tip: When wearing this style, be sure to wrap your hair up at night (especially the ends). Due to the loose hair being left out, this style may be prone to matting and tangling.
Passion twists are a romantic, easy to install style that has come back into popularity in recent years. Instead of braiding all the way through, twists are braided at the root and then hair is divided into two sections and twisted all the way down. This creates a voluminous effect that is easy and less time consuming then traditional braids.
Fulani braids or feed-in braids are characterized by their unique braiding pattern and use of wooden, metal or plastic decorative accents.
Creative braid styles can make you look charming and fabulous. There are many kinds of styling techniques to create the braided hairstyle you want. You can also place hair accessories above for added charms to the whole style.
Locs are the most complicated type of braids. They require special attention and plenty of patience. The best part about butterfly locs is that they stay intact for weeks and don’t require too much maintenance.
If you love butterfly locs and similar hairstyles but don’t want to be too dramatic about, you can choose faux locs instead. They appear very similar to natural dreadlocks but they are made with hair extensions. You braid the hair with hair extensions and then use the crochet method to install the locs.
Lemonade braids is a sort of a braid “combo-deal”. You got a little bit of cornrow, mixed in with the fulani style, a dash of Goddess braids, and a whole lot of laid edges and feed-ins. Almost anything goes for lemonade braids.