In Africa, a woman's hair is her crowning glory. The Yoruba people say it best: a woman's hair is her crown. And what a splendid crown it is! Women have over the years, decades and centuries crafted ways of making their hair look so gorgeous. One of the ways is by creating, modernizing and enhancing the traditional African braids. Today, we're going to take a journey through the vast island of African braids, looking at the styles that have adorned and are still adorning the heads of women across the continent. But before we dive into the braids themselves, let's understand what braids really are.
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What are Braids?
Braids, or plaits as they are sometimes known, are a traditional way to style hair by interlacing three or more strands together. This technique has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, cutting across borders and generations. The beauty of braids lies in their versatility, ranging from simple three-strand braids to elaborate designs that can be both protective and expressive.
Traditional African Braids
Across the African continent, braids are not just a style; they're a symbol of one's identity and heritage. Let's look at some popular traditional braiding styles from various African countries:
- Fulani Braids: Hailing from the Fulani people of West Africa, these braids are known for their unique patterns, often adorned with beads and cowrie shells, reflecting beauty and cultural pride.
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- Cornrows: Often seen in intricate designs, cornrows are a versatile and practical choice for managing hair while expressing African craftsmanship.
- Bantu Knots: Originating from the Bantu people of Southern Africa, these knots are a symbol of beauty and spirituality, worn during special occasions. So many people who practical natural hairstyling use this style these days as it locks in moisture and can make hair grow longer and thicker.
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Other Types of Braids
Beyond the traditional styles, there are numerous other types of braids that have gained popularity for their beauty and practicality:
Box Braids:
Box braids are a popular choice for their protective qualities and ease of maintenance. These individual braids are sectioned into square-shaped parts, hence the name ‘box’, and can vary in size from small and delicate to large and bold. Box braids are a perfect way to keep hair neat and tangle-free.
Goddess Braids
Goddess braids are thicker and more pronounced than cornrows, offering a royal and sophisticated appearance. These braids can be styled in various ways, including wrapped around the head like a crown or gathered into an updo. It is a versatile option for formal events and everyday elegance.
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Ghana Braids
Ghana braids, also known as banana braids, are characterized by their gradual increase in size. Starting small at the hairline and becoming progressively thicker towards the back, Ghana braids often incorporate extensions for added length and volume.
Boxed Braids with Burned Ends
Boxed braids with burned ends are a practical variation of box braids. The ends of the braids are carefully burned to prevent unraveling, ensuring the longevity of the style. This technique also adds a unique texture to the overall look.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are incredibly fine and small, offering a lightweight and natural-looking hairstyle. Although time-consuming to create, micro braids are a beautiful choice for those seeking a subtle and intricate braided style.
Tree Braids
Tree braids are a less visible braiding style where the braids are concealed within the hair. This technique creates the illusion of loose, flowing hair while still providing the protective benefits of braiding.
Cornrows with Designs
Cornrows with designs take the traditional cornrow style to a new level of creativity. It incorporates shapes and patterns into the braiding process and allows for artistic expression and individuality.
Yarn Braids
Yarn braids use yarn instead of synthetic hair, offering a unique and cozy texture. Available in a wide range of colors, yarn braids are a fun and unconventional choice for those looking to stand out.
Tips to Maintaining Your Braids
To keep your braids looking fresh and to extend their lifespan, consider these maintenance tips:
- Moisturize Your Scalp: Keep your scalp and hair hydrated to prevent dryness and irritation. You can learn how to moisturize your hair while on braids below.
- Wash Your Braids Regularly: Clean your scalp and braids to avoid product buildup and maintain scalp health.
- Protect Your Braids at Night: Use a silk scarf to wrap your braids before bed to preserve the edges and preventing dryness.
- Avoid Wearing Tight Hairstyles: Reduce tension on your scalp by avoiding overly tight up-dos.
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To moisturize your hair while it’s in braids, you can follow these steps:
- Make a moisturizing spray by combining water, leave-in conditioner, and oil in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture onto your hair, focusing on the ends and working it through the braids.
- For the scalp, you can use aloe vera juice and apply a hair growth elixir on the edges if desired.
- Massage your scalp to help distribute the product and stimulate hair growth.
- Repeat this routine regularly, at least 2-3 times a week, to keep your hair and scalp hydrated and healthy.
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As we celebrate the diversity of African braids, let's not forget the essentials that complement our style- good foods! For all your African grocery needs, My Sasun African Market is your sure bet. We deliver to all states in the US and Canada, ensuring that you have access to authentic African products wherever you are. For those nearby, we welcome you to visit our stores in Celina and HoustonaQ. Trust in My Sasun African Market for a seamless shopping experience that honors our shared heritage.
