Are you in search of a practical hair or hairstyle for everyday life that also inspires power, strength and representativeness? If so, you are in the right place, because today our subject is the afros braids.
The afros braids have that name because of their origin, since they were used by black Africans and then spread throughout the world over the years.
Today they are used by people of various styles, however, they still carry symbologies and meanings that value and praise the black culture.
You want to know more about it? Then keep reading this post and know a lot more about the afros braids, plus models and hairstyles to inspire you. Check it out!
Afros Braids
The afros braids used to be dressed in a not very pleasant way, loaded with myths and untruths that took away the value of such beautiful and ancestral hair.
However, over the years they have conquered their space and acceptance, especially in the world of fashion, and thus today has become valued and a sign of style.
And as mentioned earlier, they are very common in Africa, where they have symbologies, designs and meanings that differ and can demonstrate various aspects of society, such as social class, stage of life, or even mark special dates, such as marriages and periods of transformation.
In Brazil, these models of braids arrived with the blacks brought to the country, who even in extreme situations, maintained customs and the culture of hairstyles.
And at that time, more than a simple hairstyle, the afros braids with an emphasis on nagô were very useful, as they helped to mark and design paths and escape routes, facilitating the route to the quilombos, places where blacks took refuge.
And even with the passing of this period, blacks continued to use braids as a sign of strength, recognition and appreciation of their ancestry, because it was with this knowledge and act so subtle that thousands of blacks survived, forming the free and mixed society that we know today.
And so the afros braids have survived and are stronger, making the heads of several people who identify with style and meaning.
And the afros braids can be divided into three categories, the box braids also known as loose braids, the twist and the root or nagô braids, made very tightly to the scalp, creating designs and geometric shapes.
Learn more about each one!
Types of Braids Afros
As previously mentioned, the afros braids are divided between the loose, twist and the nagô, where each one has a different making technique and results.
Both can be made in men and women, combining with various styles and occasions.
They are also easier to do on curly or curly hair, due to the texture of the natural threads that hold the hair with greater grip and durability.
Loose Braids
Loose braids or box braids are those made from your own hair and may contain synthetic or natural hair applications.
Generally these braids are used by those who seek to increase the length efficiently and durably, because they are practical and versatile in everyday life, enabling easy and powerful hairstyles that change the whole look.
To make the braids loose it is possible to use different fibers such as jumbo, kanekalon, silk yarn, wool and even crochet line, allowing innovations in colors and textures.
And the options of colors and finishes, certainly are differential of this type of braiding, since it is possible to make them of various thicknesses from thin to thick and bulky.
Generally, they last in the hair about 3 months.
See some inspirations!
Fine Afros Braids
The fine afros braids can be used in all lengths and colours, but when finished they have less volume, making the head closer.
So, if you like this style, invest in fine braids and for a change, create hairstyles that transform and enhance the look every day.
Thick Afros Braids
Thick braids are ideal for those who like more volume and height in hair style, however they can weigh and upset the scalp in the first days after preparation.
Therefore, if it is the first time you put the braids on, take care with the thickness and also the quantity of the threads, avoiding discomfort.
At first, choose the finest braids and especially the lightest and most comfortable materials.
Twist Afros Braids
The twist style braids are made in such a way that the threads are not interlaced but twisted, creating a spiral shape along the weave, similar to the twist and therefore the name of the hairdo.
They are usually thicker, creating more height and volume to the hairdo, and can also be used in all lengths and colours.
With this, if you want a different look and full of attitude, the twist braids can be perfect for you!
Root or Nagô Braid Afros
The root or nagô braids are those made with the hair itself, so that they are very close and tight, creating designs, lines and geometric shapes with the wires.
This type of braid can be used by both men and women, covering all or only part of the head, creating original and super stylish hairstyles.
And because they are fair, in the first days after they are made it is possible to feel discomfort and sensitivity in the scalp, but as time goes by, they become more comfortable and allow a lot of practicality and agility in your daily life.
They can be made in long or short hair and if you wish, you can also take extensions in length.
The process of making these braids takes on average 6 hours to complete and lasts about 2 months, time in which the hair from the root begins to grow, loosening the hairs and increasing the effect frizz.
Hairstyles with Afros Braids
By using afros braids it is possible to create modern, stylish and powerful hairstyles that enhance and enhance female black beauty in an easy and perfect way for everyday life.
Know some options!
High Coke
The high coke is one of the most used hairstyles nowadays, because it creates an elegant and modern air, ideal to be composed with more daring looks and big accessories, like earrings and necklaces.
And it was made with the afros braids that gained even more prominence, due to the volume and height achieved, leaving the look empowered and great for several occasions of the day.
And in case you have an important event or occasion with social outfit, this hairstyle is a perfect option for combination, stretching your neck and lap, besides raising your self-esteem.
Low Coke
The low coke is a very modern hairstyle and ideal to be used with elegant and social looks.
This is because it values the contour of the face as well as the profile, neck and accessories that can be combined.
To make this hairdo, just make a low ponytail, which can be attached with its own braids and then the length is wrapped around this attached part.
This hairstyle is sure to make you look sophisticated and modern.
Horsetail
The ponytail is a hairstyle used by all women, in the most varied types of hair and therefore it also enters the list of models with afros braids.
It is simple and practical to make and wear, composing in a balanced way, both more elegant looks and the outfits.
It can be attached with a clip or with the braid itself, allowing more freedom and versatility in hair production throughout the day.
Semi Trapped
Hairstyles with semi attached or loose parts is a very beautiful style for African braids, because they have ideal volume and height, which leave the style balanced and empowered.
And that hairstyle can be done with both loose braids and nagô style.
With nagô or root braids, the hairdo gains a lot of personality, as it values the volume, look and texture of natural hair, creating an authentic and strong look.
It can be used on all occasions, especially formal parties and events.
Side Prisoner
The afros braids can be attached on the side, both on the loose model and on the nagô, creating beautiful hairstyles, worked in detail and with a lot of style.
By using nagô braids on the side of the head it is possible to leave parts of the natural hair loose, valuing the beauty of curly or frizzy hair and also allowing authenticity, strength and representativeness of black culture.
Drawings and Formats
And among the hairstyles with more details, the Nagô braids gain prominence, because in them it is possible to create drawings, lines and geometric shapes that leave the creative look, dynamic and practical to be used in everyday life.
Wedding Braid Hairstyles
If you have afros braids and are looking for beautiful and sophisticated hairstyles to use at parties and weddings, we brought some suggestions for you.
This is because hair with braids also has a lot of elegance and style, composing strong and powerful looks that are sure to attract attention for its beauty and attitude.
And to further enhance it is possible to add accessories such as cleats and trimmings that will leave the hairstyle exclusive and with an authorial touch.
Afros Braid Care
Like all types of hair, afros braids also need to be cared for so that they have good durability and do not damage the natural threads when removed.
With this, see some tips!
- Wash hair and scalp at most twice a week and always use anti-residue and salt-free shampoos, avoiding damage and drying of natural hair;
- When washing, also do not pass the shampoo directly on the threads, always apply with a sprayer the shampoo diluted in water, this will facilitate the cleaning process;
- Do not apply moisturizing masks to the scalp, as this can generate accumulation of products and dandruff, so once a week pass vegetable oils, such as coconut or castor oil with the aid of a cotton wool on the scalp, without rubbing or soaking. This will promote hydration while the hair is still braided, facilitating the removal;
- Never leave the braids moist and wet for long periods, especially at the coldest times of the year avoiding weakening, bad smell and accumulation of bacteria; and
- Always put on a scarf before bed or a satin or silk pillowcase, avoiding friction which can damage the appearance and finish of the braids more easily.
Did you like our tips and inspirations of afros braids? Then comment and tell us what you think!
