In the realm of Afro-textured hair, the approach of summer heralds a quest for the ultimate braiding styles. With soaring temperatures demanding effortlessly chic hairdos that endure the test of time, the allure of single-plaited hairstyles has never been stronger.
These meticulously crafted coiffures, involving meticulous partitioning and braiding of hair into intricate segments, boast impressive staying power spanning six to eight weeks. A single session with a skilled hairstylist can span anywhere from six to twelve hours, underscoring the quest for flawlessly etched arrays of lustrous plaits that stand resilient against time’s passage.
At the heart of this practice lies an intimate connection intertwining community and sisterhood. Tracing its origins to Africa, the tradition spans diverse expressions, from the distinctive Namibian Himba’s red-clay strands to the intricate Fulani braids adorning the Sahel region. Braiding encapsulates a powerful emblem of black heritage and identity, its history harking back to ancient Egypt where braided wigs, amalgamations of human hair, palm fibers, and wool, graced the elite; sacred tokens of divinity often interred with their proprietors.
The contemporary panorama of braided styles is a testament to the fluid nature of trends, mirroring the dynamic world of fashion. The evolution from ’90s pick-and-drop braids, as epitomized by Brandy, to Y2K-inspired French curls, as donned by Zoë Kravitz, exemplifies this ever-shifting landscape. Today’s most coveted styles artfully blend nostalgia and innovation.
Braiding itself encapsulates an intimate journey woven with camaraderie and shared moments. Personal experiences involve an array of braiders, from friends to cousins, mothers, and grandmothers. Some hairstylists grace homes with their expertise, while others warmly welcome clients into their own spaces, often accompanied by the shared joy of a Nollywood movie marathon. In a simple beauty routine, these encounters emerge as luminous highlights. It’s a process demanding careful consideration, for once committed to an eight-hour session, there’s no turning back. Here, we present four exemplary braid styles, each holding its unique allure.
1. French Curl Braids
Championed by luminaries such as Beyoncé, Laura Harrier, and influencers Temi and Tobi Ojora, the French Curl Braids have experienced a viral surge in popularity. This intricate style, characterized by slender plaits that cascade into effortless beachy waves, demands the finesse of an adept stylist. Amanda Nice & Neat London, favored by the Ojora sisters, stands as a choice destination. Key to mastering these braids is the precise knotting of each half-braid’s terminal end: too loose invites unraveling, while excessive tightness yields a bulky appearance. The charm of French Curl Braids resides in their versatility, with a seamless transition to a layered chop available when change beckons.
2. The Cornrow Updo
Founder of Hair Lounge, Charlotte Mensah, boasts an illustrious clientele featuring Erykah Badu, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Michaela Coel. Her recommendation: the Cornrow Updo, wherein hair is meticulously braided close to the scalp and elegantly fashioned into a regal bun. One incarnation, bedecked with shimmering freshwater pearls, garnered over 52,000 likes on Mensah’s Instagram. Functioning as an impeccable protective and low-maintenance choice, the longevity of cornrows is upheld through meticulous aftercare. Mensah prescribes the application of her Manketti oil to the scalp and ends bi-weekly, coupled with a finishing mist for the braids. A silk scarf or pillowcase aids in preserving the hair’s moisture and texture, thwarting dryness and brittleness.
3. Bohemian Goddess Braids
Shayna Dawes, the creative force behind Braid Bar Ldn, extols the “Boho Goddess Braids” for a relaxed aesthetic. This style unites carefree waves with fully and partially braided tresses. Commencing with knotless braids, a process gently infusing synthetic hair sans knotting at the roots, the look is enriched with kinked or curled extensions. Small sections of natural hair are subtly integrated into the ensemble. Dawes’ maintenance counsel encompasses regular scalp oiling with lightweight options like olive or carrot oil and bi-daily mousse application to tame flyaways. Caster oil, a potential culprit of product buildup, is to be avoided. Dawes’ endorsed elixirs encompass African Pride Olive Miracle, Mielle Rosemary Oil, ORS Olive Oil, and IC Fantasia Coconut Oil Mist.
4. Peekaboo Braids
For a dash of vibrant color, Peekaboo braids offer a novel approach, with nape-area braids contrasting distinctively from the rest. This technique harmoniously complements a spectrum of styles, simply incorporating differently hued braid sections to the rear rows. A prime foundation for this artistry is the Box Braids – single plaits shaped into boxes and fastened with top-of-plait knots. Glasgow-based salon Beauty Splendour’s founder, Promise Oke, emphasizes that Peekaboo braids function as a “sunshield” for natural hair, sheltering it within the embrace of plaited extensions. Notably, even while adopting this style, safeguarding the scalp with SPF remains imperative. A touch of sophistication can be added through beads and shells, lending an artistic flourish to the ensemble.
In summation, the arena of Afro-textured hair weaves a rich tapestry of artistry and identity, with braiding as a medium for self-expression. These diverse styles not only reflect the stylistic inclinations of their wearers but also encapsulate a deep-seated connection to heritage and communal bonds. As the seasons shift, these braids stand resolute, speaking to the enduring allure of artistry entwined with tradition.
