More Braids: Crochet Braids

After finishing up the list on braids and twists, I was asked about other types not on the list. So today, we go over another classic: crochet braids.

Back in the day, you would get your cornrows done. Then head down to the local beauty supply store and pick up a few bags of S or Z braids. Using a latch hook (you did remember to get one of those too?), you install each strand along the cornrow. And viola! You've got a head full of braids in a quarter of the time.

Nowadays, you can still use those S and Z braids which run about $1-$2 a bag. Or you can upgrade to better quality crochet hair with every type of curl, wave, twist, and kink (don't forget straight!). These start around $5 and run up to $10 a pack. The latch hook usually costs $1.

If you are wanting a short style using crochet hair, purchase 2-3 packs and cut the hair in half. For longer styles, you'll want to get 4-6 packs.

Have a blessed weekend!

Hair Care for Braids and Twists

You want to get your braids or twists on after seeing how great it looks on somebody else. You got your shopping list together using our handy braids and twists list. But before you get them installed, you should check the current state of your natural hair. Make sure it is full of moisture using a deep conditioner and strong with protein using a protein treatment. Like the song goes, "the foolish man built his house upon the sand... and the house on the sand fell flat!"  If your foundation (natural hair) isn't strong enough to hold the weight of the building (braids or twists), it too will fall flat (fall out as in your natural hair).

The braiding hair you buy may contain an alkaline base. We know this can wreck havoc with our natural hair because our hair is slightly acidic. This may explain why some people complain about the allergic reaction to wearing synthetic hair. By soaking the synthetic braiding hair in water and vinegar, it should reduce the pH level and the itching.

When braiding your edges like the temples or hairline, I say don't. The hair is very fragile compared to the rest of your hair. It cannot hold as much weight which would cause it to fall out. Or you may pull it too tight which would also cause it to fall out. This baldness pattern is called traction alopecia. And it is not hereditary. So don't braid up your edges. Period. Use some edge gel instead. I recommend Hicks Edges and Olive Oil Edge Control.

Once your braids are in, you may think you are done with your hair care and maintenance routine. Wrong! You still need to shampoo and condition your hair under those braids. For the shampooing and cleaning part, dilute your shampoo and rub it into your scalp and roots using your fingers. Rinse well. Follow up with a deep conditioner. Again use your fingers but concentrate your efforts on your natural hair only, from roots down to your ends (try not to waste any conditioner on your fake hair tho). And no need to condition your scalp. Let it sit for 30 minutes or so and rinse well.

The shampoo and deep condition routine should be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. For daily maintenance, I suggest a good braid spray or leave-in conditioner spray for your natural hair and the braids. Also, because your scalp is over-exposed at the parts, using a light hair oil can keep your scalp from feeling dry and itchy.

At night, braid your braids up into large loose sections and tuck under a satin bonnet. Use a satin pillowcase too. This will prevent the frizzing and dryness that cotton pillowcases cause. Make sure to take down your braids after 6-8 weeks to allow your new growth to rest and regain its strength.

Have a blessed week!

Types of Braids and Twists

"What kind of hair do I need for __________?"

I hear this question all the time, and it is usually about braids, twists, or locs. So today, I wanted to go through the various types to serve as a reference list you can refer to later.

Box Braids

Box braids is what you wore when you were a kid. It is considered old school, traditional, or a classic. It gets its name from the box-shaped sections of hair. You can use any type of braiding hair. Synthetic hair ($1) is the cheapest. You can burn the ends or let them hang. You can wear them thick or thin, long or short, black, brown, blonde, red, etc. Using a higher quality synthetic, like Kanekalon, allows you to dip the hair in hot water with rods for even more versatility.

Marley Braids

The is the second most common braids, or more accurately twists. Another common name for this type is called kinky twists. You should only use the coarser Marley hair made with Kanekalon ($5-$6). Keep the thickness around the same as traditional box braids.

Senegalese Twists

This type is thinner than kinky twists and resembles a rope hence the other common term for it: rope twists. You should only use 100% Kanekalon bulk hair ($2-$3) or Marley hair. Using the coarser Marley hair achieves the same look with less bulk. And less bulk means less weight.

Havana Twists

This twist goes in the opposite direction to the Senegalese. They are large, chunky, and very trendy. You must use Marley hair, several bags of it actually. But it'll be worth it!

Did I miss one? Please let me know in the comments.

Have a blessed weekend!