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The Best Braids Hairstyles - African Braids Pictures

Updated on October 13, 2013
weavesandbraids profile image

I am an African Woman and almost always have my hair in weaves and braids. I am an enthusiast and write about it.

I love braids. I have had on every conceivable style of braids. I have had my hair done up in box braids, tree braids, twists, watermelon, ghana weaving and even the basic cornrows.

The best braid hairstyle is undoubtedly one you are comfortable with and yet looks classy.

It was assumed that braids were a hairstyle for women, but in recent years, celebrities have shown us that the braids look works well for both sexes.

Braids are an alternative to weaves. Both hairstyles are easier to manage than your average African American head of hair. Of the two, braids hairstyles keep you more in touch with your roots.

Large box braids. Can be done in a hurry, but you need medium to long hair
Large box braids. Can be done in a hurry, but you need medium to long hair | Source

Box Braids

Box Braids are the most usual style referred to as braids.

Box braids are stand alone individual braids. Take your mind back to Brandy in her hey days.

Those braids that are not woven to the scalp but stand lone and free are box braids.

The girl in the picture has her hair done in big box braids.

They are easy to do, and anyone with a basic knowledge of braiding and hair parting can get it done.

The disadvantage is that the style does not last for long when it is that big.

The way to go for box braids is to make them really small - micro braids.

Micro Braids - the best braids style

When you see an African-American women with tiny braids that are so well done they look like a weave, the chances are that you are observing micro braids.

The hairstyle is difficult to make, no mistake about that.

It takes two professional hair stylists the better part of the day to make micro braids for one person.

Micro braids are labor intensive and expensive but they are one of the best braids hairstyles.

The picture of micro braids here shows a work in progress.

At the end the stylist will trim off rough edges and finish off the braids either with hot water or a hot dryer.

Advantages of Micro Braids

These versatile hairstyle is loved and counted as one of the best braids hairstyles for many reasons.

1. Micro braids, although ardous to make are longlasting. When properly cared for micro braids can last as long as three months.

2. Micro braids are versatile. You an take them up, let them down, curl them ar simply leave them hanging free.

Box braids with an attitude
Box braids with an attitude | Source

Avoiding Hair Damage

Use a professional.

If you feel the braids are too tight, loosen a few on the hairline.

Clean your braids at least once a month.

Do not carry box braids for more than three months.

Give your hair a breather between braids.

3. Micro braids are easy to maintain.

An infrequent cleaning ( at least once a month) as well as regular brushing and occasional moisturizing are all you need.

Disadvantages of Micro Braids

Braids could lead to hair damage.

Micro braids are made by parting the hair into small sections and braiding it with hair extensions.

The nature of the joint of natural hair and add on hair majorly determines how long the hair will remain neat.

This tightness stresses the hair and could lead to hair loss.

Bob Marley

All over Africa especially West Africa, box braids are called Bob Marley.

Named after the signature locks of Reggae artists.

We love the style because you can keep it on for a long time.

As it ages, if you keep brushing the front, box braids begins to resemble dread locks - hence the term Bob Marley hairstyle.

Source

Why Box braids are the Best Hairstyle

Micro Braids also called Cotonou or a million braids are the best way to carry your hair in braids.

The choice of hair extensions - short/long, colored/hair color, straight/texturized, allows you to add variety to the hairstyle.

The hair is long lasting and easy to maintain. If you have not tried it before, book an appointment and get your hair done up in box braids.

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