Thin afro braids. Do-it-yourself African braids. Bright afro braid motifs with threads

Afro braids are a hairstyle that every girl thinks about at least once in her life. After all, this is not only a bright way to temporarily change the image, but also one of the options to facilitate the process and reduce styling time.

Weaving African braids can be done both in the salon and at home. Most people are inclined to the first option; a professional will clearly be more reliable and more beautiful. After all this hairstyle You have to wear it from a month to three, you can spend money on such pleasure.

Types of Afro braids

Afro braids can hardly be called the same type, since there is a huge variety of their types. Everyone can choose what they like, they will not leave anyone indifferent.

  • Regular braids with a straight tip.
  • Ponytail - braids with curled ends
  • Wavy braids
  • Senegalese tourniquets
  • Patterned French braids.
  • Braids with large curls.

And this is just a small list of the most popular African braid destinations. In addition, many of the species also have their own subspecies, such as braids

zizi, which come in four types.

Afro braids step by step - it's easy

Braiding Afro braids is a fairly simple task, the only difficulty is time. Since creating such a hairstyle will take at least several hours, it all depends on the desired number of braids, and, of course, the skill of the braider. Weaving afro braids on yourself is quite inconvenient, so it is better to have an assistant in this matter.

A comb with fine teeth, special glue or silicone rubber bands - the minimum list necessary tools.

Of course, it is more convenient to braid afro braids on hair that is, so to speak, not the first freshness. They don't crumble as much and become smoother and more manageable. But it’s better to wash your hair before braiding and use styling products to moisturize.

Comb all the strands thoroughly.

We start weaving from the occipital area. Separate the first row from the bottom, collect the remaining curls so that they do not interfere. We take a strand of the intended thickness, divide it into three parts and intertwine it with each other in the most ordinary, simple, well-known way. We fix the tip with an elastic band or glue it together.

We braid all the braids in the row in the same way. We monitor their sizes, it is desirable that they all be the same thickness.

Separate the next row horizontally; its width should be equal to the thickness of the first row. We divide it into strands and braid the braids in a well-known way.

This is how we weave row after row and get a chic Afro braid hairstyle.

Even when braiding, it is important to give the braids the right direction; if you braid them upward, they will end up sticking out a little, and if you pull them down, they will fall more smoothly.

If your own length is not enough or you want bright motives

African braids are a hairstyle for everyone, even for fairly short hair there are options. For weaving, you can use kanekalon, zizi or yarn. These wonderful materials will not only lengthen your hair, but also add brightness and individuality to your hairstyle.

Afro braids with Kanekalon

Take a pack of Kanekalon of any color you like. We divide the material into particles approximately the thickness of a finger. For each of the braids we will need two curls of artificial material.

We take two particles of Kanekalon and form a loop from them. We attach the material to the base of the future braid and weave it together with the hair to the tip.

It is more difficult to make braids with Kanekalon than with just hair, because the material can slip and you need to get the hang of working with it, but the result justifies the effort.

Afro braids hairstyles

Afro braids do not always have to be worn down; they can be used to create many hairstyles. Quite attractive and most importantly on a quick fix.

When three months have passed

After the wear period has expired, or earlier, if you are tired of your afro braids, you will have to undo them. This must be done with extreme caution so as not to harm your hair. You can do this manipulation in the salon, or you can do it yourself, involving those around you and maximum patience. Since each braid must be carefully unraveled with a needle, so as not to tear the tangled hairs. Don’t be alarmed by the amount of hair that has fallen out; it’s quite normal for clumps of hair to come out of your braids. These are just dead hairs that have accumulated during wear, and not some kind of defect in the hairstyle.

African braids are the top hairstyle for everyday life and relaxation. That’s right, because by choosing braids we give ourselves several months without long styling sessions. The braids are bright and attractive, so you are guaranteed attention. And caring for them is quite simple, just wash the roots and scalp at least once every 10 days, without a hair dryer or balm.

The most enthusiastic and confident people love to look bright. And this manifests itself in different areas. Some choose original clothes, others experiment with hair. In order to express yourself, a hairstyle that has a non-standard look is enough. Girls with many braids on their heads will never get lost in the crowd.

This style is called "African braids". This name comes from the hairstyles of beauties from the corresponding country. There women have very thick and curly hair, and the only way to make it manageable is to braid it (African). Now this hairstyle is popular not only in that area. All over the world, women choose this method of hair styling.

Braiding in the salon

Many modern beauty salons offer braiding services. Thanks to the skilled fingers of the master, neat, thin braids will be braided in a couple of hours. The hairstyle lasts three months. Often, to speed up the process, two or three hairdressers work magic on the hair at the same time.

One begins to braid, the other finishes braiding. Thanks to this, everyone turns out the same, and the hairstyle looks neat. In the salon you can easily and quickly braid African braids. The price for this service is quite high - in the range of 70-170 dollars, depending on the length of the hair and the prestige of the salon.

It is the cost that forces beauties to look for alternative options. One of them is to do your hair yourself at home or ask a friend to help.

African braiding technique

Kanekalon curls are often used. It is similar in structure to natural hair, but much lighter in weight. This factor is very important, because Excessive stress has a bad effect on the scalp. A large selection of shades allows you to radically change the color of your existing hair.

How to secure braids

African braids can be secured at home using small silicone rubber bands. If artificial strands are woven, then simply dip the ends of the material in boiling water.

You can add ready-made short braids called “zizi” to your natural hair. They are used as corrugation and make it possible to make the hairstyle more voluminous, where the braids will be mixed with curls.

About the hairstyle "Zizi"

Weaving African braids using this method makes it possible to reduce the time needed to create a hairstyle. There is practically no need to braid your hair. They just need to be attached to the hair. The minimum hair length for this is 15 centimeters.

Zizi braids can be of the spiral type. This hairstyle is called "Zizi Sue".

Other types of African braids

Exists a large number of varieties of this hairstyle. For example, (African) corrugated braids are obtained by weaving into natural hair special corrugated material.

Ponytails don't trail until the very end. At a distance of 20 centimeters there remains a free curl, which is shaped like a small pony tail.

How to weave African braids in the “Curley” style? They are braided only at the base of the head for 15 centimeters, and then they are complemented by strands of synthetic material twisted in spirals. This hairstyle requires special care in the first days. The Curtin Twist curls are similar to the previous ones. The only difference is in the twisted strands at the ends of the braids.

Senegalese braids are made by twisting two strands together. This hairstyle is the most short-lived. African braids like these are easy to make at home.

Alternatively, you can weave blades. They are performed along the head. They can be classic or tracks in the form of various fantasy shapes.

The most famous braids are dreadlocks. It's not so much braiding as it is tangling the hair.

The materials used are not always synthetic - there are often both wool and cotton threads. Experts have already noted that when using threads there is more comfort in summer period. It's not as hot with them as with conecalone.

How to care for African braids

This hairstyle requires special attention, but caring for it is not too difficult. It is quite possible to tidy up African braids at home. It is best to wash your hair once a week.

While washing, you should beat the shampoo into a fluffy foam and wash your hair with it. Applying shampoo to braids is not recommended.

Hair should be rinsed with running water. No additional funds required.

Dry African braids without a hairdryer and in a lying position. Hot air can melt artificial curls, which can also damage natural hair. It is recommended to lie down so that the heavy, wet strands do not injure the hair roots.

African braids are kept on the head until the hair grows back at the roots. Afterwards, the hairstyle ceases to look neat and you will have to part with it.

African braids have been a summer hit for several years in a row. Bright, bold, charming hairstyles with afro braids are good for both little and old girls.

Bright afro braid motifs with threads

Weaving with threads is the simplest and affordable way. If desired and skillful, a similar hairstyle can be done at home, although the process itself will take quite a lot of time. Since it takes a professional about 6-8 hours, an amateur, or even more so a beginner, will have to spend half a day on this masterpiece.

What will you need?

For African braids with threads, we will need a comb, acrylic yarn in the desired colors and, of course, patience. By the way, it’s quite inconvenient to weave on yourself, especially the back of the head, so it wouldn’t hurt to have an assistant. It is possible for the braider to start braiding the braids, and the owner of the future afro braids to help by braiding the ends. Thus, with four hands, the weaving process is significantly accelerated.

We preferably take 100% acrylic threads, they do not shrink and do not fade as much as natural ones. We divide the yarn into strands. Each strand has three threads folded in half. The length of each strand should be 20-25 cm greater than the length of your own hair.

Select a section of hair for the first braid. The thinner the braids are, the better they will hold. We take the first strand of thread and form a weak knot in the place where they are folded.

We divide the part of the hair separated for the braid into three strands and put a knot on the first of them, tightening it tightly. We divide the threads into two for each hair strand and braid the braid in the usual way: first the left strand under the middle one, then the right one, and then the left one again, and so on until the very tip.

Excess length of thread can be removed by trimming with scissors.

African braids with threads option No. 2

Afro braids with threads can also be done with a tieback. It turns out quite interesting hairstyle from many tiny dragons. The main secret of this weaving is that the thinner the intertwined strands and tiebacks, the more beautiful the result.

Some may say that braids with threads are a thing of the past, braids with Kanekalon are in fashion these days, they are much safer, etc. and so on. But this statement is quite controversial and not fair. After all, braids with threads have a number of advantages. They are more accessible and simple; it is much easier to weave with thread than to work with the same kanekalon. Braids with threads are more durable and less likely to fall apart, making them an excellent option for a beach hairstyle. You shouldn't wear them for 3 months; a few weeks of walking with them will be enough. And you will enjoy the convenience of afro braids and there will be no harm to your hair. And in the end, it is worth noting that braids intertwined with threads have their own unique and inimitable charm. No other weaving material can replace them. And that's a fact.

Braids, or as they are usually called, Afro braids (African braids), have been popular among the fair sex for a long time. They have become in demand due to the original look of this hairstyle and the absence of the need for grueling styling.

Many girls wonder how to properly braid African braids at home? This is possible if you comply step by step instructions and showing patience.

Types of African braids

African braids can be done in various types, each of which will require the use of imagination when working with hair. The hairstyle allows you to experiment with hair color and length. Whatever type of African braids a girl chooses, she can create it at home. The most popular types are:

  • African straight braids;
  • Thai braids;
  • zizi, woven from a pre-made braid;
  • French braids with a pattern;
  • Sinegalese tourniquets. The principle of their weaving is to braid the strands together;
  • wavy African braids;
  • twisted African braids;
  • Curly's large curls;
  • pony tail;
  • zizy sue.

Classic African braids are a large number of small braids, which are woven by hand. African braids are made using point weaving with additional weaving of canicalon (artificial hair) or threads. These African braids are woven evenly and are secured at the ends with a strong strand, pulled into a tight knot and secured with invisible glue. The smaller the thickness of the resulting braids, the more valued the hairstyle is, and the wearing time will increase significantly. If a woman has her own hair with a length of at least six centimeters, then she can braid her own hair. If the length does not allow this, canicalon overlays are used.

Zizi

Zizi is the weaving of pre-prepared material into natural hair. To perform the hairstyle, it will be necessary that natural hair does not exceed twenty centimeters in length. It is at this length that the false braids will be easier to weave, and the overall appearance of the hairstyle will become more natural. If a girl has too long hair, then it is recommended to abandon this hairstyle and choose the most suitable one. suitable look African braids. At home, these African braids can be performed within four hours. Such braids will decorate a woman for three and sometimes four months.

Zizi Sue's hairstyle is reminiscent of zizi braiding, but differs from it in one nuance - African braids are curled along all lengths. Such braids are suitable for those women who do not have the natural length and volume of hair, but would really like it. Such curls will delight the owner of the hairstyle for more than two months.


The name of the hairstyle "dreadlocks" is translated from in English, like terrifying curls. The hairstyle is braided into multiple strands and is not combed. Naturally, the curls themselves form the shape characteristic of this hairstyle. No styling or combing required.


Translated into Russian, the name of this hairstyle means “pony tail,” and it really does vaguely resemble it. The difference between these braids and classic African and other types is that a ponytail is left at the end of the braiding. Such African braids are woven not from canelon, but from an artificial material called “pony”. The length of the curl at the end of the braid is independently adjustable. Usually a pony tail is made with a length of twenty-five centimeters. The time required to complete such work will be about six hours.

Sinegalese plaits differ from other weaving options in that they consist of only two strands, and not three, as in classic African weaving. The two twisted strands should be intertwined with each other and with the opposite side, and secured tightly at the ends. The duration of weaving such African flagella is at least six hours at home. It is important to note the peculiarity of the hairstyle - fragility.


This type of hairstyle is performed on short hair, because artificial hair should fit snugly to the place of weaving and look like a curl. If you look at these African braids from a distance, they can be confused with the wet effect of chemicals. The curl for future braids is chosen independently; it can be small or large. The period of wearing such hair is up to four months.

This braiding method consists of African braids curled into ringlets. Braiding type: figure eight fastening to hair. It is this weaving that is characterized by a gentle composition for the hair, and a special impregnation helps the hairstyle keep its curl shape throughout the entire wear period, which ranges from one and a half to two months.


DIY African braiding technique

The technique requires a lot of patience and strength when weaving one hundred and fifty, and sometimes three hundred African braids on your head. Of course, a master in a beauty salon will do the braiding much faster, without the participation of the future owner of the hairstyle. But what to do if you want to do weaving yourself? Of course, get to work according to the step-by-step instructions.

Before starting work, you need to take care of the tools that will create African braids on your head: a comb, false curls or threads, glue for braids and small rubber bands. Maybe a friend will help you weave, then the time needed to create African braids will be reduced by several hours.

When starting work, you need to consistently follow the technique.

The first weaving method

  1. Before braiding, you need to slightly wet your hair and comb it thoroughly.
  2. The surface of the head must be mentally divided into squares. It is recommended to select the first line and mark the spaces where the African braids will be located (this will affect the density). An African braid will be woven from each square.
  3. The strand is divided into three parts, fixing the side strands with the little fingers and the central one with the index finger. Braiding is done as in a regular braid to the selected length. Weaving is carried out in both reverse and direct ways, it depends on habit.
  4. After braiding, the braids are secured with elastic bands.
  5. After each braid, you need to try to speed up the braiding process.
  6. Braiding on the head should be continued until all the strands are braided.

It is important to know that weaving should be done with the same tension so that African braids do not differ in appearance.

Second weaving method

The weaving method is the same as described above, but with the difference that a vacation thread is added to the natural hair. It is installed in such a way that natural hair is wrapped in it. After this, hard work is done with your hands, as in the first method.

The third way to create braids

The method is reminiscent of weaving African braids, as in the French ear. The work is performed in the following sequence:

  1. The strand is separated from the beginning of the forehead to the back of the head.
  2. The workpiece is divided into three parts and intertwined.
  3. After weaving, you need to pick up a strand on the right and place it on the one you are going to cover.
  4. The same actions are performed on the left side.
  5. The spikelet braid is braided to the selected level, and the free ends are intertwined without catching the strands from the sides.
  6. The same steps are repeated on all remaining strands.

This method of weaving African braids in the French style is sometimes performed with artificial strands.

Caring for African braids

After a girl becomes the owner of luxurious Afro braids, she should remember that they require careful care. Exactly from proper care It will depend on how long African braids will look beautiful on your head.

African braids are often created from synthetic materials and therefore the hair should not be exposed to high temperatures. It is prohibited to use tongs, curling irons and other devices that heat the surface of the hair. When visiting a bathhouse or solarium, your hair should be covered with a towel.

How to properly wash hair braided in African braids?

Of course, you need to wash your hair, but you need to carry out this procedure with special responsibility for your strands.

Experienced hairdressers advise creating African braids on your head as thin as possible, then they will last much longer than those that have an increased thickness at the base and throughout the strands.

Tips for washing your hair will help you carry out the procedure correctly:

  • It is not recommended to wash your hair more than once every nine days. Washing your hair every day is strictly prohibited;
  • The choice of shampoo should be a transparent one with a gel base. This will avoid white lumps between the strands and the effect of carelessly washed hair;
  • the use of conditioners and rinses will harm the hairstyle, so you only need to use shampoo;
  • African braids will retain their shape if the washing process is carried out while standing in the shower, and not with your head down. It is better to braid small African braids into several large braids, so they will be subject to less stress from water and friction with your hands;
  • Before washing, the shampoo is foamed in a separate container and rubbed into the scalp with smooth movements. Much attention is paid to the base of the hair, where residual sebum and dust accumulate;
  • After washing, wring out the hair with a dry towel. To do this, use towels with the greatest absorbency;
  • African braids should not be wiped with a towel; such friction will cause the hairstyle to lose its blooming appearance;
  • You can dry your hair with a hairdryer using the warm air setting.

In addition to tips for washing Afro braids, there are also important points for caring for this hairstyle:

    1. You need to dry your hair completely and do not go to bed with a wet head. Night with wet hair cannot be carried out - this will lead to excessive growth of bacteria on the head.
    2. Hair balms and masks are prohibited while wearing this hairstyle. They collect a lot of dust and spoil the appearance of African braids.
    3. The use of washcloths in hair care is not recommended. This can damage thin African braids.

Many of us from time to time want sudden changes in life, as well as in appearance. If you're not ready to cut off your long braids, there are other ways you can show off your personal style.

We invite you to learn how to weave African braids by doing it yourself.

There are about a dozen types of African braids. Some have purely masculine features, others are exclusively a hairstyle for the fairer sex. We will focus on the most popular, relevant, fashionable varieties of our time.

Classic

The traditional version of African braids is the oldest method, which is distinguished by the absence of the use of kanekalon, and also without the addition of curls. This is a simple and inexpensive way to liven up your image for those who don’t yet know how to weave Afro braids.

Pony tail

A funny variety in which the African braiding is interrupted in the second third of the length of the hair, giving way to a curled curl reminiscent of the tail of a miniature pony.


These braids combine ethnic appeal with a touch of glamour, thanks to the curled ends.

Senegal

The peculiarity of this type of African braid hairstyle is the use of two rather than three strands.


Due to the fact that such afro braiding is the least durable, quite often it is decorated with artificial threads that firmly grip the hair from above, thus maintaining its shape. In addition, thanks to multi-colored threads, the black color of your mane will look more advantageous.

Curley

The hairstyle is a combination in which African-American braids abruptly turn into large curls, often made from artificial materials.

This hairstyle will require careful care and extremely gentle handling, which makes it difficult daily life, taking up a lot of time.

Zizi

Zizi's Afro braids are synthetic ready-made braids that are woven into natural hair.


An undeniable advantage is the huge selection of colors and the ability to create a hairstyle of any length. African Zizi braids are often performed on short hair.

Dreadlocks

This American type is popular in Bob Marley's homeland.


Its peculiarity can be considered thickened strands, the use of traumatic methods of creating strands, with tearing the hair, twisting it into tight knots. As a rule, after afro braids and dreadlocks, hair cannot be restored. Traditionally, men's dreadlocks can be seen more and more often on girls these days.

Weaving technique

It will be useful to know how to make African braids at home, even if you plan to entrust this important task to a qualified specialist.

Before starting, you should not wash your hair for 2 or 3 days. This will protect the hair roots from weakening and hair loss from the hair follicles.

Even if you plan to do African braids on short hair, follow this rule to keep your hair growth and thickness unchanged.

  • To create a hairstyle, you will need about 250-300 braids, which will be braided in a salon, most likely by two hairdressers at the same time. In this case, the time required will be from 4 to 9-10 hours. On long hair it will take more time.

  • To create multi-colored strands, a special artificial material is used - kanekalon.
    This is a light and smooth-to-touch thread that is woven along the entire length of the hair. Its use is especially relevant when afro braids are needed for short hair.

  • The hair is carefully combed along its entire length and divided into strands of equal width.
  • A Kanekalon thread is fixed at the base of the strand or a braid is made from natural hair.
  • At the very tip of the braid, they are secured with a special thin elastic band or tied with a piece of kanekalon.

Building a home - pros and cons

If you are planning to weave African braids at home, find out in advance as much information as possible about everything related to this topic.

We want to mention the most important points that you should pay attention to when deciding to take this step.

pros

  • Relatively cheap. You don't have to pay for expensive services from a specialist. Afro braids at home will require spending your time and purchasing the necessary accessories.

  • Element of creativity. You can decide for yourself directly during weaving what color or material to choose, in what sequence to weave this or that shade and in which direction to start weaving the strands.

Minuses

  • A huge waste of time. Get ready for the fact that you will have to spend at least 8, or even 12 hours, in order to braid African braids. During this time, you will have time to get pretty tired and hungry, but you will no longer be able to quit what you started.

  • Uneven thickness. This often happens with beginners. At first, your braids are more or less the same thickness, and then you start to rush and make new ones thicker, capturing more hair. Thus, your hairstyle takes on the masculine, scruffy features of a Jamaican Rastafarian.

We take proper care

In order for your hairstyle to look not only original, but also neat, it is important to understand how to care for your transformed hair.

  • Experts agree that caring for hair with such a hairstyle comes down to weekly shampooing. There is no point in washing it more often, since it does not get dirty as much as if it is loose. There is little point in treating your hair with a mask or balm.


But for greater shine, you can apply a little special oil to the surface. Men's hair, for example, when using African thread braids, requires even less care and is limited to weekly washing.

  • You should visit saunas, beaches, and solariums with caution. High temperatures, chlorinated water, ultraviolet light can change the color and texture of artificial threads. Therefore, before making African braids with the addition of artificial strands, consider this point.

  • It is important to understand that hair straighteners, hot air from a hair dryer, curling irons, and other devices with heating elements are strictly contraindicated for afro-braids decorated with artificial strands.

How to unweave


As you can see, caring for hair, and even more so for afro braids, is associated with a lot of restrictions. Sooner or later there comes a time when you want to change your hairstyle.


It is best to learn how to do this correctly before braiding your hair. This can be done at home, but it is best to leave it to professionals.


Changing your hairstyle always comes with the expectation of change. Often they occur not only in appearance, but also in personal life. Let your changed hair entail only pleasant and happy changes in life!