Braids Hairstyles: Rasta Braids Styling Ideas & Tips
Braids hairstyles: Rasta braids styling ideas & tips
Mini braids, thin braids, rasta braids: what are braids?
Braids are the generic term for permanently braided hair. Braided hairstyles are simply called braids in English. Braids include cornrows, twists and rasta braids. Braids are worn everywhere. In Europe, they are sometimes more, sometimes less fashionable. In Africa, the hairstyles have a long tradition and are ideal for taming Afro hair. In the USA, far more men wear braid hairstyles than in this country. The braids can vary in length and thickness . This also determines how long the hairstyle lasts.
Where do braids come from?
Braids have always been a part of black culture and in African communities they often symbolise membership of a particular ethnic group. The origins go back to 3,500 BC in Egypt.
What hair length for braid hairstyles?
The longer the hair, the better the braids will hold. You can have braids braided from a hair length of 5 cm . However, they look better when the hair is at least 10-15 cm long. Long braids can later be worn in a casual bun or ponytail. However, the fresh braids should initially be loosely gathered into a plait or worn loose. The scalp needs a familiarisation phase.
Tip: You can also have extensions made of synthetic or human hair woven in.
Who can wear braids?
In principle, braids are suitable for all hair types and can be worn by both men and women. However, anyone who often has headaches or even migraines should avoid braid hairstyles. The tight braiding can favour headaches. Men and women with hair loss should also say no to braids.
How much does it cost to have braids braided at the hairdresser?
Depending on the condition, texture and thickness of your hair, it costs between 300 and 700 euros to have braids braided by a hairdresser. The thicker and longer the hair, the more this look costs. If you have additional synthetic hair braided in, it becomes even more expensive. Braids last between eight weeks and four months. Mini braids, i.e. narrow braids, last longer.
Do braids damage the hair?
On the contrary. Braids are gentle on the hair, especially Afro hair. This is because it doesn't have to be restyled every day. If you want to make your own hair look more voluminous, you can also have artificial hair woven in as extensions. If the braids are done professionally and the hair is well cared for in this braided state, they hardly damage the hair.
Do braids hurt?
As well as sitting for a long time during the braiding procedure, it can hurt a little. After all, the hair is braided very close to the scalp. In order for it to hold, it needs a certain amount of tensile strength when braiding. After a few hours, the back of the neck can also hurt and sleeping with all the braids can take some getting used to at first. If extensions made of synthetic hair have also been braided in, the scalp has to get used to the extra weight.
Tip: Wrap a scarf around your head when you sleep.
Caring for braids - here's how
Delicately braided hair takes longer to dry. Washing and caring for it also takes a little more effort and time. Although there is no need for daily styling if you have cornrows, for example, your hair needs a lot of attention in the form ofmoisturising and conditioning agents.
Wash braids properly
The hair only needs to be washed once a week , that's enough. This way they are not rubbed unnecessarily and last longer. A transparent shampoo without silicone ensures that no visible residue remains in the hair. Do not work the shampoo into the braids, but massage it into the scalp between the braids. The water will rinse the shampoo through the hair without making the braids frizzy. It is important that the hair is rinsed out very well.
Scalp care
You should also take care of your scalp. This is because the scalp can be uncomfortably itchy or tight at first. To prevent it from becoming unbalanced, you can pamper it with special serums. Or fill a spray bottle with hair tonicto soothe irritated areas.
Drying braids
- It is best to wring out the hair carefully.
- Then wrap a large microfibre towel or T-shirt around the braids.
- Then leave the hair to air dry.
- You can blow-dry the roots a little. As always, don't forget to use heat protection, otherwise the heat from the hairdryer will damage the cuticle.
Extra care tip: Hair care
Braids only look well-groomed if they shine beautifully and there are no stubborn hairs sticking out of the hairstyle. Silicone-free leave-in conditioners in the form of sprays are ideal for smoothing the cuticle layer, which is responsible for the shine. For dry ends, top fluids or hair oil can help. A pillow made of silk or satin or a scarf wrapped around the hair as a turban for sleeping is gentle on the hair structure and the braids.
Summer, sun, braids
Part of the scalp is exposed, especially with cornrows. This should always be protected from the sun. There are now special summer care products for hair and scalp - with light protection filters. It's easier with a sun hat or scarf. The main aim is to avoid sunburn on the scalp. Salt and chlorinated water should also be avoided on braids. If it does happen, a thorough wash and intensive care process should be carried out afterwards. Otherwise the braids will quickly turn into dreads.
