Afro braids: types, hairstyles and several step by step!

Afro braids: types, hairstyles and several step by step!

Over time, braid variations gained new versions and today the hairstyle is an icon of fashion and beauty.

And for those who want to adopt one of the afro braid styles, but still have doubts about which model and/or type to choose, the post has all the information and tips on how to do several versions of braids.

Types of Afro Braids: Characteristics and Differences

Box Braids / Kanekalon

The famous Box Braids or Kanekalon are hair extensions with synthetic braids.

This type of synthetic thread is often used to lengthen locks, and is a great bet to use during hair transition.

Among these extensions there are two versions with different characteristics:

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1. Jumbo: the so-called jumbo extensions are brighter versions, which makes them a little different from natural hair. This version is easier to find and the price is cheaper, which makes it a good option for those who don't want to spend a lot on extensions. 

   

   

   

   

2. Kanekalon: the name is already quite popular, but actually Kanekalon is a Japanese brand of hair extensions. Kanekalon yarns are synthetic but very similar to natural hair. The result is that the braids, even with extensions, look natural. This closer to natural look is reflected in the price, which is more expensive than the jumbo versions.

 

How to put synthetic threads step by step

To give a little help to those who are thinking about adopting the look with box braids, in the video there is a tutorial on how to put on the extension step by step.

 

 

Nagô / Root / Rasteira 

In this type of hairstyle with braids, there is a wide variation of names, but they all refer to the same style of cornrows.

Nagô braids are composed of several braids that start from the root and are fixed to the scalp. The braid can be only on the root part, or stretch along the entire length.

Among the root/nagô braiding styles, there is a huge variety of possibilities for hairstyles and designs that braiding can form on the scalp.

 

How to do a nagô/root braid – step by step

 

 

Crochet braids / Crochet braids

The name of this type of braid refers to this afro braid style.

The crochet braid / crochet braid is named after the way it is done. To make the braid, you need to use a hook similar to a crochet needle, which “sews” the synthetic threads to the natural hair.

The synthetic strands are placed at the root along with the natural strands, lengthening the hair in a natural way.

This process of using crochet braids requires special maintenance and care, and the extension lasts around 4 to 8 weeks.

 

How to crochet braid step by step

If you intend to use the crochet braiding technique to place the hair extensions, just follow the video step by step.

 

Twist / Tornado 

The twist or tornado braid, as it is also called, is a different style from traditional braids. This type of braiding is done with two strands, which differs from the more traditional versions, which are made from 3 strands.

Tornado braids are made in thin strands and are twisted, which gives a different effect to the braid, which resembles a braided rope and looks beautiful!

The twist style does not hold the braids at the root, like the nagô, and is one of the options for those who want loose afro braids.

How to do a twist braid step by step

 

 

Rastafari

 

Rastafarian style is well known, and the name is used to classify many braid styles.

The term rastafarian is not just a style of braiding, but refers to the cornrows worn throughout the entire hair; being them nagô style (root braids) or loose.

To use this term, it is necessary that the braids start from the root and continue until the length of the strands. 

 

How to do dreadlocks step by step

 

Photos and Models of Hairstyles with Afro Braids

loose long hair

There are several ways to use cornrows along the locks, and it is worth using only the natural strands or resorting to synthetic extensions (box braids).

In this case, the bet was on the jumbo strands that leave the hair very long, and the cornrows were done from the root, but leaving it loose.

 

More pictures

Short hair and Chanel

Short hair is not an impediment to afro braids, even if you have very short hair. In this case, it is worth using an extension cord to leave the strands at shoulder height and in a chanel style to make the braids.

In the proposal, the strands at shoulder height gained several locks with traditional braids and loose at the root.

 

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TRANSPARENT PHONE CASE WITH DETACHABLE WOODEN BEADS STRAP

To further enhance the look with afro braids, it is worth taking inspiration from bun hairstyles.

In this proposal, the Rastafarian-style strands gained several thin braids, then the bet was to make a traditional thick braid along the length, and this braid was transformed into a bun.

The result was beautiful, as the bun had volume and a mix of braids!

 

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Side

Among the different proposals for using afro braids, one of the inspirations is to use the braids only on the side, as in this proposal.

The idea here was a hairstyle for curly hair, where cornrows from the root hold the sides and the central part is left loose, leaving the look super modern.

 

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half head 

For a change from the much-used rastafarian style (braids all over the hair), one of the bets is to use the half-head braid, that is, the hairstyle is a mix of braids and loose strands.

In this proposal, the nagô braids hold the strands at the root and form a design, and part of the strands were used loose and with volume to enhance the curly hair.

 

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Blondes 

For blonde women or women with blonde extensions, hairstyles with afro braids are also free.

In this proposal, the cornrows loose at the roots extend along the entire length, and the hairstyle is a semi-updo with two buns, following a Japanese trend and full of style.

 

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colorful

Colored hair is on the rise, and the style draws attention and highlights the strands, and if the idea is to enhance the highlights even more, it's worth making a mix of afro braids with colored hair, as in this proposal.

The look here is thin cornrows that extend throughout the hair, and the color of the strands appears from the middle to the ends, ranging from a purple gradient.

 

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male hair 

And of course you can't miss afro braid inspirations for men; after all, cornrows can be unisex and add a lot of style.

In the proposal, the men's haircut was in the sidecut style (shaved sides), and the dreadlocks in the Rastafarian style were the bet for the men's strands and hairstyle.

 

More pictures

 

Now that you've seen inspirations and tips for afro braids, You can now choose which style you will use.