The Different Types Of Braids

The Different Types Of Braids: Gone are the days when a braid just referred to the simple 3 strand braid that you wore to school (grudgingly) every single day. Braids have evolved drastically over the years, and now there are a ton of different variations that you can try out depending on your mood and the occasion.

You know what they say – when in doubt, start braiding. What? That isn’t a saying? Well, you get the gist of it. Once you understand how to tie them, braids are simple to try out, heatless and don’t damage the hair at the risk of looking fabulous. Before you try your hand at a braided hairstyle, learn the 7 basic types of braids which further, can be styled differently into miniature braids, double braids, braided buns, etc. so read on.

Different Types Of Braids|Types Of Braids

Be it work, class, gym, a wedding or a date, there’s not a single occasion or place where you can’t wear your hair in a braid – which is what makes them so functional and versatile. You can go as simple or intricate with them as you want and combine them with ponytails, buns or a host of other hairstyles to create your very own unique hair look. But, before you get to that part, you need to brush up on your basic braiding styles. Lucky for you, I have compiled here a guide to all the different types of braids that you need to master to become a hairstyling genius! So, here it goes…

• Simple 3 Strand Braid
• French Braid
• Fishtail Braid
• Dutch Braid
• 4 Strand Braid
• Rope Twisted Braid
• Pull Through Braid
• Reverse Braid
• Waterfall Braid
• Milkmaid Braids

Types Of Braids For Black Hair

While braids are popular among women all over the world, African American girls are mostly known to wear the most beautiful and intricate braids. There are so many different types of braids for black hair that it’s easy to get lost.

Most of the time, women use a variety of hair extensions to make prominent braids. However, their thick and curly locks are sufficient to make natural braids. Braiding the hair has been popular for many centuries. Long hair is an indication of health and beauty. That’s why prominent braids are still so widespread.

Each woman chooses to make braids at least once in her lifetime. Most of the types of braids for black hair were invented to keep the wild and unruly hair at bay. Besides creating a neat hairstyle that can last for days, braids for black hair keep the locks from breaking.

Black women often braid their kids’ hair too in order to keep it as healthy as possible. With some experience, you can create virtually any type of braids for black hair that you like. We have collected the most popular types for you to consider and choose from.

• Dreadlocks.
• Faux Locs.
• Cornrow Braids.
• Box Braids.
• Havana (Marley) Twists.

Types Of African Braids

While braids are popular among women all over the world, African American girls are mostly known to wear the most beautiful and intricate braids. There are so many different types of braids for black hair that it’s easy to get lost.

Most of the time, women use a variety of hair extensions to make prominent braids. However, their thick and curly locks are sufficient to make natural braids. Braiding the hair has been popular for many centuries. Long hair is an indication of health and beauty. That’s why prominent braids are still so widespread.

 

Popular Types of Braids for Black Hair

Each woman chooses to make braids at least once in her lifetime. Most of the types of braids for black hair were invented to keep the wild and unruly hair at bay. Besides creating a neat hairstyle that can last for days, braids for black hair keep the locks from breaking.

Black women often braid their kids’ hair too in order to keep it as healthy as possible. With some experience, you can create virtually any type of braids for black hair that you like. We have collected the most popular types for you to consider and choose from.

1. Dreadlocks

Dreadlocks are the most complicated type of braids for black hair. They require special attention and plenty of patience.  The best part about dreadlocks is that they stay intact for weeks and don’t require too much maintenance. The worst part is that when you decide you don’t want dreadlocks anymore, you have to cut them off.  There is no way to restore your original hairstyle.

2. Faux Locs

If you love dreadlocks and similar hairstyles but don’t want to be too dramatic about, you can use faux locs. They appear very similar to natural dreadlocks but they are made with hair extensions. You use cornrows to braid the hair extensions into your natural locks. You can make them as long as you wish.  Faux locks can last a really long time.

3. Cornrow Braids

These braids gained popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, but they are slowly fading away. In the modern world, these braids are mostly used for braiding in the hair extensions. However, this braiding method is becoming more popular among women of all races. The best part about them is that you don’t need very thick hair to make them.

4. Box Braids

This is another type of braids for black hair that has been popular since the 20^th century. These are simply tight three-strand braids. If your hair is thick enough, you can make amazing natural box braids. In modern days, girls use hair extensions to make the braids look thicker and longer. This is the classic way to make black braids. These braids can last for several weeks without rebraiding.

5. Havana (Marley) Twists

Remember Bob Marley’s hair. It might have looked like too much on a guy but it can be a wonderful addition to a girl’s style. Havana twists are loose twists that are made from two hair strands. This twisting/braiding method reminds of the dreadlocks while looking softer and neater. Havana twists are almost the same as Marley twists, but they are thicker. These twists can last up to 2 months.

Types Of Weave Braids

Early braids had many uses, such as costume decoration, animal regalia (like camel girths), sword decoration, bowls and hats (from palm leaves), locks (such as those made in Japan to secure precious tea supplies through the use of elaborate knots), and weapons (slings, for example).

Materials that are used in braids can vary depending on local materials. For instance, South Americans used very fine fibers from the wool of alpaca and llama, while North American people made use of bison fibers. Throughout the world, vegetable fibers such as grass, nettle, and hemp have been used to create braids. In China, Korea, and Japan silk still remains the main material used. In the Americas, the braiding of leather is also common.

For the nomadic peoples of Africa, India, North and South America, Asia and the Middle East, braiding was a practical means of producing useful and decorative textiles. In other areas, such as the Pacific islands (where leaves and grasses are braided), and for many hill tribes, braids are made using minimal equipment. It was only when braiding became a popular occupation in the home or school, as it is in China and Japan, and when the Industrial Revolution came about, those specific tools were developed to increase production and make it easier to produce more complicated patterns of braids.

Different Types Of Box Braids

Braids are one of the most traditional of all hairstyles—if not the most traditional. They’ve been around for ages, they’re just as functional as they are pretty, and depending on which type of braid you choose, they can run the gamut between elegant and sophisticated and youthful and playful. Choosing the kind of braid you want to wear, though, is much easier said than done. With so many different types and techniques, and so many different celebs wearing them, it’s easy to throw your hands up in the air and default to a basic ponytail.