Hair Braiding was made populous by the black community and it has grown to be a highly rated hairstyle with a force to reckon with worldwide. It is one style that never goes out of season; different variations in colour, texture, method and size of braids keep popping out ensuring that our love for braids is continuously on fire!
In addition to this, braids are very durable and can be carried for months while you play around with different ways of styling them.
I have compiled a list of the different types of braids, a brief explanation and a pictorial representation for those of us who are stuck on what next to do with our hair.
1. CROTCHET BRAIDS: This is definitely the braid of the season; from havana twists to marley braids to faux locs to naomi boom, the list of the number of crotchet braids out there is endless and this hair is perfect for those of us that are not blessed with the patience to sit down for long amounts of time to braid our hair as this is an easy DIY hair that can be done in under 30 minutes to an hour.
Stephanie coker is definitely the poster child for Crotchet owning her own crotchet line, krotchetkulture.
2. JANET/BOX BRAIDS: This is so called because it was made popular by Janet Jackson who is known famously for rocking this box shaped braids.
3. MICRO/MINI BRAIDS: They are tiny, single braids that can be done with either natural or synthetic hair. They require a lot of patience as it can take a whole day or two but the result is quite astonishing.
4. CORNROWS: It is locally known as Ghana braids because of its popularity amongst the Ghanians. It makes for beautiful hair but the tighter ones should be done occasionally to avoid scalp hair loss.
5. FISH BRAIDS: They resemble the skeletal structure of a fish. They are thin layered braids that use lots of small intertwined pieces of hair. It also has a variation called the fish tail braid.
6. YARN BRAIDS: Wool is the most popular fiber used here especially with the prevalence of Brazilian wool that comes in different colors that will tick your creativity. This style is definitely here to stay.
7. FRENCH AND DUTCH BRAIDS: They involve weaving small pieces of hair on top of the main hair, close to the scalp. Dutch braids are looser than French braids.
GENERAL MAINTENACE OF BRAIDS
1. Make sure they are well trimmed, after which you soak in hot water
2.When your braids start getting old, Re-do the edges, apply gel with hot water on it
3. Properly pack them before going to bed.
4. Spray hair shine products on your braids regularly.
Most times we leave our houses looking and feeling all fly only to go through half of the day looking like a mess. Looking good, decent and clean is something every female should strive to do and it isn't rocket science.
In other to maintaiin your self confidence both inside and out throughout the day, I have made a list of 8 things you as a girl must carry in your handbag.
1. TOILET ROLL/HANDKERCHIEF/BABY WIPES: These all play similar roles but it is important you carry at least two of the mentioned items above. They are useful after a meal or a quick visit to the convenience.
2. HANDCREAM: Your hands need to be moisturized regularly in order for them to be in good shape. They are also useful after a visit to the convenience.
3. PERFUME: The importance of perfume in your handbag cannot be over emphasized. When you notice a contradicting odour after visiting certain places or your perfume wears off, you can simply spray a little on.
4. PADS/TAMPONS: Evey girl must carry a pad or tampon in her bag whether or not you are on your period. Some ladies have had to learn this the hard way, Trust me! You can never be too sure when it comes to your monthly flow especially if you go through alot if stress. Personally, I carry two just in case someone else might be in need.
5. MIRROR: You need this to check your teeth, nose, lips and basically your entire face regularly to avoid any embarassing situations.
6. MINI MAKE-UP SET: This includes your powdermlipstick, lipgloss etc. You don't have to bring your whole make-up box, just the essentials.
7. BREATH FRESHNER: To avoid awkward close up conversations, always carry a mint/gum; a bad breath is a major turn-off so your breath must always be fresh. This however, is not an excuse to chew gum unnecessarily or nosily, that is also a turn off!
8. EXTRA PAIR OF SHOES: Yes Please! what happens if your heels start hurting or your shoe or sandal gets bad on the road? you throw in your comfy pair of shoes! prefarably black so it can go with whatever you are wearing.
Your house/car keys and debit cards are also important and not subject to gender.
