What is woven into pigtails? How to weave African braids: step-by-step instructions, photos

Hairstyles based on braids continue to break records of popularity. This hairstyle looks perfect on all representatives of the fair sex, without exception.

Braids can be braided using your own hair if the length allows. You can experiment in this direction with short hair. If the length of your hair is limited, then elegant braids can be created using extensions such as ponytails, strands, braids, and chignons. You can make your hairstyle unique by using decorative elements woven into the braids.

You can learn how to braid pigtails in combination with threads in the master class.

Video lesson “Weaving braids with threads”

Knotless braiding

Braids can be narrow and wide, plain or multi-colored. Additional elements will add color to the braids. All kinds of threads, braid, and cords are suitable for weaving braids. The hairstyle will look perfect even with one thread woven into the braid. By the way, this is one of the most easily accessible hairstyles.

The secret and at the same time the complexity of the hairstyle is that the threads for the hairstyle can be made with your own hands. The responsibility, naturally, is much greater, because the auxiliary elements need to be made a little longer than the main braids. There can be a lot of threads - the hairstyle will only benefit from this. The hairstyle itself is based on a regular three-strand braid.

Necessary:

• wash your hair, dry it with a hairdryer and lay straight strands;
• grab the top part of the hair and secure with a hairpin;
• separate a strand in the middle and tie a thread tightly on it;
• you should get two even parts;
• After that, start weaving.

You will need to divide the hair into two parts, freeing a small part of the hair previously captured by the hairpin. The main and most time-consuming step is adding a third strand in the middle. Thus, strands with thread will be located on the sides, and without it in the middle.

The weaving is the usual - in three strands. It is best to secure the finished braid with a hairpin again.

This hairstyle will not take much time and does not require special skills. You can easily weave thread into braids at home. Of course, if there are two threads, then the task becomes more complicated. At the same time, it is also feasible. You just need to add the top strand above the central strand.

To create such a hairstyle, it is useful to have dexterity, manual dexterity and visually imagine the future decoration on your head. Then everything will definitely work out.

Knotless fishtail braids

A more complex and at the same time original hairstyle can be created based on the principle of fishtail braiding. In this case, the braid will have to be braided in two stages.

To do this you need:

• gather hair into a ponytail and secure with an elastic band;
• tie several threads in a knot around the base of the tail;
• divide the hair and threads into two parts;
• Weave fishtail from left to right;
• pull hair from under one strand and add to another;
• fix hairstyle stages with hairspray, mousse or gel.

So, this hairstyle can also be braided at home. All you need to do is practice a little. By the way, you need to fix the strands with varnish so that they are positioned evenly and the braid looks attractive.

Of unprecedented interest among hairstyles with threads is the headband braid, which can be braided around the head, as well as braids on bangs. You can weave threads into separate strands and wear them with loose hair. Such a non-standard solution will only improve the overall image and make it brighter.

Braids are a very comfortable and fashionable hairstyle, common among young girls, and its main advantage is considered to be the ability to create it at home with your own hands.

The presence of braids will help you avoid labor-intensive daily styling, which is facilitated by its original appearance and the absence of the need for complex and costly care.

Existing options for afro braids

At the moment, many types of braids have been invented:

1. Braids that end with a straight end.
2. Ponytail with an elongated curl at the end.
3. Curly afro braids.
4. Senegalese plaits, made by creating a plait of two curls.
5. Patterned braids in the French style.
6. Afro braids made in the style of Thai technique.
7. Braids with big curls.
8. Afro braids in the zizi style - created by using ready-made braids purchased in advance.

Proper care of afro braids

Taking care of braids does not require anything extraordinary; keeping them neat and clean is not at all difficult.

African braids need to be washed a maximum of once every seven days.

To carry out this procedure, a small amount of hair detergent is sufficient, which must be applied directly to the scalp, excluding the shampoo from coming into contact with the braids themselves.

After removing the foam from the product, the braids themselves should be rinsed with a small volume of warm, clean water.

Disadvantages of wearing African braids

African braiders and specialists in hairdressing and beauty salons have an extremely good opinion about this hairstyle.

In addition, they believe that this technology not only does not cause damage to hair, but also helps in developing resistance to the negative influence of environmental factors.

Damage to the strands can only be caused if the braids are braided incorrectly, if low-quality materials are used, and if the technique of unbraiding curls is not followed.

Necessary materials for weaving African braids

To create braids at home, you only need a lot of perseverance and a hairdressing device in the form of a wide-toothed comb.

And also according to the weaving method - threads for weaving and elastic bands or adhesive for combining African braids.

Often craftsmen prefer to seal the ends.

To create afro braids, you should pay attention to professional threads made of synthetic material - kanekalon or acrylic fibers for knitting.

The main advantage of Kanekalon is that it does not cause damage to curls, does not harm their structure, and has many variations in terms of structure and shade.

How to braid Afro braids with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

1. Carefully comb the strands, using the end of the comb to determine the curl of the required thickness.
2. Comb the curl and divide it into three identical strands, fixing the outer parts with your little fingers, and the middle curl with your thumb and forefinger.

Correct placement of palms: hands point down, little fingers are closer to the surface of the head.

1. Laying is done by turning the hand and palm up, the braid is formed through the bottom.

When creating an afro braid, pull all three curls with equal force, otherwise the braid will come out crooked and sloppy.

Rotate your palms in turn: left hand with palm up, right hand with palm down. And vice versa: left palm down, right palm up. Twist the palm in which two curls are clamped.

Method of weaving braids along the surface of the head

1. Separate the area to be braided with two partings.
2. Take a thin curl and divide it into three parts.
3. The weaving technique is also through the bottom, but the middle curl is combined with the separated section, capturing a rather thin strand from it.

When braiding, the hair must be constantly kept taut: we pull the outer curls to the sides, the middle one towards ourselves.

Curls should look like the letter T.

The same tension allows the braids to fit tightly to the surface of the head.

1. To properly separate the tangled ends of the strands, fix all three curls with one palm, and stretch the second along the length of the future braid. When adding hair from a sector, make sure that no constrictions appear (the hairs need to be in a perpendicular position to the afro braid being formed).

The braid can be braided over the surface of the head to any extent, then continue shaping the hairstyle away from the surface of the head.

Or you can braid it to the lower part of the back of the head (at your personal discretion). You can choose absolutely any direction of African braids.

1. Moving away from the surface of the head, continue forming the afro braids using the first technique. The little fingers are located towards the head, the middle curl is fixed with the thumb and forefinger.

When forming the second braid, the distance between the partings can be any, but remember, the narrower the sector, the thinner the African braid will be.

The starting point for weaving a braid can be any area on the surface of the head; you can form braids of various thicknesses and place them in any direction.

However, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough to competently implement this procedure.

Therefore, it is worth spending a little time to gain practical experience and acquire competent assistants.

How to braid Afro braids using special threads

To form braids, you can use a thread made of acrylic fibers of any color.

It is highly undesirable to use threads made from natural fibers, as they are exposed to environmental factors (for example, solar radiation or salt water), which will cause damage to the curls.

For braids, three threads will be enough; their length should be selected depending on the length of the strands themselves.

African braiding technique

1. First you need to comb your hair thoroughly, using the end of the comb to select a curl of the desired thickness.
2. Next, you need to bend the threads in half (it is recommended to choose threads that are approximately thirty centimeters longer than the strands).
3. The next step will be the formation of a free node.
4. Insert a curl moistened with water into a pre-prepared knot and tighten it as close as possible to the surface of the head.
5. Divide the hair curl into three equal parts. Attach two threads to each strand. If done correctly, you will end up with three braids with two strands each.
6. Then a French braid is formed with small hooks on both sides. Try to add a small portion of strands to each thread.

There are many ways to finish the braiding; the braids can be secured with an elastic band made of silicone material or the threads can be tied in a knot (the main thing is that there are no hairs at the site where the knot is formed).

Technique for properly unweaving African braids

When you get tired of wearing afro braids as a hairstyle, you need to take the following steps to unbraid them with your own hands:

• Get rid of the braid using scissors at the end of your own curls.
• Unravel entire afro braids using a thin needle.
• Gently pull the braid in the area of ​​the hair roots so that the braid comes away freely.
• Separate the tangled strands using your own fingers.
• After getting rid of all the braids, you should treat your hair with a restorative cleanser, and then use a mask with a strengthening effect.

To increase the speed of unraveling, most experienced craftswomen turn to the help of loved ones or specialists.
The average lifespan of such an African hairstyle is about ninety days. To avoid getting tired of long braids during this period, you should learn how to create a variety of styles with their help.

Here is just a small list of the most common:

• African braids, braided into one or more thick braids.
• A high positioned tail created from joined braids.
• Afro braids twisted into a shell or bun.
• Braids painted in various shades.
• African braids along with a variety of bangs.

And this is just a small list of styles available to wearers of braids.

It all depends on the scope of your personal imagination, and the afro braids themselves are comfortable and flexible enough to fulfill almost any idea.

Every girl wants to be beautiful and irresistible wherever she goes, and hairstyle plays a huge role in this. And here braids with threads come to the rescue. They will emphasize individuality and decorate almost any look. But not everyone knows how to weave them, and the article is dedicated to their weaving. In this article we will tell you in detail how to weave afro braids step by step, and how in different ways you can not only braid them, but also create unusual hairstyles.

Afro braids have remained popular for several summer seasons and for good reason.
They look beautiful, and their exotic appearance will help emphasize the beauty and individuality of the owner of the braids, and most importantly, they do not harm the hair in any way. It is also worth mentioning the versatility of this type of braiding. Not only will they suit almost any look, but they will also suit little and big girls.

What threads are suitable for African braids?

The correct weaving of colored threads for weaving afro braids is very important, because their strength and style directly depend on the threads. The color and style of the threads can be anything, it all depends only on the imagination and sense of style of the happy owner of such a hairstyle.

You can stick to one color scheme or shine with different colors, both options will look good. As for the thread material, synthetic acrylic threads look and hold best. artificial hair strands - kanekalons.

Important! Natural threads will not be a good idea, especially if you are planning a trip to a resort. Such threads quickly fade in the sun and shrink when in contact with water, which is harmful not only to the hairstyle, but also to the hair.

How to weave afro braids step by step?

It’s worth warning right away that the process of creating such a hairstyle is very long and labor-intensive, but definitely worth the time spent. There are several types of African braids, and all of them can be done at home.

How to weave classic afro braids?

First you need to comb your hair and the better you do this, the easier it will be to work with your hair in the future:

• Then you should separate a small strand of hair, it is important that all the strands are approximately the same, otherwise the hairstyle will look uneven.
• Take several threads 20-30 centimeters longer than the hair and tie a knot at the roots of the hair of the taken strand.
• Divide the strand into three equal parts and attach a pair of threads to each.
• Braid a braid using hair and threads.
• Secure the braid with a silicone rubber band or tie a knot at the end of the braid, cut off the remaining threads.
• Repeat the process with all strands.

There are several more ways to braid African braids. Here are some of them:

Senegalese braids

This option takes more time than the classic one, but it also looks much more impressive. Unlike the classics, Senegalese braids use two strands of thread of different colors and twist the hair into a spiral.
As a result, you can create a truly spectacular hairstyle sparkling with different colors.

Senegalese spiral braids

Pony tail

This option, as the name suggests, resembles a horse's mane and looks very beautiful. The method of its creation is no different from the classics, except for the pony material instead of acrylic or kanekalon.

Thai braids

Very similar to African ones, but they are woven only from their own hair, so there is less harm. The braids lie in beautiful, even stripes.

With warmer weather approaching, afro braids will be the perfect option for an unusual hairstyle.

Effectiveness, versatility and an unusual look that emphasizes uniqueness and beauty are definitely worth the time and effort spent on creating such a popular, but still non-standard look.

African braids are a simple and pleasant way to forget about styling for several months, give your hair a little peace and protect it from aggressive environmental influences. Moreover, with the amazing hairstyles listed below, you will attract attention with eye-catching glances and genuine smiles. Weaves create space for creativity. There are many interesting methods to make each head unique. Additionally, you can experiment with highlights, natural or curly textures, clips, parting, styling, etc.

What are we dealing with?

If you have natural curls and thick curls, this is your big plus and a unique bonus that you simply cannot leave unused. If, on the contrary, you decide to create additional volume with the help of artificial inserts, then here too the goal will be achieved. Your hair, which you may have complained about before, is made for braids. So why not use this idea to your advantage?

The options are very versatile: at your disposal are classic microbraids, ponytails, plaits, zizi, corrugations, curls, afro braids with threads, French braids and much more. Once you choose your desired style, thickness, and work done, style your braids into gorgeous hairstyles for both everyday and special occasions.

Afro braids originated in Africa and were known even before our era. Then they spread throughout the world - of course, not to maintain their image, but because it was a practical way to care for the mop. If they survived to this day, there must be something special about them, right? It's no wonder that every year world-famous designers experiment with braids at fashion shows. Just look at what new products they offer!

Popular Trends

Fashion shows are always inspiring, but when it comes to clothes, we need to wait until at least March to start implementing fresh ideas. As for hairstyles, it’s much simpler: get inspired and try new looks now. What interesting things have you come up with? Here are some trends for inspiration:

• tight "spikelet". The spikelet has always been considered a rather spontaneous way, but now that it has appeared in the Couture collections, it’s time to pump it up while the season is still relevant;

• Afro braids arranged in “douli” with fresh flowers. They are free, messy and boho chic inspired.
• very loose, fancy braids for long hair that start mid-length, are invisible in the front and look messy in the back.
• weak beams. Braided braids, gathered in a bun, are always an additional charge of elegance, elevating even the simplest outfit.
• braided afro braids with threads. These long three-dimensional braids, ideal for thick hair, look very interesting, original and deserve attention.

It will be ideal for the beach, to avoid additional worries during vacation, or when you need to give yourself a little break. They will be done for you very quickly in the salon. Doing it yourself will most likely take more time if you are trying your hand for the first time.

The most current ideas

There are so many different types of this weave that you are sure to find something that suits your face shape. It will take some time, perhaps even a few days, to explore all the options and settle on one thing. Or not on one. It is a fact that deciding on a style is never simple or easy.

The most popular are woven braids that evenly cover the head, fitting tightly to it. This definition has been adopted by professional hairdressers and stylists around the world, but they always add a twist, emphasizing each individuality. Their work can be seen at numerous exhibitions dedicated to this skill, which take place around the world. Using the African type, hairdressers create masterpieces on the head. Some stylists are so talented that they can make something similar to a blooming rose or other flower. An afro braid specialist always puts his heart and soul into it, and for him this is not just a job, but an art and a way of self-expression. That is why you need to find a talented craftsman you can trust. In addition, it is necessary to select options based on your face type - which also requires certain knowledge.

Advice!Remember that the finer the weave, the more elegant your look will look. And vice versa: wide braids look extravagant and youthful.

At home

Classic African braids are similar to French braids. Come up with a parting pattern and the thickness of each sector, and then proceed. Take three even sections of strands and weave them in turn, taking a few new curls for each movement so that the pattern is close to the scalp. In this case, the direction can be taken not only downwards, but also upwards, or to the side. This style looks very interesting and trendy with an upward braid that ends in a bun at the top of the head. But you will need a friend to manipulate the back of the head if you do this at home. And with a side braid, you'll look like a rock star! Here are some ideas for you:

• add colored strings to create extra volume - just secure each thread or ribbon at the base of each strand at the very beginning. Then, when you divide the strands into 3 parts, distribute the threads to the sides.

• add faux locks in the same shade as your natural color to create length. This is especially true with a short haircut - by adding a few artificial strands at the base and weaving them together, you will get long, neat, well-styled hair with a stunning look.
• If you are already familiar with the technique, be sure to experiment with partings, making them curly - with a geometric or wave-like pattern. The shape of the lines depends only on your imagination.

However, it is better to entrust complex techniques to a qualified specialist with a certain skill in this matter.

On a note! If you are inspired to do this at home, first choose wider sectors for each strand and straight partings - this will greatly reduce the time and not get tired of the rather painstaking work.

10 points for inspiration

The number of styles of these hairstyles is limited only by the imagination of the people who create them. Therefore, more and more ideas for inspiration appear on the Internet every day. We invite you to get acquainted with the most common of them:

• Children's bow with simple, even rows of woven afro braids along the scalp with the ability to gather them into a ponytail at the bottom. Afro braids for children are a great idea, as they will reduce the time spent on daily manipulations and will save your child’s psyche if he doesn’t like to do this in the morning. Look will make your child's appearance neat. They also help maintain curl health.

• Large details. This is rather a youth direction. It looks quite extravagant. We call them bundles - they consist not of three parts, but of two. They have a twisted appearance. Colored strands are often used.
• Catwalk look. Afro-braids have proven their relevance on the big catwalk. These are slightly disheveled, but no less elegant classic Cornrows, as the Americans call them, in the direction from the forehead to the back or with a parting in the middle.
• Combined type. When the spacing between rows is different. The asymmetry gives a completely unique look. Afro braids can also be of different thicknesses. It looks very original and is suitable not only for adults, but also for children.
• Braids and curls. Paired with cute loose curls, it's just stunning. The openwork is located only on one side - it is better if it is the temple area.

• Braids and cornrows– when thick and thin braids look as organic as possible. As a rule, finer work is done on the temples, while larger work is done on the crown. This whole miracle can end with two large braids lying on the sides. It looks unusual, but you will definitely like it.
• Curley. Delightful curls without grueling curling - this is why they are loved. At the very beginning, artificial parts are woven at the base of each strand, which should be longer than their own hair. Then, having gone down a little, they stop, allowing each afro-braid to end with a chic curl.
• Zizi. You can easily create them at home. If you have sparse hair, simply weave a zizi rope into each strand - it’s great if it has a bright, unusual color to cheer up its owner and everyone who meets on her way. Zizi are made isolated - this is when they are not fixed by the spikelet close to the skin, but are located “in free flight,” figuratively speaking.
• Pony tail. Suitable for those with a long ponytail - just don’t bring your afro braids to the ends, but leave a beautiful long ponytail, which is called a ponytail.
• French braids– these curly woven afro-braids, creating fancy patterns on the head, are the most original option. The method is to fit each sector tightly to the head, making them practical and effective.

Conclusion

When it comes to Cornrow, be prepared for it to take several hours. If you want to create them around the entire perimeter of your head, the process can take up to 5-8 hours depending on your stylist's skill level. Be prepared for some pain as well, which is inevitable when every millimeter needs to be held tightly in the correct position. If you only want to get a few Cornrows, then you will need much less time for them.

Once you choose a design that suits you, you will need to find an experienced stylist and make an appointment. It is necessary that he has sufficient experience, otherwise you risk spending much longer than 8 hours in the salon. There are usually hair salons that specialize in weaves, so this will be your best bet.

There are a few technical maintenance tips to keep in mind to ensure healthy hair for months to come:

• put a scarf on your head when you go to bed - in a braided state, the shape is better preserved, which makes the styling last longer.
• use special moisturizers that maintain health and radiance throughout the entire time.

By completing these simple maintenance procedures, you will maintain your updated appearance much longer, which will undoubtedly be a pleasant bonus.

Hairdressers guarantee that you can wear your bow for up to three months - and this is in the best case. But perhaps longer! If the hairstyle did not last even a couple of months, then the problem is most likely that you did not maintain it properly.

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, you will have to wear this hairstyle 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 fine-toothed comb, special glue or silicone rubber bands are the minimum list of 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, quick.

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 hair defect.

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.