It has become one of the hairstyles most searched on social networks in recent months: you just have to take a look at platforms like Tiktok to find a large number of videos about African braids, their meaning, the different types that exist or how to care for them. Even on Pinterest the term ‘knotless braids’ – a characteristic of this way of working hair – has increased its searches by more than 3,845%, according to the latest report from fall trends published by the platform.
A hairstyle that arouses greater interest in summer, as it is common to see girls opt for it during their vacations. And one of the advantages of wearing your hair up in small, firm braids is that of forget about frizz in areas by the sea, as well as getting up with your hair combed without having to deal with tangles on the beach. Maybe that’s why every year we see how celebrities and influencers they sign up for the african braids.
© @lolalolitaThe origin of these braids has to do with African culture and history, but over time – with respect to their tradition and without falling into cultural appropriations – they have also become a hairstyle that enjoys success in the summer season. among many girls. And increasingly, also during these half-time weeks.
Laura Escanes’ African braids
During the month of August we saw influencers as Lola Lolita or Laura Escanes bet on the african braids. The Catalan content creator, in fact, is the second year that she has repeated this hairstyle: in 2023 took them during a getaway to Menorcaand this time, he opted for them to travel to Sri Lanka. She chose a root design with serpentine shapes to which she added extensions, making her hair midi would be longer.
© @lauraescanesAdvantages of African braids
A quick search for ‘African braids’ on Tiktok It gives us a result of more than 162 million related content. Why so much interest in this type of hairstyle? “They are very comfortable for the most rebellious hair”they explained to us from Diana Daurero’s living room. “It is a very comfortable hairstyle that allows you to forget about your hair completely and also gives a very chic. “They are very daring and special, but it depends a lot on the person’s style.”
© @georginagioAnother of the advantages of wearing braids is that we keep our hair away from heat sources: “Afro braids allow you to have your hair styled for about three months, thus forgetting about the iron, the dryer and straightening so common in the fight against humidity,” points out the expert. Something that is especially indicated for hair that has suffered this type of damage and seeks to leave rest your hair for a season and recover it without subjecting it to the heat of styling tools, sudden changes in weather or products with sulfates or parabens.
© @mariapomboCan African braids damage your hair?
“The hair can suffer if it is very fine and weak, that is why it is such a common hairstyle for afro hair, which is strong and hard. The hair does not rot but Yes, it will need an intense wash and extreme hydration so as not to damage the scalp,” clarifies Daurero. And although it is true that if the frequency of washing is increased, the braids can last less time in good condition, the ideal is that we listen to our hair. Depends on your scalp -oily, dry, mixed…-, you will need to clean it more or less in the same way as you would if you didn’t have braids. Once a week would be the minimum advisable.
© @albadiazmartin“Wash the scalp approximately every three days and the braids once a week, in addition to using neutral shampoo and rinsing well so that no residue remains between the braids.” This is the advice given to us by Daniele Sigigliano, creative director of Blow Dry Bar Madrid. “We also recommend using a leave-in conditioner that allows us to provide hydration and shine to the braids,” she insists. “After wearing African braids for a while, it is recommended a nourishing, moisturizing and strengthening treatment to restore hair health“he advises.
