Should you give in to temptation and make Afro braids? Experience of three independent braids and personal advice)

You’ve definitely seen Afro braids in all their gorgeous glory if you’ve ever thumbed through fashion magazines or scrolled through social media. They’re colorful, detailed, and command attention. However, you may be unsure if it’s the right decision if you’re considering buying them for yourself. Should you succumb to the urge? We’re sharing the first-hand accounts of three people who braved the risk and tried Afro braids to help you make up your mind.

Every one of their tales presents a different angle on what it’s actually like to wear these striking braids. They have experienced the highs and lows of this hairdo journey, from the first thrill to the daily upkeep. Their opinions will help you have a better idea of what to anticipate if you choose to get Afro braids.

In addition to their individual experiences, we’ve compiled some useful guidance to assist you in making an informed choice. We’ve got advice and suggestions to help you along the way, whether you’re concerned about maintenance or simply wondering how it might fit into your lifestyle.

Therefore, stay put if you’re debating whether or not Afro braids are worth the hype. You can determine whether or not this daring style is right for you by reading the true tales and professional advice from those who have experienced it firsthand.

The stage of the birth of a dream or a short introduction

Many people have the dream of weaving from braids while on vacation or in the holidays. Someone never got over this desire, and someone braided at the sea. When I was a kid, I used to make a lot of braids out of my hair during summer vacations because I wanted to braid an Afro (they were still long before experimenting with haircuts). Yet braiding was not very popular, and the prices and quality were cheap.

Since they typically braided extremely thin braids and people lost all volume, the face was very open, and I started to avoid such hairstyles, I did not perceive this hairstyle at all for a long time. This is usually a particular style, but in my opinion, thin ones should be braided especially carefully so that it fits the wearer.

As time went on, voluminous braids became more popular, and they looked much better! I made the decision that I wanted it too because it’s a totally different style. To be honest, I was also considering safe dreads, but making your own "blanks" would take longer and cost more money. Inspired by the artwork, I posted it on VK as a wish I might be able to grant.

I decided after reading this VK post a few months later! If not now, then when? This is the question I ask myself every time I have desires about the way I look, particularly the way my hair looks. They are, in my opinion, a pretty significant component of my appearance. It’s worth trying something different with their look, since it ties in with the rest of my makeup and wardrobe. I won’t even discuss the shift in attitude.

Search stage

I decided to braid it myself, although I am far from hairstyles in general, especially such, but if I have the desire, I can try! What spurred me on most was that buyers of Kanekalon easily braided their own hair and I thought, why not try? The Internet has become a great helper. Because the search engine is full of queries like “how to make African braids at home”, “how to braid African braids yourself”. I watched a bunch of videos on this topic before the X moment. By the way, I advise you to watch tutorials from foreign ladies, in this regard, they seemed more informative to me personally. There are also many ways to braid, so you will have something to occupy your leisure time

With enough length already, I started choosing the tools and resources I would need to carry out the plan. In order to prevent the braids from being too thin, I planned to braid only with Kanekalon. Furthermore, since I also wanted to extend the material to lengthen the current indicators, the standard length of the Kanekalon did not work for me. Instead, it should be long.

What is needed for braiding

A brief summary; I will address each item separately in the post.

The bare minimum is provided by the kanekalon itself, tiny elastic bands, and a comb; everything is obvious.

Strand separator (I used the end of a brush) — to separate partings.

Moisturizing spray: an extremely useful tool for making handling strands easier! I saw some discussion about it, but it was in vain. In order to prevent the material from becoming too tangled and to make the strands smoother and more pliable, I used the spray on both my own and synthetic hair.

Use leave-in conditioner, preferably oily, to protect your hair in your style and to facilitate the process. Fascinating fact: styling wax is heavily used by curly young women (I assume of African descent). merely to prevent frizz and make the strands easier to weave into the hairdo.

The actual materials are very important, particularly if, like me, you’re new to braiding. The braiding and donning procedure should be as simple as possible. Because the first elastic bands I found weren’t very strong, you also need good ones. Additionally, there should be enough kanekalon to prevent braids from coming undone. Don’t skimp on the leave-in products; they make the process much simpler. It’s better for you.

Selection of Kanekalon

As previously mentioned, I was apprehensive about wearing thin braids and wanted to lengthen my hair. I had to make a thoughtful decision. A well-known website saved the day. I started carefully and slowly going over what was in the assortment.

Standard and most common type of Kanekalon for braiding, now I will go screenshots from Aliexpress:

What’s that? enclosed in a see-through bag and braided. Most frequently, for volume, slightly corrugated. declared for 24 inches in length and 100 grams in weight. Prices without delivery fees, which can be free or minimal at a cost of up to 100 rubles, starting at 150 rubles during sales.

Pros: Excellent selection of colors and price. With color gradients, you can select between a very bright and a neutral one. the option to purchase from local resellers, albeit at a higher cost. Kanekalon can be woven multiple times. if everything was expertly braided and preserved during use.

Cons: Short duration. In order to ensure that the Kanekalon would not come out shorter than the main length, I was terrified to take it the first time. I’ll demonstrate whether this is accurate below. The quality of the other two braids is not appropriate for everyone and can be confusing. However, I believe that everything has a cost. Everything is good for such a price; however, not everyone wishes to spend a reasonable amount on braids. particularly if the information is included with the master’s work.

Although less frequent, kanekalon is longer:

Shape and packaging are comparable. However, the Kanekalon weighs 165 g and measures 36 inches. I placed an orange order for this.

Positives: Very good length! Even though the price is higher—it starts at roughly 260 rubles—it is still reasonable. Natural tones are present.

Cons: Less common, monochromatic color solutions; I haven’t seen it for sale in the city at all. There are colored options, though I haven’t seen gradients.

How to fix finished braids

Rubber bands are the most practical method, in my opinion. However, the rubber bands ought to be robust as well! because the rubber bands that were initially purchased in the city were not durable. At least I was able to fix multiple rubber bands on one braid because they were breaking all the time. The ones I ordered turned out to be stronger when I received them. All of them are reasonably priced. I paid 100 rubles for a pack in the city, but Ali sells them for 45 rubles. They are practical to utilize afterwards and in different hairstyles.

First braiding

I chose to purchase six packs. so that there would be sufficient to create thick braids as a beginning point. I’ll respond quickly: you can use fewer packs, but no fewer than two.

How to prepare your hair

Preparation usually consists of a shampoo-only wash. In fact, conditioner will make the hair more malleable and won’t hinder the work at all, in my opinion. However, they have to be clean; if not, the roots will quickly become unclean as you braid, delaying the time for your next hair wash. Hence, a light conditioner or balm is not a bad thing; braids are smooth and don’t require fluffy hair, unlike dreadlocks.

My dears, when they arrived, I made the decision to braid that same evening. Thankfully, there were still tiny colored elastic bands available, even though the transparent ones had not had time to arrive.

The material arrived. What to do next

The head is washed, you need to prepare the workplace. The first and second times I braided almost the entire head along horizontal partings, so I needed two mirrors. The first is the main one, the second is to look at the beginning of the fastening at the back.
I took Elseve Summer Care as an assistant spray, it is silicone and therefore made the strands more manageable. By the way, when removing the braids, it also helped me. In general, I advise you to choose a spray that is not the most caring and useful in composition, but gives an instant result, most often two-phase sprays have this property, a purely cosmetic effect.

I used Lanza serum as a fixing agent, not worrying about my hair’s safety.

Select the weaving technique that works best for you, but in most cases, two kanekalon strands are taken, crossed to create three ends, and then braided. As I mentioned above, the simplest way is to watch the techniques on video.

Though I started with them, braiding with horizontal partings is still challenging on your own. For my third braiding attempt, I attempted to braid alternating sections with vertical partings. To prevent them from interfering, I put the loose mass of hair in a bun. Actually, braiding is not a difficult task once you get the hang of it.

The start is the most crucial part. I had no idea how to braid this kanekalon; it was really challenging for someone without experience. I had time to think, too, but was it for nothing? However, I recalled that in every one of the Kanekalon reviews, people had somehow braided themselves. Thus, you must keep trying! It took a long time because of several failed attempts, time lost, and tired hands. The braids are lengthy in and of themselves, and they take time to complete. I started to comprehend why masters get paid so much.

Complete control over the process and tension adjustment are two more strong arguments in favor of self-braiding. Yes, amateurs will be laughed at by the experts, but what? Then it will be up to you, not them, to go. For me, comfort is the most important factor. The first time, I did not braid all the way down to the root; instead, it was loose enough to prevent any tension. Tolerating tension is not normal, in my opinion.

For this reason, they go on to say that the hair is thinning and damaged; if it can be prevented, why add to the stress? To ensure that the kanekalon did not come off after washing my hair, I did not tie it as loosely as I could have in the subsequent braids. Instead, I made them a little tighter. With breaks for food, sleep, and other necessities, I braided for two nights, which is longer than a day. At least I started a third anime and watched two. Generally speaking, I suggest that you hoard television shows.

First result

6 packs of kanekalon = 49 thick braids!

I will write separately about washing, hair quality and other popular questions at the end of the post, but for now let"s move on to the next experience

Experience two. Trying the first type of kanekalon

I decided to try something different and repeat the braiding I had done in May, this time in July. What would happen if I took the most popular kind of kanekalon—which is quite short—piqued my curiosity. I bought more expensive items because I was impatient, but I started braiding as soon as I got to my city. I made the decision to try bigger and thinner braids. I took three packs, but I ultimately had to purchase one more. The orange hue of the sun gave way to a marshmallow-candy vibe.

This time, I braided slowly so that I wouldn’t have to finish quickly and then be unable to go for a walk. I made the braids thin and unextending, so I could afford to put all of my hair in a bun and go about my business. I was in a similar mood with redheads, because, if my memory serves me correctly, they could not be concealed in a bun I had braided for three evenings. The outcome fully justified the time invested.

83 braids from 4 packs. To our surprise, the kanekalon proved to be sufficiently long, matching the longest ends’ length! An excellent choice for a lighter braid. Even though I didn’t like the first long braids, these are more practical because you can just twist them up if you want to wash them without getting the weave wet. Furthermore, I didn’t think I looked good with thin braids. Of the subtleties, more braids save, though they’re not as extensive as they are in the roots area already. It just transpires in a totally different manner.)

The third experience and again an experiment

What does the experiment entail? And I started to wonder what two packs of Kanekalon braids would look like. Now, the objective was to braid rapidly and for a brief period of time only to produce a variety of makeup images. Because adding a new shade even as a result of braids opens up new color combinations. Prior to cutting off the old henna, I already had hair from haircuts, so the length of the kanekalon was completely irrelevant.

Since this was also impromptu, two packs were purchased in the city. Neon yellow-greenish blue and This time, I decided to braid my hair using vertical partings and completed the process in a record amount of time. I completed it over night!

46 thin braids from two packs of Kanekalon! The benefit of these braids is that there is no weight involved, so even doughnuts can be twisted out of them with ease. It makes sense that there is less volume than in previous periods, which is another drawback. But it’s the greatest for pictures!

What else about the hairdo appealed to me? Otherwise, I always wrap myself in clothes; at least there was variation, and it looked really interesting in the winter.

After enjoying the photos so much, I unbraided them and wore them for a week. Now, let’s talk about those fascinating and significant occasions that each wearer encounters.

Everyday life with braids. Answers to frequently asked questions

Everyone is interested in the specifics because, although not many people choose to braid their hair, the hairstyle is intriguing. How to clean them, walk with them, and remove them.

Feelings. Is it hard to wear and sleep

I have something to compare with because I was able to move around with Kanekalon that varied in length and weight. The initial ones were incredibly lengthy! They caused no trouble in their customary loose form. Neither my head nor my roots hurt, nor did they make me feel inferior. The sole issue is that raising them up was actually not possible. However, given their length, these are reasonable claims! If only they could be twisted into a very voluminous lump, like a towel.

And the rest of them, especially the last ones, were pretty fluffy! Ultimately, even in their natural state, they possess a lighter nature. It’s also important to realize that the corrugation, which gives them a slight puffiness and helps you avoid making them too heavy, accounts for the majority of the kanekalon volume in this instance. They were simple to take out and twist into hairdos.

Sleeping? Indeed, you must adjust to it. Ultimately, I preferred braiding them all into a single, large braid because it kept them safe. With thick braids, it takes longer to get used to, but with thin ones, it happens quickly.

The scalp, how it reacts

These are, of course, highly subjective markers, but frequently there’s a tiny itching. Why? Because kanekalon is more abrasive than human hair and scours the skin at its roots, it takes some time for the skin to adjust and may cause minor scratches.

The answer is very straightforward: either chlorhexidine or chamomile. Penny goods, but the outcome is apparent right away. The skin becomes calmer; for chamomile, this technique works wonders for the roots. I used chamomile for prevention, and it also removed dirt in between washes, so I didn’t have anything serious. Afterwards, the skin just gets used to it, usually individually as with everything.

How to wash them and has the cleansing regime changed

This is the most popular question. I answer – everything is not as scary and difficult as it seems. You can use a simple sponge-washcloth, foam it and spread this foam along the partings, it is not difficult to do! The partings are separated, it may be more difficult when the braids are heavy, but personally I did not care. I washed my hair in my usual regime without any problems, no less often. Balms and masks are usually not used, but I always used leave-in care. Spray, cream or oil. I had full protection for my hair, plus I needed to smooth out the braids so that the hairs wouldn"t fall out so much, leave-in products would help.

Why didn’t I wash my hair more frequently? I could not see the point in altering my daily schedule. It is true that only my braids needed to be dried; the braids themselves don’t care since all the water just rolls off the material. However, I would rather wait than go about with a dirty scalp because inadequate cleaning can have unintended consequences—and this goes beyond braids. However, it’s important to note that braids make this less obvious, which is why people frequently braid their hair when traveling.

What hairstyles are done with braids

I didn’t really fantasize; instead, I would usually undo the front layer of my braids and do an unknown style similar to a malvinka. I divided them into an unfinished bun or a ponytail. Nothing fell in my face, and the hairstyle was partially open, making it both lovely and convenient. Or, as I demonstrated in the third experiment, I made buns.

How to unbraid, what it looks like

If done carefully, unbraiding also takes a long time. Hairspray might also be necessary. The most important thing is to not rush. Since the hair can twist and tangle there while being worn, the roots are the most crucial area to pay attention to. The spray is quite effective. Since they fall out every day, the fallen hairs are mixed in and will be visible to you for the duration of wearing the braids. You don’t have to worry about going bald.

Meanwhile, the hair looks fantastic. incredibly large.

Similar to a tiny corrugation. Hi there, Afro.

Of course, though, it needs to be washed. After brushing out any loose hair, create your preferred mask. And since the unbraiding caused the head to become greasy, you should enjoy the foam shampoo—perhaps even with a scrub added.

Hair and scalp quality, do wearing braids spoil them

As someone who maintains her hair on autopilot and doesn’t overlook styling elements, even when wearing braids, I have to say no. Without braids, your hair is more likely to be ruined than with them. I’ll explain to you why, in my opinion, everything has stayed the same in this section. Not worse, not better.

The absence of laziness is the most crucial factor. Odd? No, it’s just that nothing will get better on its own without labor. Continue reading if you want to braid your hair effortlessly and are prepared to adhere to the maintenance instructions. Though it might be personal advice, this makes sense in general.

Scalp

I’ve already written about using chamomile and chlorhexidine to prevent irritation issues. I was also able to use a clay mask and Ollin peeling. Thus, you can always get care if you so choose.

To overcome your fear of hair loss, get stronger! I have courses of masks, tonics, and lotions for strengthening and root growth behind me as an experienced hair maniac. You can also retake the course after unbraiding; I chose to do so. That’s it; it makes sense and is easy to do. I haven’t encountered any issues on either front, especially considering how much quicker lotions are to apply than masks. Don’t be a slacker; I understand your desire to unwind. Just automatize the process, though.

Yes, if the roots are very weak, this advice might not work for everyone. Then, carefully evaluate the state of your hair and the percentage of hair loss; avoid taking unwarranted chances and avoid blaming anyone.

The hair itself

It’s nearly the same here. Again, hair outside of braids can become damaged if you don’t take any care of it. If you prefer, you can take a course of masks and ampoules for prevention both before and after unbraiding. And as I mentioned above, leave-in care was a huge help to me. It didn’t matter if my hair was in braids or brushed up against clothes in daily life because I was never left without any hair.

It’s critical to evaluate the situation here as well. It’s too brittle and delicate; perhaps you should wait it out. You will have to perform your own diagnostics because no one will provide you with clear instructions.

Other tips

Wear for no longer than necessary, handle with caution, and take off braids slowly. Avoid pulling until it hurts when braiding. Both comfort and accuracy.

Pros	Cons
Unique style: Afro braids offer a distinct and eye-catching look.	Time-consuming: Braiding can take several hours to complete.
Low maintenance: Once done, they require minimal daily styling.	Tightness: If braided too tightly, they can cause scalp discomfort.
Protective: Helps protect your natural hair from daily wear and tear.	Hair damage: Extended wear can lead to hair breakage.
Versatile: Can be styled in various ways to suit different occasions.	Cost: Professional braiding can be expensive.
Longevity: Braids can last for weeks, making them a long-term style choice.	Weight: The added hair can feel heavy on the scalp.

Making the decision to get Afro braids can be an exciting journey, but you should think it through thoroughly. I can attest from experience that these braids can be an excellent way to embrace a distinctive look and express your personal style. They provide an appreciation for culture as well as a beautiful aesthetic. But it’s important to think about how they fit into your lifestyle as well as the maintenance required.

My experience with three distinct braid styles led me to conclude that although the aesthetic effect is remarkable, maintenance can be fairly labor-intensive. Regular maintenance is necessary to keep afro braids looking great and to prevent damage to your natural hair. In order to keep your hair healthy over time, it’s important to commit to long-term maintenance in addition to the initial style.

In the end, be sure you’re prepared for the responsibility that comes with having Afro braids if you’re thinking about getting them. Discuss your hair type and the best ways to take care of your braids with a qualified stylist. And never forget that it’s acceptable to express yourself and try new things as long as you have a plan in place to maintain both your hair and your style in excellent condition.

Considering giving in to the allure of Afro braids? This article provides an honest look at the process, upkeep, and style impact of Afro braids by examining the personal experiences of three people who made the leap. You’ll learn more about what to expect and whether these eye-catching braids are right for you through their experiences and recommendations.

Video on the topic

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