Afro-style braids (or "corncrows" as they are called overseas) are an ancient African hairstyle that dates back to at least 500 BC. and which today has spread all over the world. They are easy to maintain, especially for those with curly hair. Even if they don't mess easily, sometimes it is difficult to wash your hair without untying it. Fortunately, with a few techniques, you can ensure that they keep their look clean and beautiful for a long time.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Making the Shampoo
Step 1. Mix sulfate-free shampoo, oil and warm water in a spray bottle
Combine 60ml of shampoo with another 60ml of water and add 2-4 tablespoons of oil. The sulfate-free shampoo prevents the scalp from becoming irritated and prevents the hair from crinkling, breaking easily. With this hairstyle it is important to preserve the natural fat of the hair to prevent frizz.
- Shake the bottle before applying the solution.
- You can use grape seed, jojoba, coconut or olive oil depending on your hair type.
- If you don't have a spray bottle, you can use a small bowl.
Step 2. Put your head under hot water
In this way, the cuticles will dilate and you can remove the first layer of dirt from the hair.
If you use the hand shower, this will be easier for you
Step 3. Spray the shampoo solution on the braids and scalp
Shake it and apply generously to your head and hair. If you are using the bowl, take some shampoo and create the mixture in the palm of your hands. Once the foam has produced, apply it to your hair.
Don't neglect the scalp. This area can collect a lot of dirt and residues from products applied in the past to the hair
Step 4. Rub your scalp and braids with shampoo
Use your fingers to gently massage each braid until they are all covered in foam.
- You should wash your pigtails every 7-10 days.
- By washing them, you will prevent the hair from breaking when you untie it.
Step 5. Rinse
Run your hair under cold water or at room temperature. Remove soap residue.
If traces of shampoo remain, there is a risk of chemical residues accumulating in the hair
Part 2 of 3: Using the Conditioner
Step 1. Mix protein conditioner, oil and warm water in a spray bottle
Balm with protein extract contains keratin, which helps repair cuticles that are damaged or whose integrity has been severely compromised.
- Use olive oil if your scalp tends to produce dandruff or if you have dry hair.
- Argan oil is good for unruly hair;
- In the case of oily hair, grape seed oil and jojoba oil are lighter.
- You can also use a scented oil if you want your hair to smell good.
Step 2. Apply the conditioner solution
Spray it on the braids. Make sure you spread it evenly over your entire head.
Step 3. Put on a headset and wait 20 minutes
By covering your head with a plastic cap, you will allow the hair to stay hydrated and avoid dispersing the water that normally evaporates during this operation.
- If you don't have a swimming cap, you can use a food bag.
- Do not leave the product on the head for more than 20 minutes.
Step 4. Rinse the conditioner off with cold or room temperature water
Hot water can wrinkle your hair. An abundant rinse will completely remove the last residues of dirt.
- You don't have to shower when you only want to apply conditioner. Just get your head wet.
- Rinse your hair for 2 or 3 minutes to remove all the product.
Step 5. Dab the braids with a towel and put on a cap
Use a soft cotton towel and put the cap on until the hair has dried. Do not rub them, otherwise you will ruin the hairstyle.
You can also squeeze the tips of the braids to get rid of excess moisture
Part 3 of 3: Moisturize the braids
Step 1. Mix a leave-in conditioner, oil and water in a spray bottle
Find a conditioner that suits your hair type. If they tend to wrinkle or are dry, choose one that's specifically designed to handle unpleasant frizz. If they are fat, look for a lighter solution. Mix 60ml leave-in conditioner and 60ml water with 2-4 tablespoons of oil.
Coconut oil can leave an unpleasant smell in your hair
Step 2. Shake the bottle and spray the moisturizer on the braids
If you have dry hair that is prone to breaking, you should moisturize your scalp every day. Gently spray the mixture you made onto the top of your head to cover your hair with moisturizers.
If you have oily hair, be sure to distribute it only at the ends
Step 3. Gently scrub the braids with the moisturizer
Massage each braid individually and remember to moisturize your scalp as well. With this blend you will prevent your hair from drying out and breaking.
If you'd rather use a different product to moisturize your tresses, shea butter is another viable option
Step 4. Wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf
This will prevent them from drying out and at the same time help them maintain volume. Unlike cotton, these fibers do not absorb natural hair fat and will decrease the friction between your head and pillow while you sleep.
- As an alternative to the scarf, you can use a satin or silk pillowcase.
- Another possibility is the satin night cap.
- You can find a satin or silk shawl at clothing and accessories stores in a mall or buy it on the Internet.
