African braid, glued, african braids (in English) … it is the new fashionable hairstyle of the moment. This ethnic braid even appeared on the Chanel show. Modern, classic or rastafarian, the African braid adapts to all looks. How to adopt this trend? What are the tricks to learn ? Emma Guerri, trainer at Saint Algue, gives us all her good ideas and tips to make sure her glued braid or African braids succeed.
What type of braid to choose?
In fact, this hairstyle is suitable for everyone, with a few nuances. " A minimum of length is required for this glued braid. Include a square covering the nape of the neck with hair at shoulder level »Advocates Emma Guerri. On long hair, you can have fun finishing your hairstyle with a bun, crown braid, ponytail or cascading hair. All hairstyles are possible with this base.
All types of hair can adopt this braiding. " The thicker, more curly the hair, the more it will be possible to braid many braids »Warns the trainer. Conversely, a thin hair will have to be content with a large central braid or two braids maximum against five braids on curly hair. " African braids bring relief as long as they have substance »Recalls our expert.
© Saint Algue
All the tips to prepare well before
To put the odds on your side, you have to equip yourself.
A round brush first, it detangles the hair well. Then the tail comb with a fine tip is used to separate the braid strands. " On thick or curly hair, I like wax. Apply it to locks before braiding them to smooth frizz »Advocates Emma Guerri. On fine hair, the wax is too oily. It may make the hair heavy. Fortunately, there are tips. " A two-phase volumizing treatment or thermal water spray to spray on strands is ideal for fine hair. It facilitates separations without greasing the hair »Recommends our expert. Finally to finalize the hairstyle, you need elastics. " Transparent rubber bands are easily found on the Internet. They are transparent and rubber. To remove it, simply slide the elastic without damaging the hair »Specifies our interlocutor. Finally, for a good view of the hairstyle, stand in front of a mirror and with another in the back. This allows you to see the back of the head. So we follow step by step the braiding movements.
The tutorial to make a success of your African mat
Our expert has detailed each step with precision to put the odds in our favor.
- Step 1 : Take a wick from the top of the skull, closest to the root, following the median of the face. The wick should form a small triangle.
- Step 2 : Separate this wick into three strands. Add wax on the back of the hand (to heat the material) and each time the strands are separated, apply the product to the wick.
- Step 3 : Pass the strands one below the other (the right strand to the left and the left to the right).
- Step 4 : Add a wick to join it to the other strands then, continue in this way until the nape of the neck.
- Step 5 : At the nape of the neck, tie the glued braid. If there is still length, tie the rest of the hair into a bun, low bun, ponytail, or whatever. It's up to you to find the version you like and stick to your look.
Tutorial of the version with several African mats:
- Step 1 : Separate the top of the head into three even strands.
- Step 2 : Start with the braid in the center on the top of the skull.
- Step 3 : When the braiding of the strands is finished, tie and repeat the operation on the other separations on the left and right sides.
Little beauty tips that change everything
- African braids look especially pretty on light hair. " Because there is a contrast between the roots and the lengths which brings relief to the hairstyles ". This is also the case with streaked hair. If the hair is very dark and even, Emma Guerri recommends using stylers that add shine to the hair.
- To keep the partitions in place, we use crab clips for example or even rubber bands. Thus, mixing of the locks is avoided.
- If you are not very comfortable, you feel free to practice by watching video tutorials. There are plenty of them on Youtube and for all hairstyling levels. Also choose your type of mat on Pinterest. There are plenty of great ideas to draw!
- Make the African braid the day after shampooing or two days after. The hair slips less and the hairstyle will have a better hold.
- For braids that last for several days, the glued braids should be tight. We do not hesitate! On some hair, the hairstyle can last 2 to 3 days. On fine hair, it is more complicated because there are often baby hair (small hairs) that escape and that must be disciplined.
Fine tail comb, Sibel, € 5.33. Available on amazon.fr
Round ceramic brush T3, ghd, € 26. Available on sephora.fr
Surf Infusion, Bumble and Bumble Bi-Phased Salted Spray, € 29.90 for 100ml. Available on sephora.fr
Styling wax with yellow clay, Vivelle Dop, € 5.49 for 80ml. Available on amazon.fr
2000 Transparent Hair Ties, Ealicere, € 7.99. Available on amazon.fr.