With this summer (yes it’s still summer) bringing temperatures over one hundred degrees, it is hard to keep a natural hairstyle that will last through the heat and humidity. As if casual shrinkage wasn’t already enough, the summer humidity can destroy freshly washed curls or the volume created by a twist out. Braided hairstyles on the other hand, are dependable in any weather, and let’s not forget that they promote healthy hair growth. Braids strengthen the hair by immobilizing the strands within the braiding pattern and protecting the hair from daily breakage. Strong hair equals healthily growing hair, and the list of other benefits goes on and on. Here are a few styles that I’ve noticed working for people this summer.
“Box Braids”
IG: @TameraMowryTwo
Box braids have been around for a while, but they seem to have re-emerged over these past few months. They are a great style because of their versatility. Though they are styled into braids, they can be put into buns, ponytails, up-do’s and practically any other type of hairstyle.
“Pig Tails”
IG: @KeriHilson
Who said pig tails are only for kids? This classic style is a favorite of many because of its simplicity. They are so simple! You can do it yourself with a bit of practice and become a pro in minutes.
“Ghana Braids”
IG:@GabUnion
Also called Cherokee Cornrows and Banana Braids, Ghana braids are a quick style that can look great without a lot of effort. Since the braid simply starts at the front of the head and ends at the back (normally), this style can be quickly accomplished. However, there is a trick. Unlike regular straight back braids, which require a large clump of braiding hair to be added into a braid from the front to the back of the head, the Ghana braid requires tiny sections of braiding hair to be added throughout each braid in wanted portions, to prevent a fat, chunky look at the beginning of the braid.
“Thick and Thin Ghana Braids”
IG: @RealMichelleW
To add a twist to the Ghana braid, a mix of thick and thin braids can help your “do” stand out from the others. It is also a way to embrace areas of thinning hair, placing skinnier braids where the hair on your scalp is thin, and larger braids where the hair is thick. With a style like this, no one would ever notice the thinning areas.
If all of these benefits of braids aren’t enough, the best benefit is that braids highlight your face. Having the hair pulled back gets people to focus on your face in its entirety. Whether you have a high elegant jawbone or curvy piercing eyebrows, braids have a way of making your face the focal point while also allowing you to rock a bold, sexy hairstyle.
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