Protective Hair Style Terminologies
Many African American women consumers have difficulties protecting the condition of their tress from heating tools and hair chemi-cals. Hair exposed to frequent use of chemical and heat is more prone to damage. To put it simply, Protective hair styles refers to all styles that defend the tress from damages, which are often used to help take a break from heat and chemicals. As the market preference continuously shifts toward sustainable and organic products, Afri-can American women hairstyles also strives to mimic the natural look of the consumer’s own hair. They not only protect the hair from exter-nal sources of damage, but it also emphasizes the natural look and texture of African American women’s hair. Below are some of the terminolo-gies that one should know when recommending protective styles to the customers.
1. CORNROW
Cornrow is ideal for women who wish to take a break from relaxers or grow out their natural hair. The strands are easy to install, and style lasts much longer. Its low/easy maintenance also makes it a preferable style for customers of all ages.
2. NATURAL FLAT TWIST
Flat twist is one of the most popular option in protective styles for African American women. The strands look similar to cornrows, but the hair is braided down less tightly, which reduc-es amount of strain put on the scalp and much easier to make. It can be easily changed into an updo as well.
3. PINEAPPLE UPDO
Just as the name suggests, Pineapple Updo collects the hair in a rounded bun at the crown area. It uses twist out method. (Twist out: tip of the twisted strands is loosened for a more natu-ral look.) It’s also a popular method to switch up more traditional look of twist or braided hair.
4. TWIST BRAID WITH
Easy to style at home and reduces the pulling on the scalp. The elegant and feminine finished look goes well with all types of outfit, making it an ideal style for daily wear. Side updo adds extra flare to the style.
5. TWISTED CHIGNON WITH FLAT TWISTS
This style requires twisted strand’s tip to be rolled up in Shignon. This method requires a more professional skills from a braider. Once installed, the style is easy to maintain, and cus-tomers can be carefree of hair care routine. The style matches well with both casual and classic outfit and cornrows can easily replace twists.
6. TWIST
Twists keeps the hair in place neatly and with-out using tightly. Hair is twisted from top crown to neck area. Hair is tied in a bun at the bottom. The hair can be easily undone at night and the styling is easy to do, which makes it a go-to style for women of all ages. With slight addition of hair accessories, it transforms into perfect hair style for a night-out.
7. SIDE TWIST STYLE
Side twist is for those always rushing to get out the door in the morning. The style can be easily finished with the hair still wet. Simply split the hair into two section and using two strand twist method to braid down the hair. While the braid-ing method is simple to do, add accessories to keep the style more stylish and creative.
8. SHOULDER LENGTH FAUX LOCS
Shoulder-length faux locs is for those looking to create a more graceful look. Faux locs ex-tensions or customer’s natural air is twisted, then wrapped around with rest of the hair to complete the look. Vibrant use of color for faux loc is trendy among younger consumers, which is ideal for those wanting to express their creativity.
9. CURLY MOHAWK WITH FLAT TWIST
Curly Mohawk for those growing tired of typical, mundane look of the braids. Flat twisted side hair is tightly pulled up to the top and finished with loosened curly tip. Mix the curl pattern for a wilder, bolder look.
10. HALO BRAID WITH UPDO
Halo Braid is one of the sought-after styles on social media. A thick braided hair wraps around the head across the crown area. Because the style can be easily and quickly achieved, any-one could finish the style themselves at home. Use highlight and accessories to create your own version of Halo Braid.
11. JUMBO TWIST WITH LOW BUN
Switch up the Jumbo Braid with two low side buns for a more loveable look. Instead of tight, small knit braid, style the hair with larger, chunkier braid for a trendier, stylish look. Use edge control to tame the hair edges for a more polished finishing..
12. HAVANA TWISTS
Havana Twist uses two strands of hair unlike cornrow that uses three. Therefore, the fin-ished strands are thicker and more voluminous. Braided hair can be easily undone, so extra care may be needed once the style is complete.
13. GHANA BRAIDS
Ghana braid is closer to conventional cornrows in its appearance and braiding method. The only difference is extra braiding extensions are added in order to keep the strands thicker than regular cornrows. Leftover hair at the nape area can also be braided with the help of extensions. This style has recently grabbed customer’s at-tention as a preferable protective style.
14. BRAID AND CURL
Divide hair into sections and braid the hair close to the scalp, starting from the nape area. Finish off the braid at the top crown area with loos-ened curly tip. While the back and side hair are neatly braided down for a sleek look, curls at the top allows the customers to freely express their creativity.
15. DOUBLE DUTCH BRAID
Better known as Kim Kardashian’s top pick, Double Dutch Braid separate the hair into 2 sections than flip out to make sure the braid is more visible. Dutch braid creates a more grace-ful, feminine look..
16. FULANI BRAID
Fulani Braid is more widely known for its bold use of accessories like beads, which originated from African Muslim women’s traditional hair style. Hollywood celebrities have recently start-ed to wear this style, which is how it gained it’s immense popularity on social media, especially on Instagram.
17. SENEGALESE TWISTS PROTECTIVE STYLE
Senegalese Twists, also known as the Rope Twist for the braided strand’s rope-like appear-ance, uses two section of hair that is twisted from close to the scalp to the very end of the hair. Extensions from Kanekalon or Yaki braid-ing products are often used to finish the style. It’s also popular among those looking for a more longer length braid style.
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18. SIDE UPDO WITH CHUNKY TWIST BRAIDS
Chunky braids are also capable of radiating graceful elegance. Finished with a side bun, chunky braids can give off a more stylish vibe than cornrow or flat twist when done right. Easy and simple braiding method makes the style an economical option for women to style their own hair at home.
Hair Trend Joo Park
BNB Magazine 2019, April ©bnbmag.com
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