How to Create Different Hairstyles With an Afro
Although Afro hair is often labeled as being brittle and unmanageable, following proper care techniques can put these negative associations to rest. Afro hair is soft, lustrous and naturally coiled when properly maintained. Sculpt Afro hair into a variety of eye-catching styles that don't require the use of straightening chemicals or devices. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Clarifying shampoo
- Leave-in conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb
- Towel
- Blow-dryer
- Afro pick
- Hair moisturizer
- Thick-bristled brush
- Hair clips
- Hair gel
- Temporary hair color
- Ribbons
- Wooden beads
Instructions
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Start with a fresh Afro. Use a clarifying shampoo to rid your hair and scalp of oil and hair products. This is especially important if you regularly apply hair oils and grease. Blot your Afro with a clean towel to remove excessive amounts of water. Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner, and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair from root to tip. Let your hair dry naturally, or use a blow-dryer on the lowest heat setting. Fluff out your Afro with a pick.
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Moisturize your Afro before styling. Distribute oil sheen or grease throughout your hair and scalp to prevent dryness and breakage. Suitable options include coconut, olive or jojoba preparations. These natural oils provide adequate protection without weighing down your hair. Massage these products into your hair using your fingertips or a thick-bristled brush.
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Make a statement with a 'fro-hawk. Use a wide-tooth comb to create a hair section that spans from the top of your forehead to the nape of your neck. Secure this section with hair clips to keep it separated and standing. Smooth the sides of your Afro by slicking them down with hair gel, or by braiding them into a cornrow pattern. Remove the hair clips and fluff out your Afro with a pick. Jazz up your 'fro-hawk by spraying it with temporary hair color.
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Braid your Afro into cornrows. Use a comb and hair clips to section your hair into a desired pattern. Choose a simple pattern that features equally spaced vertical parts, or opt for a complex pattern that features a mixture of horizontal, diagonal and vertical parts. Braid each section, taking care to avoid pulling your roots too tightly. Secure the end of each cornrow with a small rubber band. Add flair to this hairstyle by introducing colored ribbon into the braiding process, or by adding wooden beads to the ends of cornrows.
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Fluff your hair into Afro puffs. Use a wide-tooth comb to make a part down the center of your scalp that spans from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Comb through each section to detangle your hair. Gather each section to form a puff, securing each section with a small rubber band. Modify this style by making more puffs, or by parting your hair into creative patterns like zigzags.
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Tips & Warnings
Protect your hair with a scarf or do-rag when seeping. This keeps your hair safe from friction damage.
Avoid braiding hair while it is wet, as your scalp constricts as it dries. This could cause excessive tightness, which can lead to hair breakage and scalp damage.
