Braids are popular black hairstyles created by tightly braiding or plaiting the hair along the scalp. The style is deeply rooted in Black history and is only considered a braided or plaited hairstyle.
Most black women prefer plaiting their hair most of the time to save time and to look extremely beautiful and dashing to their man.
Women love to plait their natural hair because black hair hurts at times, most especially when you comb regularly. This is why a lot of ladies opt for braids to avoid the pain of combing and styling their natural or artificial hair.
Below are some of the popular types of braided and Weaved hair New Telegraph has compiled to draw people’s opinions on which is preferable to the other.
Peekaboo Braids
A playful style that incorporates colour or patterned hair, creating a ‘peekaboo’ effect.
Box Braids
These are Individual plaits that are divided into squared-off sections. Known for its versatility and as a protective style.
Cornrow
These are Braids that are braided close to the scalp in straight or intricate patterns.
Knotless Braids
This is a variation of box braids, that starts with natural hair and gradually adds extensions (attachment) reducing scalp tension.
Crochet Braids
Crochet braids are extensions that are crocheted into cornrowed natural hair, offering a variety of styling options.
Fulani Braids
This is a combination of cornrows and box braids, often adorned with beads, originating from the Fulani people in northern Nigeria.
French Braid
French braids are classic braids where hair is braided in two strands, incorporating additional hair into each section.
Weave On
A weave is an artificial hair extension that’s fixed into human hair by sewing. It’s one of the least expensive options for getting beautiful long locks that the average woman can wear.
Weaves have become quite popular among black women in recent times. Weaves once installed can last for 3-4 months.
Weaves date back to the Egyptian era when people dyed human hair or sheep wool and placed it onto their heads with resin or beeswax. Cleopatra was famous in the ancient world for sporting peacock blue weave in her hair.
Below are some of the popular weave:
Synthetic Hair
Synthetic hair is made of various materials and contains no human hair. They do not last as long as human hair because they can be easily damaged by friction and heat. The quality of fibres varies greatly. Depending on quality, they may never look like human hair.
Human Hair
This hair is from real human hair sourced from a single donor. The look and feel are very similar to your natural hair as is the maintenance and care. Human hair is of premium quality and therefore more expensive.
Virgin Human Hair
This hair is free from any chemical treatments whatsoever. This hair is sourced from a single donor whose hair has not been treated with any chemicals for styling or colouring purposes. Virgin human hair is easy to style. Good maintenance will ensure the longevity of the hair.
Remy Hair
Virgin Remy hair is hair whose cuticles are intact and are in the same direction. This leads to less tangling and shedding. They are sourced from various donors. When maintained properly they can last for more than a year.
Following the breakdown of the two types of hair, New Telegraph team has decided to find out which one most ladies prefer and their admirers (the men) what they think about the lady’s hair.
Dr Linda, a Medical Doctor said she prefers Braids as they bring out her face and make her look more beautiful. ” I prefer braids, dont have time to comb weave on and style it while going to work’
Ebuka Moses, a businessman said he loves ladies on braids. “I love ladies that plait braids they look beautiful and natural and braided hair doesn’t smell like the weave on, once water touches it, or there is heat it makes them uncomfortable and it begins to have odour”.
Amarachi, a resident in Abuja said she prefers braids as it is more finer, “I love braids, they are more fine than weave on .”
Mr James said he prefers lady on braid, “It gives a Lady a real look and more beauty because a true African is admired by the naturality of their hair.”
Mrs Chioma, a Tecaher said, “I love Braiding because, you can pack it any style, it does not cause heat and it also brings out your face and the beauty in every lady”.
Mrs. Pepetual, an Administrator in Abuja said she prefers to weave on to braid, “Weave-on is the best for me, I can carry it longer than braids”
Mr. Alexander, says “I love ladies on weave-on because it gives them a sexy look. Weave-on lasts longer because they can be used another time than braids once you use it you can’t use it again.”
Mr.Divine, a self-employed man based in Lagos discloses his love for ladies that plait braids “They look beautiful and lovely, the hairstyle fits them very well and you could see their real face, unlike weave on.”
Mrs. Godwin, “I prefer braids because I look more beautiful on them and it brings out the shape of my face, I do fix weave-on but braids give me the best look”.
Mr Benjamin, says “Braids are way cooler than weave-on. It looks more natural compared to weave on.”
Mrs. Mary, “Weave-on makes me look mature and older than my age, While braids bring out my baby face.”