The Braids Blog

Why Ponytails are a great solution to bad hair days

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:33:00 -0800

Have you had one of those mornings where you look at your hair and it screams "bad hair day"?
For many, the best solution to a hair disaster is a ponytail.

Why is a ponytail the best solution, you may wonder?
1. It requires minimum time and effort
2. It disguises a bad hair day
3. Looks sleek and elegant

So here are a few tips in fixing a bad hair do:
1. Dip your finger in some gel or mouse and finger comb your hair into a ponytail.
2. Sleek down front with a narrow tooth comb
3. Attach a hairpiece ponytail if necessary
and you are ready to go.

Optional: You may add a headband, fancy pony holder, hair comb or hair pins if the occasion calls for it.
If going to the office, keep it sleek and simple, no adornments necessary.

If going to a formal affair, you can add some jeweled pins or hair combs.

If for everyday situation, you can wear a headband or special pony holder.

With the vast variety of hair pieces/ ponytails today you can choose a unique one that fits your personality and makes a statement. You can choose from curly, straight, wavy ponytails; synthetic or human hair; colorful or plain.

Attention: For those with unflaterring receding hair line or hair loss on the front, we do not recommend ponytail style. The best solution to a bad hair day in such case would be a full cap wig.

Braided Headbands

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 11:07:00 -0700

Braided headbands are another modern hair accessory inspired from the simple and traditional braid.
The design of the band can include single or multiple braids.
See pictures of celebrities wearing braided bands below.

Lauren Conrad and Jessica Alba above are seen wearing single and double braided bands.

Braided headbands come in many varieties:

Braided headband- where a braid is attached on a regular plastic or leather headband
Stretchable braid headband- where the braid is attached with elastic and allows to be stretched.
Long braid band- where the braid is attached to your hair with the help of clips or combs

Braiding Styles explained: micro braids, twists and more

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:56:00 -0700

The goal of this blog post is to encompass the most popular and well-known braiding styles. It is aimed to provide explanations, visual samples of the braids and even video tutorials. So no matter if you are experienced or new at braiding, keep reading and don't be afraid to post your own suggestions or pictures.

1. Micro braids: As the name suggests, micro braids include small sections of hair. Each section is separated into 3 strands which are then braided in uniform pattern. Micro braids are some of the most popular braiding styles among African-American women. Micro braids can take a while to install but can last a long time. It is recommended that you unbraid your hair after wearing this style for 3 months. Longer wear may cause breakage and hair loss. If your hair is relatively short you may need to use some braiding hair in order to achieve this style. To see a video tutorial on how to do micro braids, click here.

2. Dreadlocks: The origin of dreadlocks dates back to cavemen who left their hair to tangle because the comb was not invented yet. Nowadays, dreadlocks are more of a fashion statement or lifestyle symbol. It is a common misconception that it would take forever to get dreadlocks. In fact, there are many different methods which allow your hair to form dreadlocks much faster then just leaving it out and not combing it. Wax is one of the products suggested for use when starting dreadlocks. But you can also just buy the dreadlock braids and blend them with your hair. This way when you decide to discontinue this style you can simply remove the dreadlock braids. To see a video tutorial on how to do dreadlocks using synthetic hair, click here.

3. Cornrows: As the name implies these braids are in most cases braided in straight patters similar to corn rows. This is a common hair braiding style among African-Americans where the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to produce a continuous, raised row. Cornrows are in most cases the base for any weave extensions that need to be sewn. Cornrows are often favored because of their easy maintenance. This style can be worn by both men and women. Here is a video tutorial on how to do cornrows!

4. Afro Kinky Twists: This braiding style has recently gained popularity. It is is a way to enjoy wearing your natural hair chemical-free. To accomplish afro kinky twists you will need to use afro kinky bulk hair. This is special hair used for braiding, it comes in human and synthetic form. Both can be pliable and reach great results, but the human hair afro bulk is usually more expensive. Here are detailed steps how to braid the afro kinky twists. And here is a video tutorial!

5. Box braids/Individual braids: This braiding style is usually quite long, most of the time shoulder length at least. Box braids look very neat and exotic at the same time. To accomplish such a style you would usually need to purchase some synthetic braiding hair, such as Jumbo braid or Kanekalon braiding hair. Here are detailed steps how to braid the individual braids. And here is a video tutorial!

There are a lot of more braiding styles that deserve to be posted here. We hope this information was useful and we welcome any comments and suggestions.

BRAIDS in Hair Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:01:00 -0700

High fashion and runway shows often bring new ideas and inspiration for what to wear and how to style it this season.

It appears that braids are present not only at your kid's birthday party but also on runways and fashion magazines.

Take a look at some selected braid styles we found.

Braids as hair adornments

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:50:00 -0700

We have looked and selected the most unique, intricate and inspirational braiding styles out there.
Braids as adornments means bringing braids to a hair style to relieve plainness. Braids can serve as decorations and make a fashion statement. Take a look for yourself!

Wedding hairstyles with braids

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:16:00 -0700

Braids are often underestimated when it comes to wedding hair style choices. If you think that braids will not look elegant enough for your wedding day, we encourage you take a look at the pictures below.

Braids, indeed, create more interest to a hair do. You can have a very simple sleek bun as your choice of wedding hair do, but add a braid around the bun and see the effect. The detail immediately draws more attention. If you think this may be too much effort, you can even buy a hair piece- hair bun that already comes with the braid around it.

Here are some more examples of how braids can adorn, decorate or simply make your wedding hair style more elaborate.

And here is a video demonstration how to accomplish a wedding hair style with braids:

Celebrity hair in braids

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:33:00 -0700

We thought it may be interesting to find out which celebrity wears the most her hairstyle in braids.
Can you make a wild guess?

Much to our surprise the queen of braids, came to be Jada Pinkett Smith.
Just take a look at her numerous styles. She does win the first place.

Coming close in second place is Alecia Keys. Her natural hair do is always a step ahead of the trends.

And on third place we selected Jill Scott. She is definitely a diva who can most often be seen in a natural braid style.
See pictures below:

Micro Braids on Lace wigs

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 08:27:00 -0700

How often do we see micro braids on lace wigs?

Almost never. That is why, Harlem 125, a maker of lace wigs, has brought out a new product- the prebraided lace wigs.

The advantages of these micro braided lace wigs is that they look amazingly natural and create an impression that you are showcasing your own hair. Just take a look at the pictures!
The styles are called LD700 and LD701 by Harlem 125. They are lace front wigs with baby hair around the hair line and they are made of heat resistant fiber, Futura.

Afro Kinky Bulk 24" by Janet Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 10:57:00 -0700

This post is devoted to one of the most popular braiding bulk hair:
Afro Kinky Bulk 24" by Janet Collection

This bulk hair comes in 2 bundles in one pack. Each pack has 3 ounces of hair and usually 2 packs are needed for a full head.

The texture of the hair is soft, even though it is synthetic hair. It is not recommended that you apply heat to this Kanekalon hair.

Most braiders use this hair for twists and individual braids. Many cool styles can be achieved with the Afro Kinky Bulk because of its softness and flexibility. See illustrated styles below:

Hot Braiding Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 10:22:00 -0800

Braids, coils, twist- they are all part of a natural hair style. We decided to share some of the hottest trends from salons all over the USA.

The picture below illustrates afro twists. This style can be easily accomplished using the Afro Kinky Bulk 24" by Janet Collection which is soft braiding bulk hair, perfect for twists.

Another cute and natural look is the illustrated half up braids. To accomplish this gorgeous style and these beautiful curls you can use a water bulk or new deep bulk hair.

If you are a fan of long and sleek braids, the style below is just for you. This could be an everyday look, easy to maintain. The recommended hair to use for micro braiding is Kanekalon hair.

And if you like to be creative and adore multiple colors, then you will fall in love with the style below. These irregular shaped coifs can be accomplished using Afrelle Braid or marley kinky bulk. Play up the colors of the season, add some flattering earrings and you have yourself a fashion icon.

Wet and Wavy Indi Remy hair for braiding

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 4 Nov 2010 14:14:00 -0700

This is the first time we encounter such high quality braiding hair. On top of that Indian Remy.

This braiding bulk is manufactured by Janet Collection, which is previously famous for their Afro Kinky Bulk and Afro Marley Braids.

Indi Remy hair bulk comes in 18" and in three different styles:

Indi Remy Afro Jerry Bulk 18"

Indi Remy Ripple Body Bulk 18"

Indi Remy Ripple Deep Bulk 18"

This is wet and wavy hair which allows different styling. Hair looks more straight right out of the package. Once the hair is wet, the curls become more defined (illustrated below).

Braiding styles and trends

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:35:00 -0700

Just a few Braiding styles to share today are brought to you by some of the most influential African-American singers.

Above we see India Arie, (2010) arrives to the 3rd annual BET Honors wearing her long micro-braids in a glamorous low ponytail.

To accomplish this look you will need some braiding hair and lots of patience.

Here we see Jada Pinkett Smith, (2010) with her braided pompadour pony and electric lips. The long braids on the top are twisted in a style to create impression of a mohawk which almost reminds us of a warrior woman.

To accomplish this style you will need Kanekalon braiding hair and again lot os patience.

How to Cornrow, Sectioning hair and styling

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 7 Oct 2010 09:09:00 -0700

I found these excellent video tutorials on how to do cornrows and needed to share them with everyone.

How to keep your hair moisturized?

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Mon, 4 Oct 2010 13:14:00 -0700

This is probably one of the most pertinent questions as the cold season approaches and winter often dries out the hair.

How to keep your hair moisturized?

Here are some pieces of advice to follow in order to keep your hair moisturized even through the driest winter.

Start from the inside:

Your diet is probably one of the most important steps to follow, and yet so many disregard it and neglect it.

Yes, I know it is much easier to slather some highly-advertised super expensive moisturizing creme on top of your tresses and hope for the best. But that alone will not work.

Water will keep you and your tresses hydrated. The amount of water you should drink per day is a little less than half your body weight in ounces. If you exercise, you should add 16 oz to the total for very 45 minutes of strenuous activity. For every ounce of caffeinated beverage that you drink, you need to drink additional 2 oz of water.

Fruits and Veggies that are high in water content should be included in your daily diet. Keep red-orange fruits and veggies, leafy greens, citrus and berries at your home and at work.

Vitamins and Minerals are also absorbed through a proper diet. Vitamin A, C, E, zinc, selenium , as well as omega-3 fatty acids are very important. You can find those in fish, nuts (macadamia, walnuts and almonds), and oils.

Now that we've got the inside covered, lets go over the outside treatments recommended.

Choose your shampoo. Most shampoos contain harsh, drying sulfates that are extremely damaging for curly hair. Instead use shampoo with mild cleaners or simply use your conditioner which will equally well clean your hair but will keep it moisturized.

Deep condition with precaution. Deep conditioning treatments are good for your hair as long as you avoid these ingredients: mineral oil & petroleum which coats the hair and prevents moisture from getting in.

Use oils. Coconut and olive oils are especially beneficial when moisturizing hair. Jojoba oil is also recommended for locking in moisture on the scalp.

Resources for this post were contributed from http://bglhonline.com/

How to Glam up your braids?

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:46:00 -0700

Many people perceive the braiding styles as more casual, not sophisticated enough, etc.

So you have an important event coming up, maybe inauguration to attend or a wedding and you wonder how to Glam Up the braiding style you are rocking.

Well this wont be difficult or expensive!

Preferably your braids should head towards the back of your head where you can twist them in a ponytail and wrap them in a nice hair bun or hair dome. While you

still keep the natural look of the braids, the hair dome will add a sophistication to your style.

Domes or buns are also perfect for these occasions:

- when you are in a hurry, but want to look tidy

- when it's hot and you want to put your hair up in a ponytail but want an interesting style

- when your budget is limited but you want to look professional and tidy (buns can cost between $4.99-7.99)

Attached are some pictures and examples of hair styles achieved with the buns.

Also see celebrities who put their hair in a bun/hair dome here.

Braiding Styles with Afrelle Braid

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:07:00 -0700

Just wanted to share some cool videos on different braiding styles accomplished with the Afrelle Braid.

The most fun about braids in my opinion is that you can vary the styles every day.

After seeing the videos below I will never again think that braids can be boring.

The styles you will see below were done by professional hairstylists using the Afrelle Braid by Janet Collection.

All you need is some soft hair for braiding and imagination. You can truly be creative with the soft braids.

Top 10 Chemicals that cause hair breakage and hair loss

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Tue, 8 Jun 2010 13:59:00 -0700

Here is a list of chemicals that you should avoid and that may cause hair shedding, tangling, breakage, hair loss and even alopecia:

Isopropyl Alcohol
Mineral Oil and Petrolatum
PEG (polyethylene glycol)
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Chlorine
DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (momoethnanolamine), and TEA (triethanolamine)
FD & C Color Pigments
Fragrance
Imidazolidinyl Urea and DMDM Hydantoin
Before you use your favorite hair spray, lotion or relaxer check the ingredients on the back of the bottle. Make sure none of the above are listed.
To stay on the safe side, buy only herbal based products or make your own recipe at home.

Stay healthy to keep your hair healthy!

Softex Braid by Motown Tress

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:03:00 -0700

When it comes to braiding hair, most professional braiders prefer a soft texture, that easily gives in and cooperates to accomplish a style that owes and wows.

One product that matches the qualities described above is the Softex Braid by Motown Tress.

You can accomplish various styles with it and never be disappointed with the results.

Braid Varieties/ Different braids

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:55:00 -0800

Braids varieties:

There are numerous braiding varieties available on the market which help to achieve different styles and results. Here is a list of some of them:
Jumbo Braid- long hair braid, usually used for corn rows or micro braids.
Afro Marley Braid- long and twisted braid.
Dread lock braid- used to accomplish the dreadlocks look without having to dreadlock your own hair.
Disco Braid- curly hair braid.
Vitamin C braid- regular braiding hair infused with the aroma and benefits of Vitamin C.
Silky Yaky braid- braiding hair that is not as coarse as the Jumbo braid
Afrelle braid- soft braiding hair
Softex braid- similar to the Afrelle braid is very soft and long
Afro Kinky Bulk- soft synthetic or human hair braid preferred for twists.

Celebrity Braiding Styles

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:30:00 -0700

An intricate braiding pattern is always in style and perfect for those ladies who prefer it all natural. Exquisite braiding patterns can complement a beautiful face shape and emphasize on your eyes or lips. See how Alicia Keys wears her braids recently.

More celebrity hair styles to come soon...

Braids instructional video

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 11:07:00 -0700

You wish you could save money off going to a hair stylist but don't know how to braid....Here is a great instructional tutorial on several techniques that we found very useful. It is best if you first practice on a mannequin's head.
Visit the instructional series of images here.
Techniques demonstrated include braid box, individual braids,twists, braid sealing, and extending length.
The fun thing about braids is that you can choose braiding hair from a huge variety: starting with Vitamin braids (carried by Janet Collection), Braid Cardboard, Braid box: like Combo braid, dread loc braid or knot s-curl , also carried by Janet Collection.

Micro Braids

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:15:00 -0800

What does MICRO BRAID mean?

Micro braids are miniature braids, tiny and delicate, that are most commonly worn by African American people. One can have only a few braids braided in or have his/her full head braided.

How long does it take to put in micro braids?

Depending on the quantity of micro braids it might take from several minutes to 6-8 hours (for full head).

How to take care of micro braids?
Here are some great tips from a professional hair braiding salon in Austin, TX.

Deep condition your hair a day before applying the extensions. Continue to deep
condition your hair even when you have the braids in at least once in 2 weeks.
Use a conditioner that is rich in protein. Use an equal proportion of shea butter and coconut oil as deep conditioner.
Wash your braids once in 2 weeks. This is very good for your hair as it allows
your hair to rest from the chemical contents in relaxers and other chemicals you've been using on your hair before the braids.
Use plenty of coconut oil. Coconut oil helps softens yet strengthen and promotes your hair growth.
Another great ingredient to have at hand during your braiding period is unrefined Shea Butter. This is the master of moisture and healthy groom.

Why are braids preferred?

Braids give your hair a fabulous look.
They encourage hair growth and are a good way to hide thinning.
Braids are low-maintenance compared to other afro hair styles.
Braids can add more volume to your hairstyle, especially if you add other extensions, hair bulk, and hair braids.

Hair Growth Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:14:00 -0800

Prolonged braiding style of your hair may sometime result in exhausted hair that easily breaks.
Here are some quick facts about Hair Growth:

Drink green tea:
Experts who believe in the hair health benefits of green tea point to the fact that certain compounds found in green tea cause the relaxation of blood vessels, helping overall cardiovascular activity through increased circulation. Of course increased circulation will naturally help nourish hair roots and scalp tissues.
Make sure you have a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Fruit and vegetables contain important antioxidants which can help protect the hair and promote faster hair growth.
Eat foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in oily fish or fish oil supplements and have powerful anti-inflammatory properties and so can alleviate any inflammation in the scalp and as they help the blood flow more efficiently they also help to nourish the scalp.Hair is composed of a protein known as Keratin so not surprisingly, a diet lacking in protein can hinder hair health and growth. Many people are still unaware of the importance of getting enough Omega 3 fatty acids in their diet, a lack of which will show up in the health of your hair.
Do not wash excessively your hair.
Excessive washing of the hair, particularly with shampoos containing harsh chemicals can remove the natural oils in the scalp, so it is important to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner and avoid washing the hair every day if you can.
Eating adequate amount of protein prevents your hair from shedding.
Inadequate protein intake over a lengthy period can force hair into the resting phase with shedding a few months later. It is obvious then that sufficient portions of protein rich foods should form part of your daily diet. The best sources of dietary protein are lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, soy, nuts, grains and seeds. At least 15% of your daily calories should come from protein-rich foods.
Eat adequate amounts of useful carbohydrates.
Carbs are an essential source of energy and help in the growth of body tissues, including hair. They are an important source of the B vitamins that are vital to healthy hair.

It is important that you concentrate on consuming non-refined carbs rather than the sugars and white flour that are so prevalent in many over-refined carb products. You should place an emphasis on consuming vegetables, fruits, whole grains, brown rice and potatoes. It is recommended that you obtain 55-60% of your daily calories from the carbohydrates found in these foods.

Consider adopting some of the following tips to boost your natural energy, and encourage the growth of new strands that are healthy, shiny and less prone to dryness or breakage.

Professional Braids- Salon listings

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 14:34:00 -0800

Experts say that braiding techniques take time and practice to master.
If you would like excellent results but don't know where to find them here are some links to braiding salons.
Visiting their websites or calling ahead of time you will find out exactly what kind of braiding the salon specializes in. Often you can find specials and print-out coupons on salons websites, so why not take advantage of the deal!

Tips for Braid Care

noreply@blogger.com (Hair Stop and Shop) — Wed, 9 Jan 2008 09:20:00 -0800

Here are a few tips how to maintain beautiful braids and healthy scalp and hair.

Wash braids with a moisturizing shampoo at least once a week to keep them clean and prevent unpleasant odor.
To maintain your natural hair and facilitate its growth, keep your hair well-conditioned through oiling.
If your hair becomes frizzy after washing, apply small amounts of gel or Aloe Vera while it's still damp and secure it with a silk scarf.
Between washings, you can use an antiseptic product to cleanse and freshen the scalp.
Do not go to sleep with your braids not completely dry to prevent bacteria buildup and mildew.

Attached are some pictures of different braiding styles, using synthetic hair braids.