Y'all, I'ma Need Some Kind Of Way ...

[nyeredzi]

To make medium to large braids with just my own hair look adult and cute. Okay, first question, is there a term for these braids done with just your own hair, as opposed to hair with extensions? I want to search for styles and discussion, but if I use "braids" or "box braids", I get a lot of stuff for braids with extensions. Second question, have y'all managed to make medium to large braids with just your hair look cute somehow? I have in crochet braids right now and I'm now realizing that I am no longer used to all this fake hair hanging off my head. It feels so heavy and uncomfortable and I hate it. At the same time, I'm tired of doing my hair every week. I want to braid just my own hair, and no tiny ones either because it takes too long. So, do you guys have tips? Cute parts? Buns? Curled ends? Something?

 

[imaginary]

Well in jamaica we just call them plaits. I'm just gonna sit my butt in here, because I immediately look 12 with these currently in my head

 

[PJaye]

Are you going to cornrow it into a specific style? If so, I would recommend this one (Kerry Washington in The Last King of Scotland):

 

[yamilee21]

... So, do you guys have tips? Cute parts? Buns? Curled ends? Something?

That's basically my answer, side parts and buns. What I usually do is make a side part and then make two flat twists in the front. Then I make between 6 and 12 additional twists. I leave them out at home but use a Flexi 8 to put them in a bun if I have to go out. For variation, I might untwist the longer front one for a side bang-like accent. They don't last as long if I do them straight after washing so I wait until my hair is mostly dry. I usually I do twists because they look better (fuller) - braids look scraggly and scalpy on me. But you wouldn't have that problem since you've got beautifully thick hair.

 

[Alta Angel]

I am not trying to hijack your thread, but I am trying to found out the same thing using twists. I just cannot seem to make them look professional unless I put them in a top knot. I curled the ends yesterday and wore a side updo that was slightly cute. I just don't know...

 

[MileHighDiva]

I like 4A Daniels' twist and braid styles. They're always elegant and professional. She doesn't use fake hair, just her own hair.

 

[beingofserenity]

I second 4a daniels. Hee hairstyles make her look like she's from the 1800s sometimes though.

 

[nyeredzi]

Are you going to cornrow it into a specific style? If so, I would recommend this one (Kerry Washington in The Last King of Scotland):

That is beautiful but honestly too technically skilled and time consuming for me.

That's basically my answer, side parts and buns. What I usually do is make a side part and then make two flat twists in the front. Then I make between 6 and 12 additional twists. I leave them out at home but use a Flexi 8 to put them in a bun if I have to go out. For variation, I might untwist the longer front one for a side bang-like accent. They don't last as long if I do them straight after washing so I wait until my hair is mostly dry. I usually I do twists because they look better (fuller) - braids look scraggly and scalpy on me. But you wouldn't have that problem since you've got beautifully thick hair.

Thanks. I was hoping for braids since braids will last me 2 washes, whereas twists don't even really last me one. But you're right in that twists look fuller. I can swing braids, but there will certainly be some scalp showing with them. Which is why, I guess, I should try to make the parts perfect, because they're going to be seen.

 

[nyeredzi]

I like 4A Daniels' twist and braid styles. They're always elegant and professional. She doesn't use fake hair, just her own hair.

I second 4a daniels. Hee hairstyles make her look like she's from the 1800s sometimes though.

I have never heard of her, but I'm checking out her youtube now. I can get with the 1800s chic, sometimes. Thanks.

 

[Alta Angel]

My daughter has long, thick hair like yours and is a year round athlete. We usually alternate between twists and braids (with her own hair). She likes a middle part, so we will put her hair in medium-sized individual braids and then use a small rod on each end to curl. We use a braid spray to moisturize daily and she then puts her hair in a variety of styles during the week. Neither the braids nor the twists last more than two weeks. But, because her braids/twists are long, she can create a variety of styles. Her braids aren't that scalpy, but she definitely has a fuller look with the twists.

 

[FelaShrine]

That is beautiful but honestly too technically skilled and time consuming for me.
.

Have someone do it and forget about it for like 2-3 weeks. I think it would look nice on you

wish Kerry would do that more often imo

 

[happycakes]

Kerry looks beautiful with this hairstyle!

Are you going to cornrow it into a specific style? If so, I would recommend this one (Kerry Washington in The Last King of Scotland):