Braids and cornrows in vogue

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http://www.vanguardngr.com/articles/...422012006.html

Braids and cornrows in vogue
BY CAROL ARHERE
Posted to the Web: Sunday, January 22, 2006


The saying that hair is a woman crowning glory, is indeed very true. Because a woman?s appearance is immediately uplifted by the crown and her head. Like everything in fashion, hairstyles come and go, and so in 2006, what styles are in vogue? Allure?s Carol Arhere went to town and discovered that braids and cornrows have become a popular alternative for Nigeria?s fashion conscious women.

Braids and cornrows have been around for years, they have remained popular because they are cheap to maintain and they are versatile. They allow the wearer to do several styles creating different exciting looks. Braids and cornrows are with many ladies because, they give the wearer?s natural hair time to recover from the rigors of relaxers and other chemical products.

In recent times, more women and even men have turned to braids and conrows. Braiding involves taking three strands of hair, starting at the scalp, and over laying one strand on another, until the desired effect is created. While cornrows are braids underwomen to lie flat on the head and then sculpted into simple or complex parting and sectioning. There are different types of braids and cornrows.

Straight braids also called Bob Marley. This braid is perfect on coarse hair because of its texture. It can be done in several ways depending on the choice of the wearer. It can be ?fish tails? or packed together to form ponytail at the back or dropped around the shoulders.
Ghana weaving: This hairstyle is also suitable for coarse hair because, it allows the braider to pull the hair tighter, without causing any damage or breakage to the hair. The hairpiece used for this hairstyle is mostly synthetic.

Water melon or pick and drop braids as it is popularly called. takes longer hours, because of the various procedures in achieving the style. It looks more beautiful on the wearer and lasts longer. Synthetic hairpiece is also suitable for this hairstyle.

Kinky braids: these are won by both men and women. It can be made with the original kinky braids or with any other good hairpiece.
Conrows on the other hand are worn by both men and women as well, we have the all back cornrows. Basket weaving also known as Alicia keys. This style is made with little or no hairpiece there is also the splitting pattern, which involves the use of more hair piece to create the desired pattern.

Presently, attention is drawn to water melon. Water melon hairstyle is making waves because, of it?s durability and comfort. According to Gladys Afolabi, a hair stylist in Yaba market, water melon hairstyle is in vogue because it is light and very convenient to carry. Also, according to another stylist in the market. Mrs. Modupe Musa. Braids generally is a popular hairstyle for this season because it allows air to circulate to the scalp and helps to keep the wearer cool.
This season also witnessed the arrival of kinky braids. This hairstyle is made prominent by one of the Nollywood actors Desmond Elliot in one of his movies.
To have the sassy update look this season, join the braids wagon with these look.

Tips for maintaining braids and cornrows:
? Always make sure your hair is properly washed and treated with deep conditioner before putting in braids and cornows.
? Do not use heavy hair cream, this tends to weight your hair down, causing build-up and flaky scalp.
? For your comfort, select a style that is appropriate for your hair length and texture.
? Do not leave your braids in for more than eight weeks at a time. As your hair may begin to lock causing severe breakage.
? Put your hair in a silk or satin scarf before going to bed at night to avoid frizz.