With afro hair, some love to have fun and try out multiple styles. For others, their frizzy hair is more of a controlled routine, with very little change. Whatever your habits, classic or more daring, we offer you the essential afro hairstyles to sublimate yourself this summer. You will be able to be inspired according to the mood of the moment.
The ideal is to favor those that effectively protect you from the heat and perspiration: haircuts, buns, simple, traditional and sophisticated braids... We accompany you in your selection with a panorama of our favorite ideas for the summer period. The choice is yours!
BUN AND VARIATIONS ON AFRO HAIR
THE AFRO PUFF
The afro puff is popular in summer. The reason? This bun made on the top of the head has many advantages:
- It protects you from the heat
- It can be done on long or short hair
- It does not require very advanced technical skills
- It adapts to all (and to all...), whatever the age!
- It can be worn on all occasions (sport, work, ceremony, etc.)
All you need is a large elastic band or a soft scarf to attach the lengths to the top of the head. The look can be very chic: smooth the sides, define the volume of the ball with a few pins for a sophisticated look. For a more casual, even rock'n'roll look, just keep your curls moving naturally. Don't try to tame them once the bun is formed.
Several variations exist for this hairstyle. You can wear the afro puff centered. It can also be shifted to the left or to the right, like a side puff. Some people do it higher or lower on the top of the head to change the look: elegant, casual, fun, etc. The latest trend, borrowed from the 90's is to create two mini puffs, one on each side, for a very "Spice Girls" look!
LE HIGH BUN
The high bun is also a bun. But unlike the Afro Puff, once the hair is pulled back into a ponytail, it is straightened and wrapped around a donut. So you can wear it very high or on the back of the neck. Put a few snow pins to secure. This hair accessory makes it very easy to discipline the hair.
You don't necessarily need to straighten your hair first, just stretch the lengths when styling. Make the bun look bigger or smaller to vary the style: wise, glamorous or even working girl!
The high bun can also be done on a half-tail. The rest of the hair is left free. The originality will be in the mix of straight hair on the top of the head and natural curls on the other half.
Note: the high bun can be done without a donut.
THE CURLY AFRO HAWK OR FROHAWK & HALF HAWK
The afrohawk or frowawk is a trendy look, directly inspired by the Mohawk, the traditional hairstyle of the Mohicans. Curly and frizzy hair are particularly highlighted, no matter how you wear this look.
However, rest assured, the ridge formed by afro hair does not need to be shaved. You just have to plaster them, on each side. This results in some very elaborate creations, as some frowawks are adorned with meticulously created braids on each side.
You can also choose the easiest version: the hair is pulled up in 3 tails (front, top of the head, and bottom). Then all the strands are crested, so as to hide the ties and left free. A few invisible pins are, in some cases, necessary, to elegantly contain the afrohawk.
For shorter hair, like Laure from the IN'OYA team, pictured above, small combs or barrettes may suffice. A touch of gel at the temples to finalize... Here you are with a terribly sexy look, mastered to perfection.
This hairstyle is available in an asymmetrical hairstyle: the half hawk. In this case, raise only one side of the hair, braiding one or more strands for a romantic effect. You can also simply fix this "side hair" hairstyle with some combs.
PROTECTIVE HAIRSTYLES & BRAIDS PERFECT FOR SUMMER
We have selected some protective hairstyles, and right now the big favorite is for the Bantu Knots. It's both a method to style your lengths and an original hairstyle to wear, ideal in summer to be comfortable at the beach or in the evening! As for braids or "braids", we have chosen to focus on box braids, fulani braids and cornrows
THE BANTU KNOTS
Bantu Knots are basically a traditional hairstyle of the Bantu people. It is achieved by dividing the hair into similar square sections and then twisting each of the separate strands. Each length is rolled up on itself. We fix them one by one, at the level of the scalp to form buns, of variable size, with a small black elastic.
When you remove your Bantu knots, you will have perfectly defined curls! This alternative to a curling iron is perfect for keeping your hair cool. Remember to moisturize your lengths for best results.
Note: you can use Bantous Knots on natural hair, but also with braids or locks. You can color them by inserting pearls, tinted additions, etc. And good news for short hair: it works too!
THE BOX BRAIDS
Box braids are long, untucked braids worn as protective headgear. The term literally means "box braids". The hairstyle is, in effect, created from strands of hair divided into multiple squares at the skull.
The making of the three-pronged braids all over the head is often the subject of additions. Colored or tone on tone, it all depends on the desired look. Classic box braids are tightly packed in varying degrees of density. There are many similar braiding styles: senegalese twists, havana braids or crochet braids.
From box braids, you can create multiple hairstyles to diversify your looks: ponytail, bun, etc.
THE FULANI BRAIDS OR FULANI BRAIDS
Fulani Braids are braids listed in the cultural heritage of the Fulani. The art of Fulani braiding represents a very important heritage for this people, one of the largest in Africa. Several million Fulani live today in Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Sudan, Nigeria and Cameroon.
To create this traditional hairstyle, the braids are plated, with 4 well defined characteristics. We note thus:
- One glued to the center of the skull, from front to back
- One or two braids on each side, made from the back to the front
- Another wrapped around the head.
- Pearls, shells, golden or silver clips adorn some braids.
THE CORNROWS
Originally worn in the Caribbean, cornrows take their name from their "corncob" appearance. These braids are of various sizes and stuck to the scalp. They were very fashionable in the 90's and are, once again, very fashionable. This hairstyle is really easy to maintain. However, keep it for a month maximum. After a few weeks, you risk damaging your hair, or even suffering from alopecia.
The secret to a successful braid is to put the strands underneath and not on top as with a classic braid. Then you have to add a strand, each time, throughout the realization. You can draw simple lines, or more sophisticated figures. The whole thing can finally be worn on the back in long braids or gathered in a bun.
To maintain this hairstyle, remember to moisturize the scalp with a hair oil. Jojoba oil is, for example, well suited. To avoid frizz on your braids, you know the secret? Sleep with a satin scarf wrapped around your head.
SHORT CUT ON CURLY OR FRIZZY HAIR
Finally, let's finish with the short hair option. It seems perfect to avoid getting hot in a very easy way. You've been thinking about the "Big Chop" for a long time, but still hesitate? You just want something new? We take stock of these short hairstyles to help you take the plunge.
THE BIG CHOP
The method of the "Big Chop" is simple: it consists in cutting the damaged lengths (straightening, chemical treatment, etc.). The Big Chop is in fact an English term for this technique, primarily intended to return frizzy hair to its true nature.
This is why this process is generally considered a hair transition step. The targeted lengths no longer have a shape, they are dull, broken. The ultimate goal of the Big Chop is to have, a few months later, a natural and sublimated frizzy hair.
For some women, the change is radical, because it is necessary to cut the hair very short. If you are hesitating to dare the Big Chop, prepare for this event:
- Take the time to talk about it with friends who have already taken the plunge
- Imagine yourself with short hair (think of the editing software!)
- Find inspiring "before and after" stories about Big Chop
Don't be fooled by the tendency of your frizzy hair to shrink when it's wet. This "shrink" effect is normal. Hair always looks shorter because the lengths shrink when in contact with moisture. This phenomenon creates a frothy appearance.
Adopt a well adapted hair care ritual. Take the time to nourish your hair with water and oil-based products (oil, butter, etc.). The tendency to curl up will disappear. Curls will return to their original shape and redefine themselves as if by magic.
THE SHORT AFRO HAIR
We can proudly wear a short haircut, without being "forced" by damaged lengths. It is also sometimes a real choice, completely assumed. The natural afro cut is increasingly replacing relaxed hair, since the seventies fashion has made a comeback!
The very marked trend of "nappy hair" has boosted the comeback of the short afro. Indeed, this impulse corresponds to a movement observed in recent years, by women who advocate natural beauty!
Still considered a symbol of freedom, this hairstyle is also a real time saver and just right for summer. Its sexy look is achieved in a very simple way. The very nature of the hair is used to create that beautiful, iconic halo. Only curly or frizzy hair can be adorned with this pretty ball shape, harmonious and voluminous, without artifice.
Do you like to vary your looks? Don't worry, you can with a short haircut. Whether you wear your hair very short or shoulder-length, you can accessorize your hairstyle. Put on a few rhinestone barrettes for a night out or adorn yourself with a colorful scarf like a bandana or wax to give your style a boost!
THE SHORT CURLY HAIR (WASH AND GO)
The short curly is a styling style for the short cut on frizzy hair. The technique consists of keeping the initial curls formed on wet hair. In fact, the "Wash & go" process literally means "wash & go". That's why a gentle cleansing, with a very moisturizing shampoo, is the basis of this very nappy look. Hairstylists even recommend leaving a mask on beforehand, to deeply nourish them.
To shape, accentuate and set curls, you'll need to apply a curl-activating cream. Some are formulated in melting gel, they are very pleasant to use in summer time. This type of product boosts the spring of the curls for an ultra natural result. For a natural care, the aloe vera gel is also very effective!
You have now the embarrassment of the choice to emphasize your hair afro, and can benefit thoroughly from