Braids have always taken that idea further. The styles been a fixture since prehistory, adopted as a way to convey power and status by cultures stretching from Africa to Scandinavia and China. They’re experiencing a resurgence in contemporary culture too, in part thanks to long-haired guys who’ve grown sick of the man bun, as well as by men embracing African culture to counter a white supremacist-sympathizing president. But with millennia of examples from every corner of the world to draw on, there’s a style to suit anymore, whether your influence is A$ap Rocky or Viking warriors.
If you have a long enough locks, then braids offer some creative styling options that no other hairstyle can match. Find a skilled enough stylist-and Instagram should be your friend here-and the patterns they can craft in your hair are almost limitless. Braids started out as a style that communicated who you were to the people around you and , in the right hands, they should do the same job today.
Below are 3 things Men Should Consider Before Braiding:
Hair Length Before Braiding
Men who’ve not leaned into the long trend can forget their dreams of cornrows. If you’ve got less than three inches of length then braids won’t hold says Charmaine Haughton, a trichologist and owner of Nefertiti & Beauty in London. There’s the minimum, though- ideally you’ll have a lot more coverage; the further your barnet reaches, the more options you’ve got for creative braiding.
Check Hair Thickness Before Braiding
You’d also be wise to avoid braids if your forehead is rapidly winning the battle against your hairline. Because the style exposes your scalp, it can make thinning or receding hair even more apparent. Also, you run the risk of making things worse. Tight braids, particularly those left in for months on end, can damage the root and exacerbate breakage and hair loss. When you eventually brush the braids out, you might end up with more in the bristles than on your scalp.
Consider the Hair Type Before Braiding
Your hair type will also dictate how your braids hold up. Braids are possible on all hair types, however, to get optimal result and finished looks, wavy or curly hair is best suited. Anything too fine or slippery can be hard to keep in place, so you may struggle with anything more intricate, or require a Post Office-worth of elastic bands to keep your braids neat.
