In the spirit of hairstyle comebacks, the French curl braids are one of the protective styles to do it big on the scene this year. Making its way back from the ’90s, glamorous is a fitting term that best describes this protective hairstyle because of its stand-out look. It is a perfect holiday hairstyle, especially during winter when you want to limit manipulation of your natural hair to the barest minimum (as you should) to prevent breakage and dryness while retaining hair length.
French curl braids are also suitable for different hair lengths, are lightweight (if you’re using the correct braiding hair), and are easy to install if you’re a DIY enthusiast. In today’s post, we focus on these unique braids and how you can maintain them if you choose them as your protective style of the season.
Image Source: @CROWNEDBYANNIE
WHAT ARE THE FRENCH CURL BRAIDS?
French curl braids are single braids with the middle to lower parts of the hair left unplaited in flowy, voluminous, bouncy curls. There’s quite some controversy surrounding the name because of the “French” in it as some members of the black girl hair community say that since the concept of the hairstyle stems from Africa and was popularly known there as Nollywood braids (after the Nigerian movie industry), it is cultural misappropriation to ascribe the term “French curls” braids to it, especially since there are little known facts about box braids originating from the French and better-known facts about them originating from Africa.
Image Source: ORIADEHAIR
Still, on TikTok and other social media platforms, many use the terms “French curl braids” and “Nollywood braids” interchangeably to refer to this braids type.
HOW TO CREATE THE FRENCH CURL BRAIDS
Although you can use many types of braiding hair, it is best to use braiding hair specifically made for creating this hairstyle to give it that silky finish. To create the braids, start by sectioning your natural hair into boxes, triangles, or any shape you choose and braid them with the braiding hair. Stop braiding mid-length or lower-length and secure the point between braided and unbraided hair with hair glue. To create the curls, wrap them around flexi rods or any other type of hair rods, dip them in hot water, and gently take them out. Using human hair extensions, you can wrap the unbraided part around a heat curling tool to create the curls.
Image Source: NIGERIANBRAIDSGANG_
HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR FRENCH CURL BRAIDS THIS WINTER
While these braids can be a great way to keep your natural hair protected during winter, the cold, harsh air can still suck out moisture from your hair, leaving it dry, brittle, and frizzy. Here are some simple measures you can take to keep your French curl braids looking their best:
Image Source: @GOLDEN_TOUCH_BEAUTY_PARLOUR
1. OIL YOUR BRAIDS
Oiling your French curl braids can restore shine to a dull, dry look. Not only that, they can limit hair breakage while nourishing your hair. Depending on how often the occasion calls, you can do this twice to three times a week. You can also spray hair shine for extra shine and to keep your braids smelling nice.
2. USE A MOUSSE TO TAME FLYAWAYS
Flyaways are individual hair strands that stand out from the rest of the hair, giving you a frizzy, rough look. Spraying mousse on your braids can help get those flyaways laid, giving you back your neat look. You can also use hair gel as an alternative if you don’t have mousse.
3. WEAR A SHOWER CAP
Before bathing or showering, ensure that your braids are well-packed and wrapped into a shower cap. This is because bathing water coming in contact with your braids will not only get it wet — thus putting you through the chore of having to get it dry or else risk itching — it also disrupts the effectiveness of the products applied on the braids by either diluting them or washing them off.
Image Source: BRITTANY ROSE
4. USE A SATIN/SILK BONNET/SCARF
Never underestimate how far using a satin bonnet or a silk scarf can go in preventing moisture loss and keeping your hair from experiencing frizz. Cover or wrap your braids in either of these before your head hits the pillow.
Will you choose the French curl braids as your protective style this season? Let us know in the comments!
