How to Style Straight Back Braids on Natural Hair

Escrito por: WingJacky

|

|

Tiempo de lectura 5 min

Straight back braids (or cornrows) are a timeless hairstyle that never goes out of style. They're practical, low-maintenance, and an amazing way to protect your natural hair.
Plus, let’s be real, they look fabulous. Whether you're a braid pro or still figuring out the basics, mastering the straight-back braid technique can give your natural hair a whole new vibe. So, how exactly do you style straight back braids on natural hair? I got you!
Let’s dive into everything from prep to technique, styling options, and tips to keep your braids looking fresh.
Why Straight Back Braids?
If you're rocking natural hair, you know the drill: hydration, protection, and keeping things neat. Straight back braids are perfect for all three. These braids sit tight against the scalp, minimizing the exposure to the elements. They're like that best friend who’s always got your back, keeping your hair protected from breakage and split ends. Plus, they're versatile—you can wear them to the gym, the office, or out on the town.
One thing about braids? They last. We're talking anywhere from two to six weeks depending on how well you care for them. But before you even think about braiding, there’s one important step you absolutely cannot skip.
Prepping Your Hair for Braids
Before you start braiding, your natural hair needs a little love. Think of it like building a house—you wouldn’t start without a solid foundation, right? Here’s how to prep your natural hair for braids:
  1. Cleanse and condition: Start with a sulfate-free shampoo to get rid of any product buildup. Follow it up with a deep conditioner to add moisture and strength to your strands.
  2. Detangle: The smoother your hair is, the easier it’ll be to braid. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up.
  3. Moisturize: Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair butter. Natural hair thrives on moisture, and braids can sometimes lead to dryness if you don't hydrate properly.
  4. Stretch your hair: While some people can braid their hair straight from a curly or kinky state, stretching it first makes the process easier. You can stretch your hair by blow-drying on low heat or using a heatless method like banding.
Once your hair is clean, moisturized, and stretched, you’re ready to braid! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to style those perfect straight backs.
How to Braid Straight Backs: Step-by-Step
Straight back braids might look complicated, but they’re easier than you think once you break them down step by step. Here’s the lowdown:
  1. Part your hair: Using a rat-tail comb, create straight parts from the front of your head to the nape of your neck. How many parts you make depends on how many braids you want. For beginners, four to six braids are a good place to start.
  2. Section and clip: Once you’ve parted your hair, clip away the sections you’re not braiding to keep things tidy.
  3. Start braiding: Take a small section of hair at the front of one part, divide it into three strands, and begin braiding. For a neat straight back, keep the braid close to the scalp by picking up small amounts of hair as you go. This is where the magic happens—those tight, clean rows that define straight back braids.
  4. Braid all the way down: After you finish the scalp portion of the braid, keep braiding the loose ends until you reach the very tips. If your natural hair is shorter, you can add braiding hair for length and thickness.
  5. Repeat: Keep working on each section, repeating the process until your entire head is braided. It might take some time, but the end result? Totally worth it.
Styles to Rock with Straight Back Braids
Now that your hair’s braided, it’s time to talk about how to style your new look. While straight back braids are sleek and simple, there are endless ways to spice them up and add personality. Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing:
  1. Add some hair accessories: Throw in some gold cuffs, beads, or colorful threads. It's like jewelry for your hair!
  2. Braid them into a bun: Pull your braids back into a low or high bun for a chic, polished look. Perfect for work or a night out.
  3. Leave them down: Let your braids hang freely for a more relaxed, casual style.
  4. Play with your edges: Use a bit of gel to swoop your baby hairs into fun designs. Think of it as the finishing touch that makes your braids pop.
  5. Half-up, half-down styles: Tie the top half of your braids up, leaving the rest down. It’s a fun and youthful way to switch things up.
And remember, just because you have straight-back braids doesn't mean you're limited to one look. With a few tweaks and accessories, you can rock a new style every day of the week.
Caring for Your Straight Back Braids
So you’ve spent hours getting your braids just right—now, how do you keep them looking fresh? Braids are low-maintenance, but they still require some TLC. Here’s how to maintain your straight backs:
  1. Moisturize your scalp: Just because your hair is braided doesn’t mean it stops needing moisture. Use a light oil like jojoba or coconut oil on your scalp every few days to prevent dryness and flakiness.
  2. Wrap your braids at night: Use a satin or silk scarf to protect your braids while you sleep. This prevents frizz and keeps your edges intact.
  3. Refresh your braids: After about a week or two, you might notice a little frizz or that your braids aren’t as tight as they once were. You can smooth down your edges with some gel or mousse to keep things looking neat.
Straight Back Braids: The Good and the (Not-So) Bad
As much as I love straight-back braids, they’re not without a few drawbacks. So let’s keep it real:
  • Pros: They’re protective, low-maintenance, and stylish. They also promote hair growth by minimizing daily manipulation. Plus, you can wear them for a few weeks, so it saves you from the daily hassle of styling.
  • Cons: If your braids are too tight, they can cause tension on your scalp, leading to breakage or even traction alopecia (yikes!). Make sure your stylist isn’t pulling too hard during the braiding process. Also, braids can dry out your hair if you don’t keep it moisturized.
But in my book, the pros outweigh the cons, especially when you care for your hair properly. Braids give your hair the break it needs while still allowing you to look fabulous. Win-win, right?
FAQs

  1. How long should I keep straight-back braids in?
    You can keep your braids in for two to six weeks. Just make sure you’re moisturizing your scalp regularly and protecting your hair at night.

  2. Can I wash my braids?
    Yes, you can! Dilute some shampoo with water and focus on cleaning your scalp. Follow up with a light conditioner or leave-in spray to maintain moisture.

  3. How do I avoid frizz in my braids?
    Wrapping your hair at night with a silk scarf will do wonders to keep frizz at bay. Also, avoid playing with your braids too much—less manipulation equals less frizz.

  4. What should I do if my braids are too tight?
    If your braids feel too tight, it’s important to speak up right away. You can also apply a warm, damp cloth to your scalp to relieve some tension or use peppermint oil for a soothing sensation.

  5. Can I add extensions to my straight-back braids?
    Absolutely! Adding braiding hair not only gives you extra length but can also make your braids look fuller and last longer.

← Vuelve atrás