French curl braids are a stylish and trendy way to wear your hair, but maintaining them can be a challenge if you don’t know the right tips and tricks. The key to keeping your French curl braids looking fresh and beautiful is to follow a simple maintenance routine: oil your braids regularly, use mousse to tame flyaways, wear a shower cap during showers, and protect your braids with a satin or silk bonnet while you sleep. By following these steps, you can ensure your braids stay neat and last longer. In this article, you will learn:
- Simple daily and weekly care tips to keep your braids looking great
- Special winter care strategies to protect your braids from the cold
- Pro tips to prevent frizz and maintain scalp health
Understanding French Curl Braids
What are French Curl Braids?
French curl braids are a beautiful and elegant hairstyle where the hair is braided in such a way that the ends are left curly, creating a distinctive and fashionable look. This style combines the neatness of braids with the playful bounce of curls, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. It’s popular for its unique texture and the ability to style it in multiple ways, from casual to formal.
Why are French Curl Braids so Popular?
French curl braids have gained popularity due to their stylish appearance and ease of maintenance compared to other hairstyles. They offer a protective style that helps in retaining hair length and preventing damage. Additionally, the curly ends add a touch of glamour, making this hairstyle a favourite among those who want both practicality and beauty.
Creating French Curl Braids
What You’ll Need
Before you start creating French curl braids, gather the following supplies:
- Braiding hair extensions (preferably pre-curled)
- A rat-tail comb for parting
- Hair clips to section off the hair
- Edge control gel to smooth edges
- Hair oil or leave-in conditioner
- A spray bottle with water
- Elastic bands or small rubber bands
Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving French Curl Braids
- Prepare Your Hair: Wash and condition your hair thoroughly. Detangle it using a wide-tooth comb and ensure it is completely dry before you begin braiding.
- Section Your Hair: Using the rat-tail comb, part your hair into sections. Secure each section with hair clips. The size of the sections will depend on how thick you want your braids to be.
- Add Extensions: Take a small section of the braiding hair extension and add it to your natural hair at the root. Begin braiding by intertwining the extension with your natural hair.
- Braid and Curl: Continue braiding down the length of your hair, leaving the ends free to showcase the curls. If using pre-curled extensions, simply stop braiding and let the curly ends hang. If not, you can curl the ends yourself using a curling rod or flexi rods.
- Secure the Ends: Once you have reached the desired length, secure the end of the braid with an elastic band or small rubber band.
- Repeat: Continue this process for each section of your hair until your entire head is braided.
- Smooth and Set: Apply edge control gel to smooth any flyaways and edges. Lightly spritz your braids with water and apply a bit of hair oil or leave-in conditioner to keep them moisturized.
- Final Touches: Style your braids as desired, and you’re all set!
Styling Your French Curl Braids
Half-Up, Half-Down
This versatile style combines the best of both worlds by pulling the top half of your braids into a high or mid-level ponytail while leaving the rest to cascade down your back. It’s perfect for keeping hair out of your face while still showcasing the beautiful curls.
Bohemian French Curls
For a more relaxed and free-spirited look, let all your braids hang loose. Add a few hair accessories like beads or small flowers to enhance the bohemian vibe. This style is great for casual outings and gives off an effortlessly chic appearance.
Half-Up Bun
Create a stylish and trendy look by pulling the top half of your braids into a bun on the crown of your head. This style is easy to achieve and adds a touch of elegance to your appearance, making it suitable for both day and night events.
High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a classic and easy way to style your French curl braids. Gather all your braids at the top of your head and secure them with a strong elastic band. This style not only looks sleek but also helps keep your braids manageable and off your neck, especially during warmer weather.
Maintaining French Curl Braids
Daily and Weekly Care Tips
Daily Care:
- Moisturize: Lightly spritz your braids with water and apply a leave-in conditioner or light hair oil to keep them moisturized. This prevents dryness and keeps the braids looking shiny.
- Protect at Night: Wear a satin or silk bonnet or use a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz while you sleep.
Weekly Care:
- Cleanse the Scalp: Use a diluted shampoo or a dry shampoo to cleanse your scalp without disturbing the braids. Massage gently to remove any build-up.
- Deep Condition: Apply a deep conditioner to the scalp and the length of the braids. Rinse thoroughly and let your braids air dry.
Preventing Unravelling and Tangling
To prevent your braids from unravelling, make sure to secure the ends tightly with elastic bands. Regularly check the ends and re-tie any loose ones. To avoid tangling, gently separate and detangle the curls at the ends with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.
Keeping Braids Fresh and Shiny
- Refresh with Mousse: Apply a light mousse to your braids to tame flyaways and add shine. This helps to keep your braids looking neat and polished.
- Regular Touch-Ups: Every few weeks, re-braid any sections that may have become loose or messy. This will keep your hairstyle looking fresh and well-maintained.
Winter Care for French Curl Braids
Oiling Your Braids
During winter, the cold air can dry out your hair and scalp. To combat this, regularly apply a lightweight hair oil to your braids and scalp. Focus on the ends and any areas that feel particularly dry. This will help keep your braids moisturized and prevent brittleness.
Using Mousse to Tame Flyaways
Winter hats and scarves can cause friction, leading to flyaways and frizz. Use a light mousse to smooth down any unruly hair and keep your braids looking sleek. Apply a small amount of mousse to your hands and gently smooth it over your braids.
Wearing a Shower Cap
When showering, wear a shower cap to protect your braids from getting wet. Excess moisture can cause frizz and lead to your braids looking less tidy. Ensure your shower cap covers all your braids securely.
Using a Satin/Silk Bonnet/Scarf
At night, protect your braids by wearing a satin or silk bonnet or wrapping them in a satin or silk scarf. These materials reduce friction, helping to prevent frizz and keep your braids smooth. They also help retain moisture in your hair, which is crucial during the dry winter months.
Extended Care Tips
How to Keep Braids from Frizzing
- Avoid Excessive Manipulation: Try not to touch or play with your braids too often. The more you handle them, the more likely they are to frizz.
- Use Anti-Frizz Products: Apply anti-frizz serums or sprays designed for braided hair. These products help to smooth the hair cuticle and keep your braids looking neat.
- Protective Hairstyles: Opt for protective styles, such as buns or updos, to minimize exposure to the elements and reduce frizz.
Maintaining Edges and Scalp Health
- Gentle Edge Care: Use a soft brush or a toothbrush to smooth down your edges with a little edge control gel. Be gentle to avoid breakage.
- Scalp Massages: Regularly massage your scalp with your fingertips or a scalp massager to stimulate blood flow and promote healthy hair growth.
- Hydration: Keep your scalp hydrated by applying a light, natural oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil, every few days. This helps to prevent dryness and flakiness.
Pros and Cons of French Curl Braids
Benefits
- Quality: French curl braids use high-quality braiding hair that looks natural and lasts longer.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, these braids require minimal daily upkeep, making them perfect for a busy lifestyle.
- Endless Styling Options: You can style French curl braids in various ways, from updos to letting them flow naturally.
- Long-Lasting Curls: The curls in the braids stay intact, maintaining their beautiful look over time.
- Easy to Remove: French curl braids are straightforward to take down, reducing the risk of damage to your natural hair.
- Reusable Hair: The braiding hair can often be reused, making it a cost-effective option.
Disadvantages
- Potential Frizz: Depending on your hair texture, your natural hair might frizz through the braids.
- Tension on Edges: If the braids are too tight or heavy, they can pull on your edges and cause discomfort or damage.
Removing French Curl Braids
Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Taking Down Braids
- Prepare Your Tools: Gather a pair of scissors, a wide-tooth comb, a rat-tail comb, and a spray bottle filled with water or a leave-in conditioner.
- Cut the Braids: Carefully cut the extensions a few inches below where your natural hair ends. Be cautious not to cut your hair.
- Unravel the Braids: Starting from the bottom, gently unravel each braid. Use your fingers or the rat-tail comb to assist in loosening the braids. Take your time to avoid pulling or causing breakage.
- Detangle as You Go: After each braid is removed, use the wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair. Spritz with water or leave-in conditioner to make the process easier and minimize breakage.
- Cleanse Your Hair: Once all the braids are removed, wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo to remove any build-up. Follow up with a deep conditioner to restore moisture and strengthen your hair.
- Moisturize and Style: After washing and conditioning, apply a leave-in conditioner and a light oil to seal in moisture. Style your hair as desired or give it a break before your next braiding session.
Conclusion
Maintaining French curl braids can be easy and rewarding when you follow the right tips and techniques. By regularly moisturizing your braids, using mousse to control flyaways, protecting them with a satin or silk bonnet, and following a proper cleansing routine, you can keep your braids looking fresh and beautiful. Special winter care strategies, like oiling your braids and wearing a shower cap, ensure that your braids remain healthy and vibrant even in colder months.
In summary, you have learned:
- Simple daily and weekly care tips to keep your braids looking great
- Special winter care strategies to protect your braids from the cold
- Pro tips to prevent frizz and maintain scalp health
FAQs
How do you take care of French curl braids?
To take care of French curl braids, keep them moisturized by lightly spritzing them with water and applying leave-in conditioner or hair oil daily. Use a satin or silk bonnet at night to prevent frizz, and cleanse your scalp weekly with diluted shampoo or dry shampoo.
How long do French braid curls last?
French braid curls can last between 4 to 6 weeks with proper care. Regularly moisturizing, protecting them at night, and avoiding excessive manipulation can help extend their lifespan.
How do you keep French curl braids from frizzing?
To keep French curl braids from frizzing, use anti-frizz serums or sprays and avoid touching or playing with your braids too often. Protect your braids with a satin or silk bonnet while sleeping and use light mousse to smooth down flyaways.
How to keep French curl braids from unraveling?
To prevent your French curl braids from unravelling, ensure the ends are securely tied with elastic bands. Regularly check and re-tie any loose braids. Additionally, use a small amount of edge control gel on the ends to keep them in place.