Like the look of braids? Which technique produces the best looking braid, overhanded or underhanded braiding? First, take a technical glimpse.
The dictionary says that a braid (also known as a plait) is a complex structure or pattern created by interweaving three or more strands of flexible material together.
"The simplest possible braid is a flat, solid, three-strand structure in some countries/cases called a plait. More complex braids can be constructed from an arbitrary (but usually odd) number of strands to create a wider range of structures: wider ribbon-like bands, hollow or solid cylindrical cords, or broad mats which resemble a rudimentary perpendicular weave". Wikipedia
Braids can be very beneficial to achieving and maintaining hair health not to mention that the trend of braiding has become en vogue again.
The trend: last year celebs took braids into the stratosphere. People of all races were dawning this eye catching style. Some added extensions, made them super long and micro like entertainer Beyonce. Others like Kourtney Kardashian wore them sleek and regal with understated, sophisticated out fits. Still others made their braided coifs Grecian and chic. And it seems the trend continues with newly hitched, Miss Jackson "if you’re nasty", rocking the look at Fashion week.
Braid styles look natural and fresh and seem to look great on just about everyone, no matter the face shape. Of course, wearing beautiful braids is nothing new. The look goes as far back as the inception of the world. At the cradle of humanity in Africa women wove their hair together and adorned it with gold and ornaments to accent their beauty. No wonder the style lives on.
For health: many stylists agree that one way to transition from relaxed to natural is to braid hair by adding extensions. They also caution not to forfeit your healthy grow out by applying too much tension to the roots or edges. However, if done right, braids can aid in hair growth and healthy hair maintenance by protecting the hair from the elements, reducing the stress of styling and increasing oxygen to the scalp.
There is no question whether braids can be worn super chic and if they can help maintain healthy hair, but which braiding technique is favored by braiders, over hand or under hand.
In a nut shell: A survey revealed that most moms with little ones preferred under handed braiding. A mom of two little girls said “it looks neater”. Another mommy stated that she thought that it was “easier to learn”. Interestingly, one hands on dad interjected, that he “likes overhand” braiding better and one mom of four says, "overhanded is the only way" she braids. Yet, at the end of the day, the underhanded technique of braiding was preferred among those surveyed.
Braids are here to stay. If you haven’t gotten in on this healthy hair option give it a try.
*Thinking about using braids to go natural, check out this page.
** For more healthy hair tips click here.
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