By Leah Fletcher
Just like fashion, the hair industry is always creating age-appropriate yet trendy hairstyles styles and black teen hairstyles have never been more stylish. As teens leave school to enjoy the summer months and ponder the selection of summer hair styles, African hair braids might be a perfect option to beat the summer heat and maintain a fashion flair. While African hair braiding styles are numerous, box braids, cornrows, micro braids and invisible braids are some of the most popular styles for teens.
Because braids are easy to maintain, they work particularly well for teenagers who might not be accustomed to spending a great deal of time caring for their hair. If done correctly and cared for properly, braids can also prevent breakage, allowing teens to protect their hair and maintain hair growth for the duration of the style.
Box Braids
Box braids are a style of African hair braiding that is both versatile and easy to maintain, making them ideal for teens who love to follow trends and want to minimize styling time. These braids are typically styled with hair extensions and worn long, sometimes to the knees. The three-strand braids, which can be worn for up to eight weeks, became popular in the 1990s and have regained popularity, thanks to African-American celebrities that have started wearing the style again.
Cornrows
Cornrows are a great option for teens who want a more traditionally African braided style. They are three-strand flat braids that lay close to the scalp. Though cornrows are a traditional style, teens can make them more modern by varying braiding patterns and creating updos, which may be adorned with all sorts of ornamentation, including beads, shells, barrettes and ribbons. To create cornrows, teens my use their own hair or hair extensions, which requires hair length that is at least two inches.
Micro Braids
Micro braids are one of the most versatile braiding styles. They may be worn in any length, and are typically worn long with hair extensions added. Teens who want to sport micro braids should be aware of the time required to create them. The time required may take up to eight hours, and removing them may take even longer. Teens with thin hair should avoid micro braids with added hair extensions, as these braids can induce breakage due to their small size and tendency to weigh down the hair.
Invisible Braids
Invisible braids are similar to micro, but they are smaller, three-strand braids. However, invisible braids differ from micro braids because the invisible braids are braided a short distance between the head and the hair shaft. The remainder of the hair, and hair extensions are left to flow free. This African braiding style is for teens who want to create a more fluid hair style that will accommodate varying lengths.
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