Afro Hairstyles: Braids, Twists, Locs and Wigs, and What Hair to Buy

Afro hairstyle guide

Pick a style. See what hair to buy.

15 braids, twists, locs, weave and wig styles, with how many packs you need, the hair we stock for each one and how to look after it.

Swipe to see more styles

Knotless braids

Box braids that start with your own hair and feed the extension in, so there is no knot at the root. They lie flat, feel lighter and are kinder to your edges.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 4 to 8 hours

How much hair do I need?

5 to 7 packsOf pre-stretched braiding hair, for a medium size. Large 160g packs such as X-pression Ultra Braid go further: about 2, 3 or 4 packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"Smart BraidPre-Stretched Braid 3X 28" Value PackKuknusPre-Stretched Anti Itch Braid 6X 26"X-pressionPre-Stretched Ultra Braid 6X 52"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for knotless braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Every two weeks, wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and dry it fully.
  • Take them out after eight weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsEdge control

Box braids

The classic: square partings with the extension knotted in at the root. Hard wearing and easy to style up or down.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 4 to 8 hours

How much hair do I need?

5 to 7 packsOf pre-stretched braiding hair, for a medium size. Large 160g packs such as X-pression Ultra Braid go further: about 2, 3 or 4 packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"Smart BraidPre-Stretched Braid 2X 26"KuknusPre Stretch Braids 8X 26"X-pressionPre-Stretched Ultra Braid 3X 72"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for box braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Every two weeks, wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and dry it fully.
  • Take them out after eight weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsEdge control

Ghana braids

Also called feed-in cornrows or banana braids. Thick cornrows braided close to the scalp, usually straight back or into a ponytail.

Lasts: 2 to 4 weeksTime in the chair: 1 to 3 hours

How much hair do I need?

3 to 4 packsOf braiding hair, for a medium size. Fewer, thicker cornrows need less hair. Lots of thin ones need more.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"KuknusPre Stretch Braids 2X 20"Smart BraidPre-Stretched Braid 2X 26"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for ghana braids

  • Tie them down with a durag or satin scarf at night to keep them flat.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Smooth flyaways with a little edge control or mousse.
  • Take them out after four weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Scalp and hair oilsEdge controlBonnets and sleep capsSheen spray

Fulani braids

Cornrows at the front, often with one down the centre, and loose braids at the back. Usually finished with beads or cuffs.

Lasts: 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 3 to 5 hours

How much hair do I need?

4 to 5 packsOf braiding hair, plus beads, for a medium size. Add one or two packs of beads or cuffs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

KuknusPre Stretch Braids 2X 26"X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"Smart BraidPre-Stretched Braid 3X 28" Value Pack

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for fulani braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Check beads are secure, and take heavy ones off if they pull.
  • Take them out after six weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Hair beadsScalp and hair oilsEdge controlBonnets and sleep caps

Boho braids

Also called goddess braids. Knotless braids with loose curly pieces left out along the length for a softer, fuller look.

Lasts: 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 5 to 8 hours

How much hair do I need?

5 to 7 packs of braiding hair, plus 2 to 3 packs of curlsOf braiding hair, plus curly bulk hair, for a medium size. Human hair curls cost more but tangle far less than synthetic ones.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

RushVirgin Brazilian Boho Braids Deep Wave BulkCherishDeep Twist BulkHair MakerBoho Braids Deep Twist 22"X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for boho braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Mist the curls with water and a light leave-in, then smooth on mousse. Separate them with your fingers, not a comb.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Trim any curls that matt. Take the style out after six weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsHair serums

French curl braids

Braids that stop part way down and finish in long, bouncy curls. The curl is already in the hair, so the look is ready as soon as it is braided.

Lasts: 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 4 to 7 hours

How much hair do I need?

6 to 8 single packsOf French curl braiding hair, for a medium size. A 3X value pack counts as three single packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

CherishSpiral French Curl 3X 22"JazzyUltra 3D French Curl 3X 22"KaliFeel Me French Curl 22"SleekFashion Idol French Curl 28"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for french curl braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Smooth mousse over the curls every few days and separate them with your fingers.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Do not brush the curls. Take the style out after six weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsSheen spray

Senegalese twists

Smooth, rope-like two-strand twists made with straight braiding hair. Sleek and light, with a little more shine than braids.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 4 to 7 hours

How much hair do I need?

5 to 7 packsOf pre-stretched braiding hair, for a medium size. Large 160g packs go further: about 2, 3 or 4 packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

X-pressionUltra Braid Pre-Stretched 46"KuknusPre Stretch Braids 2X 26"Smart BraidPre-Stretched Braid 3X 28" Value Pack

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for senegalese twists

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Every two weeks, wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and dry it fully.
  • Twists can slip sooner than braids. Ask your stylist to redo the front if it loosens.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsEdge control

Passion twists

Soft, springy two-strand twists made with water wave hair. They have a relaxed, slightly undone finish.

Lasts: 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 3 to 5 hours

How much hair do I need?

6 to 8 packsOf water wave or passion twist hair, for a medium size. Pre-twisted crochet packs are quicker to fit: allow 6 to 8 packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

CherishBulk Passion Twist 18"FreetressWater Wave Bulk 22"CherishWater Wave BulkJanet CollectionNala Tress Passion Twist Crochet 18"KaliPassion Twist Crochet 3X 18"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for passion twists

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Smooth mousse over the twists to calm frizz. Some frizz is part of the look.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Take them out after six weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsStyling gels

Marley twists

Chunky twists made with coarse, kinky Marley hair, so they look close to natural afro hair. Light for their size.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 3 to 5 hours

How much hair do I need?

5 to 7 packsOf Marley or afro kinky hair, for a medium size. Thicker twists use fewer packs.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

Jinny's BeautyMarley Braid Afro TwistAngelsMarley Braids 120gKuknusCrochet Marley Braid 20"AftressAfro Kinky Bulk 24"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for marley twists

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Every two weeks, wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and dry it fully.
  • Seal the ends as your stylist shows you so they do not unravel.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Braid careScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsEdge control

Faux locs

The look of locs without the commitment. Soft locs, butterfly locs and crochet locs are all versions of this style.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 4 to 8 hours

How much hair do I need?

6 to 8 packsOf crochet locs, or wrapping hair for soft locs, for a medium size. Ready-made crochet locs are the quickest to fit. Wrapped locs take longer and use more hair.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

Janet CollectionNala Tress Ghana Faux Locs 20"Janet CollectionHavana Mambo Faux Locs 2XAngelsSoft Dreadlocks CrochetOutre X-pressionTwisted Up Borabora Locs 3XMagic CollectionFaux Locs Brazilian Wool 70g

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for faux locs

  • Use a large bonnet or loc sock at night.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Every two weeks, wash your scalp with diluted shampoo and dry it fully.
  • Locs are heavier than braids. Do not tie them up tightly.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Scalp and hair oilsBraid careBonnets and sleep capsSheen spray

Crochet braids

Your own hair is cornrowed, then ready-made curls, twists or braids are looped on with a crochet needle. One of the fastest protective styles.

Lasts: 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 2 to 3 hours

How much hair do I need?

4 to 6 packsOf crochet hair, for a medium size. Curly crochet hair gives more volume, so you need fewer packs than with straight styles.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

Jazzy HairCrochet Braid Passion CurlAngelsLooped Crochet Braid Lexi CurlKaliWater Wave Crochet 3X 16"KuknusFeather Crochet Deep Wave 18"Outre X-pressionSpringy Afro Twist 3X

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for crochet braids

  • Sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf every night.
  • Separate curls with your fingers and a little mousse. Do not brush them.
  • Oil or spray your scalp two or three times a week. Go light on the lengths.
  • Snip off any tangles. Take the style out after six weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Styling gelsScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsSheen spray

Sew-in weave

Bundles of hair sewn onto cornrows, finished with a closure or some of your own hair left out at the parting.

Lasts: 6 to 8 weeksTime in the chair: 2 to 4 hours

How much hair do I need?

3 bundles and a closureOf weave bundles, plus a closure, for a medium size. The longer the hair, the thinner each bundle, so long styles need an extra one.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

SensationnelPremium Too Yaki WeaveHairmakerBrazilian Premium Blend Straight WeaveSensationnelPremium Too Deep Wave WeaveRushBrazilian Glamour 4x4 Lace Closure

See all hair extensions

Aftercare for sew-in weave

  • Wrap the hair in a silk scarf at night.
  • Wash every one to two weeks and dry the braids underneath fully.
  • Use a light serum on the lengths. Keep oil away from the wefts.
  • Have it taken down after eight weeks at the most.
  • If it hurts or you see bumps at the hairline, it is too tight. Go back to your stylist.
Hair serumsShampooConditionersBonnets and sleep caps

Wig install

A lace wig fitted by a stylist: your hair is braided flat, the wig is secured, and the lace is cut and blended into your hairline.

Lasts: 1 to 3 weeks per installTime in the chair: 1 to 2 hours

How much hair do I need?

1 wig, 1 wig cap and lace glue or holding gelAsk your stylist whether they want a glueless wig or one to glue down.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

KaliFeel Me Lace Wig TiffanyOutreMelted Hairline KinkySoft HD Lace Front WigEBIN New YorkWonder Lace Bond HD Wig CapEBIN New YorkWonder Lace Bond Adhesive Spray SensitiveEBIN New YorkTinted Lace Powder

See all lace front wigs

Aftercare for wig install

  • Do a patch test before using lace glue for the first time.
  • Tie a scarf or melt band around the hairline at night.
  • Always use a proper remover to lift the lace. Never pull it.
  • Give your own hair and hairline a rest between installs.
Wig caps and bandsWig glue and removersWig accessoriesBonnets and sleep caps

Starter locs and retwists

Locs started with comb coils, two-strand twists or interlocking, then kept neat with a retwist every few weeks.

Lasts: Retwist every 4 to 6 weeksTime in the chair: 1 to 3 hours

How much hair do I need?

No added hair neededYou only need a light locking gel and an oil for your scalp.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

See styling gels

Aftercare for starter locs and retwists

  • Cover locs with a durag, loc sock or bonnet at night.
  • Wait about four weeks before the first wash, then wash gently.
  • Use light products. Heavy creams and waxes cause build-up.
  • Do not retwist too often or too tightly: it thins the roots.
Styling gelsScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep capsShampoo

Kids' braids with beads

Cornrows or small box braids for children, often finished with beads. Keep them light, loose and short enough to play in.

Lasts: 3 to 4 weeksTime in the chair: 1 to 3 hours

How much hair do I need?

2 to 3 packsOf braiding hair, plus beads, for a medium size. Many styles for children use no added hair at all. Add one or two packs of beads.

A guide only. Stylists and brands differ, so check with your braider before you order.

Hair to buy

KuknusPre Stretch Braids 3X 12"CherishJunior Kids French Curl 3X 14"CherishJunior Kids Passion Twist 8"Outre X-pressionLil Looks Box Braid 10"

See all braiding hair

Aftercare for kids' braids with beads

  • Never braid tightly on a child. If they say it hurts, loosen it.
  • A small satin bonnet at night keeps braids neat.
  • Oil the scalp lightly twice a week.
  • Check beads are secure, and keep them away from very young children.
  • Take the style out after four weeks at the most.
Kids braid careHair beadsScalp and hair oilsBonnets and sleep caps

Find someone to do it

Afro hair salons, braiders, loc specialists and barbers, city by city.

LondonBirminghamManchesterNottinghamBristolLiverpoolGlasgowLeicesterWolverhamptonSheffield

In Leeds? Visit one of our three shops in Chapeltown, Roundhay Road and the city centre.

Questions

How many packs of braiding hair do I need?

For medium knotless or box braids at mid-back length, allow 5 to 7 standard packs, or about 3 large 160g packs. Shorter or thicker braids need less, and longer or smaller braids need more. Pick your style above for a guide, then check with your braider before you order.

What is the difference between knotless braids and box braids?

Box braids start with a small knot of extension hair at the root. Knotless braids start with your own hair and feed the extension in gradually, so they lie flatter, feel lighter and put less tension on the scalp. Knotless braids usually take a little longer to do.

Which protective style lasts the longest?

Knotless braids, box braids, Senegalese twists, Marley twists and faux locs can all last six to eight weeks with good care. Ghana braids and kids' styles are shorter-term, at two to four weeks.

Should I buy my own hair before my appointment?

Many braiders and stylists ask you to bring your own hair. Ask them for the brand, length, colour and number of packs before you order, and order in good time for delivery.

What colour should I choose?

Colour 1 is jet black, 1B is off black and suits most people, 2 is darkest brown and 4 is medium brown. 27, 30 and 613 are honey blonde, auburn and blonde. Ombre packs blend two colours for you.