Feed-in Braids
Feed-in braids share a history with the traditional braided style known as cornrows. Cornrows gained their name because of the pattern resembling cornfields. They were originally worn by indigenous people in Africa from as early as 3000 B.C. to indicate social status.
Enslaved Africans were forced to shave their heads, but cornrows reappeared as their hair grew back. Salves would also use cornrowing to keep their hair neat.
Although cornrows began in Africa, they hold a deep history of slavery in America. Slaves would often use their cornrows to give homage to their homeland of Africa, and they were an effective way for them to keep their hair out of the way during grueling days of work. More important than that, slaves often used cornrows as a system to escape their captivity. Their Cornrows were messages for running towards their freedom.
Later, Cornrows also became a symbol of resistance during the Black Power movement and is now a popular protective style for Black people with both natural and permed hair.
Feed-in braids are essentially cornrows. They get their name from the method of "feeding in" increasingly thick pieces of hair as the cornrow is created.
A starter braid is created with the client's natural hair, and then synthetic braiding hair is added to create a long cornrow that still looks natural.
Feed-in braids are becoming an increasingly popular cornrow style because of their length and natural appearance.
What are Feed-in braids?
Feed-in braids are cornrows, and they are a fairly simple protective style. They get their name from the method by which you install them.
Best and easy stitch feed-in-braids | very detailed
How to do Feed-in braids?
To install Feed-in braids, use the method of feeding in increasingly thick pieces of extension hair as the cornrow is created.
The purpose of feeding in the added extension hair is to add thickness and sometimes length to your Feed-in style. A starter braid is created with the client's natural hair.
Once the braid is started, you will add in the synthetic braiding hair to create a long cornrow that still looks natural. Feed-in braids are becoming an increasingly popular cornrow style because of their length and natural appearance.
When creating the Feed-in braid style, you want to use good synthetic extension hair. For this, the Sensational Pre-Stretched Synthetic Hair will get the job done. You will also want to make sure your hair is very moisturized and detangled beforehand for more ease. Also, pomade will be important in the style's success.
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Are Feed-in Braids Versatile?
Feed-in braids can be a very versatile style. They come in all lengths, sizes, and colors. Besides that, you can opt to have your braids made into an intricate style.
There are several Feed-in braids styles you can go for, such as:
- feed-in braids ponytail
- buns
- half up, half down
- side swooped looks
The feed-in braids ponytail is trendy and easy to wear. It is easy to maintain, and this feed this braids updo is very popular.
Also, feed-in braids are just the base style. There are several forms of Feed-in braid styles other than the traditional such as:
- Stitch Braids
- Ghana Braids
- Goddess Braids
Feed-in braids tutorial – 2 different methods – beginner-friendly
How long do Feed-in braids last?
Feed-in braids are one of the least long-lasting protective braid styles. They only last up to 2 weeks.
Who are Feed-in braids suitable for?
Feed-in braids are great for anyone looking for a quick protective style. Coarser hair textures, however, may be a better base for the extension hair to grip onto. Also, even though the style doesn't last long, finer hair textures may not keep their neatness for as long.
Also, if you can handle the tightness of the hairstyle, feed-in braids will require some tension to keep the braid's sleek appearance. You will want to make certain that your stylist knows what she is doing. If she braids too tight, it could cause unnecessary breakage and soreness.
However, regardless of your stylist being aware of how to execute the style safely, the installation process could be unpleasant if you have a more sensitive scalp. To achieve the neatness expected of feed-in braids, you will experience some tension, so it's best to keep that in mind.
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When to Wear Feed-in Braids?
Feed-in braids are a great option for all times of the year. Although, Feed-in braids especially seem to be worn in the warmer months.
Vacations are a prime time for the style, as the braids will allow for low manipulation. This means you'll have more time to enjoy your moments away rather than on styling your hair. Also, the braids will be good for protecting your hair from the sun and pool. However, be very cautious when getting your Feed-in braids wet. They are likely to frizz, therefore, ruining the sleekness of the style.
How to: feed-in braids on thick hair | no heat
Pros and Cons of Feed-in braids
Pros
- The installation process is quick. The time for completing this style can take from 1 to 3 hours, depending on the type of your Feed-in braids. This is great if you're not fond of spending half your day in a salon chair.
- It's a great protective styling option. Feed-in braids are a favorable option if you want some time away from having to style your hair. Also, since it is a protective style, the braids protect your natural hair. While your hair is in a state of low manipulation, it has time to flourish and grow without the normal breakage you would receive from daily styling.
- It isn't a long-term commitment. This can be a con for those of you looking for a long-term style. However, if you're a person who likes to switch up your hairstyle often, this style may be suitable for you.
- It's not very pricey. Feed-in braids are on the lower end of costs as far as braids are concerned. They can cost anywhere from $80 to $100, depending on how intricate you would like the design of your style to be.
Cons
- The style won't last very long. This could be a pro to some, but for others, this could be a con. Traditional Feed-in braids typically will not last you longer than two weeks. At this point, your roots will have grown, and your hair braids will loosen. Since Feed-in braids should be sleek, this will make the look of the style less than desirable. If you're looking for a long-term protective style, this may not be the best choice.
- It's not great for sensitive scalps. If Feed-in braids aren't installed correctly, they can very easily be far too tight. Poor installation will cause extra tension on your hair follicles and might lead to breakage. Even if installed with care, however, if you suffer from a sensitive scalp, this style could still pose problems for you.