Latest news with #protectivestyles
News24
01-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News24
Braid styles and tips for the tender-headed girlies
Sitting in the salon chair as the hairstylist tugs, pulls and combs through your hair to create the perfect parting, you keep telling yourself that 'pain is beauty'. If you've ever felt like the hairstylist took their frustrations out on your scalp, there's a reason for that. While tender-headedness is more of a cultural term than a medical one, scalp sensitivities are real, especially for those who like to do protective styles like braids and cornrows. READ MORE | Hair Inspo | Koroba braids - the trendy style with African roots Thandekile Mziyako, a natural hair specialist and founder of Sandton salon BraidsByThandekile, explains to TRUELOVE, 'Some women naturally have more sensitive scalps – often referred to as being 'tender-headed.' This can be due to genetics, skin conditions, hormonal changes or a lower pain threshold. In some cases, it's also due to tension from prior hairstyling, scalp dryness or inflammation. 'Additionally, the skill and technique of the stylist play a huge role – poor sectioning or excessive pulling can cause unnecessary pain, regardless of the client's scalp sensitivity.' Thandekile's salon has been the beauty partner for Miss South Africa and its reality show Crown Chasers for the last few years, and she knows a thing or two about creating long-lasting, stunning braiding styles while protecting the scalp. If you're looking for a long-lasting protective style that won't leave your scalp on fire for days afterwards, Thandekile recommends a few styles that are low tension, lightweight and don't need small, tight sections. Knotless braids Knotless braids have become a popular technique that does without the tension and pulling of regular box braids that start with a tight knot at the base. Thandekile explains that knotless braids 'start without a knot at the base, making them gentler on the scalp' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nande Mabala (@nande_mabala) Lightweight crochet locs Crocheted faux locs are a protective style where synthetic hair is wrapped around or crocheted onto natural hair using a crochet hook to mimic the style locs. Using thinner loc extensions for a more lightweight feel – and an experienced stylist – will give you the best results with minimal discomfort. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lesedi Matsunyane-Ferguson (@sediimatsunyane) Human hair braids and locs Oftentimes, a synthetic hairpiece is the culprit for pain and itchiness, especially for those with sensitive skin. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bohemian & Goddess Braids specialists👑 (@jullz_hairstylist) Flat twists or cornrows Plaiting cornrows, especially with added hair, can be notoriously painful for some. Thandekile recommends using your natural hair with no extensions in the styling and minimal tension. If colour and length are non-negotiable, Thandekile's braiding method is a go-to. 'The key is using what I call 'firm but not tight' method, to create clean parting, perfect size and tension or pain-free styling based on the client's comfort level.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by RENATE STUURMAN 🎭 (@renatestuurman) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (@ladynam_bm) Thandekile's tips for pain and itchiness after braiding Prep the scalp with a moisturising treatment before braiding – healthy scalps handle tension better. We have our in-house products that soothe the scalp and soften natural hair before braiding (help create seamless, painless parts and sectioning). Avoid tight styles and speak up during installation if it's too tight. Use a soothing scalp mist before and after braiding with ingredients like peppermint or aloe vera to reduce itchiness and inflammation. Sleep with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to reduce friction and irritation. For discomfort, a warm compress or light scalp massage with natural oils like black castor oil can also help ease tension.
News24
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- News24
3 simple steps to help you go natural
For us as Black women, our hair is a clear sign of our personal identity. Most of us have had our hair chemically treated at some point. So how does one transition back from treated to natural hair? Here is a quick guide to getting back to 100 percent natural hair. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hulisani Ravele (@hulisaniravele) 1. You need time Transitioning takes time. Whether you decide to cut it all off and leave it to grow, or let it grow while wearing a protective hairstyle, the transition still takes time. Exactly how long depends on genetics and lifestyle factors. So be prepared to wait a few months to a year to go back to being 100 percent natural. 2. Conditioning is essential During the transition phase, the interface between your new natural hair growth and chemically treated hair is extremely sensitive. So treat it with extra care and avoid heat treatments. Deep condition it more often – at least once a week. 3. Plan your look The fact that you've opted for natural hair means that you're no longer interested in looking the way you did with your chemically treated hair. You need to feel good during this time, so you need to find a look that suits you and maintains your confidence as you transition. Invest in some great transitional looks like braids or Afro wigs to cover your head during this time. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bokangs Hair (@bokangshair)
News24
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Why tribal braids are this winter's go-to hairstyle
Hairstyles deeply rooted in tradition are making a confident return – and for African women, it's more than just a trend. Across the country, more and more women are turning to cornrows and tribal braids. At first, you wouldn't think much of it, but we continued to see intricate hair patterns flooding our social feeds and the streets. It's clear: this movement isn't just about convenience, it's about reclaiming identity through artistry. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nomzamo Mbatha (Nxumalo)🇿🇦 (@nomzamo_m) What are tribal braids? Tribal braids are a type of protective hairstyle inspired by traditional African braiding patterns that are rich in symbolism and culture. Often incorporating cornrows, box braids, and intricate parting, tribal braids can include beads, cuffs or coloured extensions, with each pattern historically reflecting one's tribe, age, status or heritage. According to Allure, 'Tribal braids are deeply connected to African ancestry and identity, with roots in the Fulani, [Ghanaian] and Nigerian cultures, among others.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shudu Musiḓa (@shudufhadzomusida) The cultural code In South African communities –and across the continent –braiding has always been more than just a hairstyle. It's a form of communication, a living archive. Distinct patterns and techniques, which - according to okayafrica - often speak to a person's tribe, age, social status or marital position. To wear braids is to wear history. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nambitha Ben-Mazwi (@ladynam_bm) The resurgence For years, the beauty space has been dominated by wigs, weaves and chemically treated styles. But the shift is underway as we see more diversity. South African hairstylist and salon owner Monique Dolamo has witnessed the shift firsthand. 'Tribal braids are reasonably priced, they last over a month and they're a protective hairstyle,' she says. 'Clients love that they don't have to stress about their hair every day –especially during the colder months.' But it's more than practicality. For Monique, each style is a collaboration between heritage and personal flair. 'I always advise my clients based on their face and head shape,' she adds. 'Recreating a hairstyle doesn't mean copying it – it means adapting it to suit the client, while still honouring the original inspiration.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Minnie Dlamini (@minniedlamini) Taking a break from glue The return to braids also reflects a rejection of damaging practices. Monique says more women are ditching wigs – especially the glued-down kind – due to hairline damage. 'To be honest, some women don't have healthy hairlines anymore,' she explains. 'Glue blocks the hair follicles and suffocates the scalp. Your hairline can't breathe, so it doesn't regenerate properly.' Braids, in contrast, allow natural hair to rest. By tucking strands away, tribal styles protect against breakage, especially in winter, while supporting hair growth. With proper care, they can last for weeks – ideal for women balancing busy schedules with bold beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thembisa Liyema Nxumalo (@thembisamdoda) Not just a look – a legacy Whether worn as a bold fashion statement or a quiet nod to ancestry, tribal braids are more than a seasonal trend – they're a powerful return to self. 'Women are saying they're proud to be African – in every sense,' Monique says. 'They love how authentic they feel in braids. It's a whole new level of confidence.' So, as the temperatures drop, there's no better time to protect your crown with a style that's stood the test of time – and tells a story of pride, resilience and beauty. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masasa Mbangeni (@madlomo2) Show Comments ()
