Box Braids: All About Routine-Part 2

Before embarking on making box braids, make sure you have made a good moisturizing and nourishing care. From the realization to the care while passing by the preservation of the mats, nothing is neglected to preserve pretty box and a natural hair in good health.

> Realize his box braids, the good method

"The braids are like stories (...) that intertwine gently". This quote from Sean Steward 's novel Cathy's ring, says a lot about the box braids: their realization requires delicacy, avoiding to create a strong tension on the most fragile areas for his hair, that is to say at the temples and neck. Aline Tacite warns: "It is necessary to avoid too much tightening at the wick, it can create an alopecia of traction" (a progressive fall of the hair often due to hairstyles which strongly solicit the scalp and that one often observes in the case very thin and very tight mats, note). Well done, the box brands have the advantage of being protective. This hairstyle limits the breakage of the hair, which is then protected and "locked up" in the mat. This avoids excessive handling during a given period. It is also easier to take care of your scalp.

> Washing and maintenance of box braids

During the mating period, Aline Tacite recommends washing her scalp at least every two weeks with a shampoo diluted with water to remove dust and accumulated impurities. "The shampoo must be applied to the scalp massaging to increase blood circulation," complements the blogger Fabulous. The latter adds that "at the time of rinsing, it is necessary to gently press her hair along the braids to eliminate shampoo residue" to ensure optimal spin. When choosing this protective hairstyle, the important thing is to keep your scalp in good condition. On a daily basis, the use of a serum based on essential oils - coconut oil or sweet almond - two to three times a week is recommended. These non-greasy oils can work the box and keep a nice shape while providing shine to the mat. Finally, it is de rigueur to massage her skull to stimulate the scalp and avoid tension. But this, very gently not to exert unnecessary additional traction on the roots. But if you do not know clearly how to do it, you can practice it by using a cosmetology mannequin head.

> Preserve your boxes

To delay the "aging" of box braids, accentuated by weekly washes, a good habit to take is to tie them before going to bed, or better yet to protect her hair at night with a silk scarf or satin. An excellent way to limit the frizz caused by the friction of the hair with the pillow. Always in order to preserve the holding of his box braids, Aline Tacite warns about the use of the spray composed of water and oil: "it is not very effective because the natural hair swells in contact with the water: there is small frizz that will come out of the wick ". According to her, "the care provided before box braids are sufficient to keep hair nourished and hydrated, it is important to take care of her scalp. You will understand, do not venture into the realization of these mats if your hair is weakened. Now, you know all about box braids, you just have to shake your pretty mats like Willow Smith in her clip "Whip my hair", or to split the audience proudly in the image from Keri Hilson.

Box Braids: All About Routine-Part 1

The box braids, those good old mats with additions, are back. Many stars have adopted them, such as Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, or Zoe Kravitz. MCA gives you all its tips to take advantage of these so-called protective braids and trends.

DETERMINE STYLE FOR BETTER RESULTS

For an optimal result and a long performance of the box braid, it is necessary to know well to determine its expectations and its choices upstream.

> The choice and the length of the wicks

The "rule of four" introduced by Clarisse Libène, founder of Belle Ebène website and organizer of the Natural HairAcademy event, is a good benchmark to adapt according to each: "no more than four packets, no more than four weeks, no more than four times in the year ". Kanekalon fiber bundles -leader synthetic wicks - are commonly used for their flexibility, lightness, and versatility. There are a variety of colors and textures ranging from the smoothest to the most frizzy. MCA tip: To prevent any form of allergy, it may be helpful to soak the wicks for a few minutes in cold or lukewarm water diluted with a little shampoo. Then lightly dab the material with a towel. Be careful, these wicks cannot withstand the heat of the hair dryer, it is necessary to let them air dry without wringing them out. Regarding the length, everything depends on the desired style. On the shoulders, the box braids do not put too much pressure on the scalp. Long, they require more hair. Depending on the density and health of your hair, you must determine a reasonable length. The thickness also plays a role in the final result. If the hair is thin, it is better to avoid making too large, so heavy mats, which would exert too much pressure on the cosmetology mannequin head.

> The route: what impact on the scalp?

Depending on the desired style, there are different plots: the square shape is one of the most realized, but the rendering can be irregular and the mats are much more spaced. It is the same for the triangle shape which requires a greater thickness of locks. But "the wick must not be twice as thick as the section we are going to matter," warns Aline Tacite, responsible for the Salon By BE and founder of the event Boucles d'Ébène. It is better to bet on circles-like patterns for more regular mats. And make sure you have a good look and look.

Should We Match Her Nail Polish From the Hands to That of The Feet?

Matching varnish or completely unmatched, discover our expert advice to be a trend to the tips of the nails.

"With nail polish, we can do what we want," says Alexandra Falba, expert manicure brand DANCINGNAIL You can quite put the same hairspray on the hands and feet without making a major error, but this remains a bit classic. By peeling the colors, you have the possibility to associate certain shades, to create a very trendy effect.

Which color combinations to make?

If you choose not to match your polish with your hands and feet, there are two options available to you. The first is the one that the specialist calls the technique of "monochrome", that is to say, "stay in a range of colors close enough". If the toenails are varnished with a coral color, for example, opt for a red-orange, a mango a little pastel or a color quite close to the orange for the nails of the hands "advises our pro.

"Always have colors that are close to each other," says the expert. So, the key to a successful combination is to avoid wearing cool colors with warm colors.

The other possibility is to slice completely by changing color palette radically on the hands and feet. "The only nuance that can really decide and that goes with everything is white, " says the professional. It is worn for example with black for a  "very marked contrast", or with cooler colors such as pink or orange, ideal for summer.

The nail polish trends of the summer

That it is united or mismatched, to be "in", the varnish is electric or pastel. "The Klein blue is really fashionable right now, it suits all looks," said Alexandra Falba. "It can be put on the nails of the hands and opt or a softer blue on the feet for example".

You can also play with pastel tones. These are soft colors with which there are many cool combinations to make. Having the same intensity, "you can associate them easily". Lavender, pale green, very light pink ... You have a choice!

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8 Beauty Gestures to Proscribe in Summer

Sun, heat, sand, wind ... Summer, skin, and hair are put to the test. You must then adapt your beauty routine to the season. Find out what are the things you should forget in the sun, not to put your skin at risk or risk the faux-pas make-up.

1.Makeup without sunscreen

Before you start the makeup step, do not skip the application of sunscreen. Regardless of your skin type, whether it is light or golden, the sun's UV is harmful to the skin. Better protect yourself before going out, but also during the day. Put your protection in your bag, because you will have to give it back every two hours.

2.To perfume before exposing oneself to the sun

Fragrance and sun are rarely compatible in summer. Indeed, some perfumes may contain photosensitive molecules, such as alcohol. Result: spots may appear on your skin. Be careful, use a fragrance that says you can wear it in the sun, or spray it on the hem of your clothes, or behind the ear.

3.Shave without shaving cream

Unstoppable logic: summer, it's hot so we sweat more. And what is particularly painful when you sweat? Micro-cuts. We do not shave without first applying a cream to avoid small sores, whether on the legs, armpits or jersey. The worst is the armpits: we would like to have a quick razor before going out except that it could burn very hard, either because of perspiration or because of the deodorant.

4.Spread out the self-tanner in a hurry

The zebra effect, very little for us. When spreading your self - tanner, take care to do it evenly, to avoid the appearance of demarcations. Bet on self-tanning spray: thanks to their wide distribution the distribution of the product is more homogeneous. Be especially careful with the application on the neckline and neck to avoid the orange trace under the jaw.

5. Neglecting lip care

Lip balm is not only useful for ski holidays. Summer too, it must be applied. Indeed, the sun, the sea, the sand represent external aggressions which can dry the skin and make it peel. So before going to bed or putting on your lipstick, consider moisturizing them.

6. Let the sea wash her hair

Who has not dreamed of having a surfer's hair, slightly faded by the sun, with a super trendy wavy effect? Admittedly, it's trendy, but it's not by multiplying sea baths without washing your hair at night that you get that sexy effect. So do not forget to rinse your hair under the beach showers or at home before feeding them intensely to avoid the straw effect.

7. Wear makeup as in winter

During the year, we have our daily habits, like applying her favorite lipstick, a touch of mascara and, why not a line of eyeliner and lifting eyelashes with a  eyelash perm kit. Except that in summer, you do not wear makeup in the same way as in winter. In general, we must also respect the seasons of makeup. Avoid too flashy colors when you are tanned. Choose nude and discreet makeup, or no makeup at all when you're at the beach. So leave in the drawers your burgundy lipstick, pink or blue blushes, glitter and apricot blush. And if you still put foundation, avoid choosing it iridescent. Opt for a darker tone, it will save you from

8.Zapper hydration

In summer, we sweat a lot more. The water contained in the epidermis evaporates more quickly and the dehydrated skin becomes fragile. It is therefore essential to moisturize it intensively and regularly, whether by drinking water throughout the day as well as applying a day cream on waking and its version night at bedtime.