Looking for a proficient hair braiding salon in Birmingham? Whether you are a man or a woman, hair braiding never goes out of style. Go for a walk on Broad Street or Soho Road on a Saturday evening, and there you will see cornrows, box braids, and knotless style everywhere. The S24 Hair Braiding Salon specialises in Afro and Black men’s hair braiding.
If you are also looking to braid your hair, you are either after a new look or done with styles that don’t hold up in the UK’s unpredictable weather. Braiding helps you solve your hair problems for a long time.
This guide covers everything, such as styles, pricing, prep, aftercare, and how to pick the right salon. Let’s get into it.
Table of Contents
- What Is Hair Braiding, Exactly?
- Popular Braiding Styles for Men
- Popular Braiding Styles for Women
- How Much Does Hair Braiding Cost in Birmingham?
- How Long Does It Take?
- How to Prep Your Hair Before Braiding
- Caring for Your Braids Afterward
What Is Hair Braiding, Exactly?
Hair braiding is the art of weaving three sections of your hair together to create a certain pattern known as a braid. Sounds very simple, right? But it isn’t.
There are different braiding styles such as cornrows, box braids, feed-ins, twists and many more. Each one follows a different weaving technique. Some of them are woven flat against your scalp, whereas some hang loose. They last from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the care you do afterwards.
For men, the hair stylist offers intricate designs, tapered patterns, and combinations with fades. It has become more of a style statement.
Popular Braiding Styles for Men
Popular braiding styles for men include cornrows, box braids, Dutch braids and many more.
- Cornrows for men: In cornrow braid patterns, hair is braided flat against the scalp and is woven tightly in geometric patterns or straight lines.
- Box Braid for men: Short and rugged plaits are created across the head. Men often pair them with a fade underneath for a cleaner finish.
- Double Dutch Braid: This braiding style creates an athletic, edgy look. The two prominent braids are woven from the front untill the back of the head.
- Braided bun for men: In this hairstyle, cornrows or French braids are tied up in a bun at the back of the head and are further paired with the faded or shaved sides.
- Twist Braids: In this style, your hair is divided into two parts instead of three. Then they are twisted around, offering a softer look than cornrows and generally gentler on the scalp.
Popular Braiding Styles for Women
Popular braiding styles for women include knotless braids, boho braids, stitch braids and many more.
- Knotless Braids: A lighter, less tense version of regular box braids. Your own hair is incorporated into the extension hair, blending seamlessly with the edges and scalp protected.
- Boho Braids: For a soft, bohemian look, box or knotless braids are mixed with curly human hair or fake hair that is left out along the length and ends.
- Stitch Braids: Stitch braids are clean, precise cornrows that are “stitched” into straight, geometric lines. They can be styled in a variety of ways, such as straight backs or complicated patterns.
- Feed-in Cornrows: Feed-in cornrows, also known as Ghana weaving, are sleek braids that lay flat against the scalp and slowly add more hair for a natural, tapered start at the hairline.
- Fulani Braids: Fulani braids are front cornrows that face the face or are made in geometric designs, and side plaits are often decorated with beads or rings.
How Much Does Hair Braiding Cost in Birmingham?
The price will vary depending on the length, thickness and style of hair and the amount of hair that is added (if required). This is just general guidance for all the salons in Birmingham.
● With no extensions, cornrows cost approximately £25–£50.
● Approximately £30 to £60 for men’s braided fade
● Box braids cost between £70 and £150 or more.
● Knotless braids cost approximately £90–£180 or more.
● About forty to eighty pounds for design or pattern braids
Longer hair, finer braids, and additional length all contribute to an increase in price because they require more time and quantity of product to achieve. Before making a reservation, it is often a good idea to enquire about the cost of the service based on the exact type of hair you have.
How Long Does It Take to Braid Hair?
Time depends completely on the texture of your hair, the length of your hair and the style you choose. It can take from 1 hour to 5 hours of time in styling hair that can last up to a couple of months.
Simple Men’s Braids / Cornrows: Takes about 1 to 3 hours.
Jumbo Knotless Braids: Take around 4 hours.
Large Knotless Braids / Standard Feed Ins: Takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes.
Medium Knotless Braids: Take around 8 hours and 50 minutes.
Small or Micro Braids: 6-12 hours or more, depending on length and density
How to get hair ready for braiding?
No matter if it’s a man’s hair or a woman’s hair, there is a specific process experts follow before they braid. Proper prep helps to keep your hair naturally healthy and longer-lasting.
Preparation steps include:
- Wash and Clean:
Shampoo your hair correctly: A clarifying shampoo will properly wash your hair and scalp of dirt and sweat.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your hair thoroughly so the shampoo is washed from every strand of your hair.
- Condition and Detangle:
Deep conditioning: Apply a deep conditioner to the length of your hair to restore hydration. Keep the conditioner on for 10-20 minutes and then rinse it off properly.
Gentle Detangling: With the help of a wide-tooth comb, detangle your hair gently. Start combing at the ends and work your way up toward the roots to reduce breakage.
- Dry and Stretch: Heat Protectant: Before blow-drying your hair, spray a heat protectant evenly. This will help you avoid damaging your hair through heat.
Blow-Drying: Blow-dry your hair with low heat and a comb. It will help you detangle faster and avoid frizziness. Combing your hair while blow-drying will help you make braids more easily.
Skip heavy oils: Do not apply any heavy oil or long-lasting hair creams just before your appointment. As this professional braiding hairstyle needs clean hair, the gel won’t mix with your applied products and will avoid irritation.
Caring for Your Braids Afterwards
A proper hair care routine is essential after braiding. Keep your scalp and hair moisturised, protect your hair at night while sleeping, and detangle and condition properly once you take the braids off.
● It is recommended that you hydrate the scalp by using a water-based spray or a lightweight oil around your parts every two to three days in order to prevent itching and dryness.
● Sleep with a satin or silk bonnet or pillowcase to protect your hair when you go to sleep. This will prevent frizz and keep moisture in your hair.
● Wash your head gently. Once every one to two weeks, use a diluted shampoo to wash your scalp. Concentrate on your parts and don’t rub the braids.
● Remove at the appropriate time: Remove your protective styles after six to eight weeks to prevent your hair from becoming matted and breaking.
Book a braiding appointment in Birmingham.
The S24 Salon makes it easy for anyone to schedule a braiding appointment. You can schedule an appointment online through our website or give us a call. We enjoy working with new and returning clients alike. We will do our best to coordinate your consultation so you feel professional and relaxed. We guarantee to make your hair look its best. Make a reservation with us now.