Weaving Black Hairstyles in 3D by Isaac Olander
A framework for approaching black hairstyles, made simple
//There is great variation in black hairstyles
//This variation is achieved by combining CORE STYLES
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//Fundamental hairstyles with distinct features
//CREATION
Difficulty: HARD
Can be Self-Styled: NO
Tools: Crochet Hooks
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Moisturizer, Retwist products
//INFO
Locks are practical for most environments. The hairstyle does well with water, retains its shape over time and is easy on the scalp. The style allows long hair with minimal maintenence. Locks can be detangled, with enough time, effort and tools.
//MAINTENANCE
Locks can be difficult to start. It requires great level of skill and precision for the locks to have consistent size and shape. However, once the hairstyle is complete, it is rather easy to maintain. The difference between locks and other hairstyles, such as braids, is that locks can be maintained indefinetely despite hairgrowth. While braids need to be detangled and rebraided to capture new hairs, the locks can remain intact while new hairs are integrated into it.
FEATURES
//Sectioned strands of hair
//Thick clumps, noise and flyaways
//Naturally texture hair at root, tapers to dreadlock
//CREATION
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Can be Self-Styled: YES
Tools: Comb
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Durag, Showercap, Dry Shampoo
//INFO
Cornrows is a practical hairstyle. By tucking the hair to the scalp, it remains protected from the environmental. Athletes are often seen sporting cornrows, as a way to avoid the interferance of long hair in physical activities.
The hairstyle can also know for sentimental reasons, as the hairstyle can often be made by a close friend or family member. The hairstyle is cosmetic and requires no modificaiton to the hair length.
//MAINTENANCE
Cornrows are easily created and can be made by the wearer alone. Cornrows retain their initial look for 2-4 weeks, after which friction and hair growth loosens the braids and the tight look. To maintain cornrows, avoid water, sleep with protective fabric and avoid touching the hair.
FEATURES
//Clear line seperates sections of hair
//Inverse relationshp between braid and sections width
//Max braid thickness at center that tapers to ends
//CREATION
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Styled: YES
Tools: Pintail Comb, Hairtie
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Durag
//INFO
Bany knots is a protective hairstyle. It keeps long hair snatched to the scalp. It is a versatile and functioning hairstyle that can be worn for physical activities. Once the Knots are removed, the hairstrands retain the shape of the knots. This makes the hairtexture look a wavy.
//MAINTENANCE
Bantuknots are simple to make. Creating the defined sections is the most difficult aspect and requires patience. However, as opposed to other protective hairstyles, the bantuknots is comperatively loose fitted. As a result it untangles fast in between 5-10 days.
FEATURES
//Clear seperation between sections
//Tight coiled buns
//Knot size is relative to size of hair sections
//CREATION
Difficulty: HARD
Can be Self-Styled: NO
Tools: Pintail Comb, Hairtie
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Durag, Showercap
//INFO
Braids is a protective hairstyle that protects the natural hair from environmental effects. This style normally requires assistance. Similarly to cornrows, braids are sometimes made by family members and close friends.
//MAINTENANCE
Creation difficulty for braids can vary from medium to hard, depending on the number of braids. The hairstyle can be maintained for 4-8 weeks.
FEATURES
//Clear sectioned strands of hair
//Natural hair type texture at ends of braids
//Hair sections tapers tightly to braid root
//CREATION
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Styled: YES
Tools: None
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Comb
//INFO
The starting point for all hairstyles. The high volume offers protection from sunlight and allows heat to evaporate from scalp, faster than straight hair types. The look of the hairstyle will depend on the Hair texture type, as seen in Andre Aalker hair typing system.
//MAINTENANCE
Maintenance involves combing and washing. If left completely unmaintained, the natural hair will become incresingly frizzy and the hair sections become less defined. Eventually, the hairstrands can begin to “lock” and form the hairstyle “freeform locks”.
FEATURES
//Hair shapes into a large volume
//Thin coiled section with “tendril perversion” shape
//Coils spiral out from crown of head
//CREATION
Difficulty: MEDIUM
Can be Self-Styled: YES
Tools: Hair clippers
//MAINTENANCE
Difficulty: EASY
Can be Self-Maintained: YES
Tools: Hair clippers
//INFO
Practical for any situation, the faded hairstyle. It is quick to create and once made, retains it’s style until the hair grows out.
//MAINTENANCE
Requires frequent upkeep. The hairstyle lasts for about 1-2 week. Frequent scheduled visits to a barber is expected. With enough skill, the hair can also be made and maintained by the wearer.
FEATURES
//Sharp hairline created with razor
//Hair length is a gradiant from ear to top of head
//The position of the fade transition can vary from low to high
