To do Marley braids (or twists), you start with a cornrow or bantu knot base, add synthetic Marley hair to a natural hair section, and then perform a two-strand twist by twisting both sections clockwise (or counter-clockwise) before wrapping them around each other down the hair shaft to create a unified, long-lasting twist that resembles natural hair. The key is consistent twisting in the same direction and sealing the ends in hot water.
A: Usually 3-6 packs of hair is enough. This is determined by personal preferences and physical characteristics. If you like a lot of lush hair, you can add more hair.
Marley hair is the easiest braiding hair to work with for DIYs as they come pre-separated as stands of hair and you choose the number of strands per twists. The process of installing Havana twists using Marley braids is easy and once you get the hang of twisting your roots, the rest is a breeze!
On the other hand, Marley twists are created with synthetic Marley braiding hair that sports a thin, coarse texture. Unlike the Havana style, these twists are thinner in size and can feel heavy on your head. Marley twist hair is also typically more affordable than the extensions used to create Havana twists.
Twists generally take less time to install but don't last as long, whereas braids can last 4 to 8 weeks with proper care. Twists are a lighter, lower-tension style perfect for coily or kinky hair. Keep in mind that they do put a little stress on the scalp and edges, but overall they don't create much tension.
You should generally braid your hair dry or slightly damp, not soaking wet, because wet hair is weaker, more elastic, and prone to breakage and damage when manipulated into braids. Braiding dry hair is healthier and offers better volume for waves, while damp braiding is good for defined waves but needs to dry completely to prevent frizz and potential scalp issues.
Interlocking helps loc wearers maintain neat roots longer. If you prefer a fro-free, appearance, interlocking is a great starter loc method. We also recommend interlocking for people who may have an active life like athletes. Interlocking provides a neat look for longer time than other loc methods.
Flat twists on short hair. Marley hair was added for fullness. A great protective style that can be worn for up to 3 weeks.
In order to achieve a clean, relaxed look and prevent the braids from unraveling, the ends of the hair need to be sealed by submerging them in hot water. This is the crucial, final step of braiding hair called “dipping.”
To avoid health risks from braiding, you should avoid using certain synthetic braiding hair due to detected carcinogens (like benzene, lead, and methylene chloride) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many popular brands, which can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potentially long-term cancer or organ damage; instead, consider natural hair options, limit wear time, ensure good ventilation, and wash hands after handling.
Applying a nourishing oil before bed helps keep your hair and scalp hydrated, prevents breakage, and promotes overall hair health. Davontae recommends using argan oil or aloe vera gel, which you can dab along your hairline and scalp in between your braids.
A: I recommend four to six weeks for optimal hair health; eight weeks is the absolute max. This is because leaving braids in for too long can cause hair loss from tugging and pulling over time due to increased tension on your roots as the hair grows out.
For Branda, on the other hand, sleeping with wet braided hair is a big no-no. “You're giving bacteria a place to grow hiding in the weave of the wet braid,” she explains. Plus, she points out that wet hair is more elastic when wet than when it's dry, so all the pulling while braiding can result in breakage.
Both Niani and Hill agree that you want to ensure the scalp is clean and that your hair is free of product buildup before braids. Now would be a good time to whip out a clarifying shampoo to get a good cleanse. If your scalp is dry or flaky, Niani says you can also use an exfoliating shampoo or scrub at this step.
God, through the Bible, emphasizes inner beauty, modesty, and humility over excessive outward adornment, with verses like 1 Timothy 2:9-10 and 1 Peter 3:3-4 advising against ostentatious hair braiding with gold or pearls, focusing instead on a gentle, quiet spirit and good works, though simple, practical braiding for modesty isn't inherently sinful but becomes an issue when driven by vanity or pride.
The Least Damaging Protective Styles
Think: jumbo twists, cornrows, flat twists, knotless braids, and crochet styles with pre-looped hair. These styles require less manipulation and are easier to maintain with proper care.