Social media is our style bible, especially when it comes to headhunting our next hairstyle. So, what’s whetted our hungry-hair appetites in recent months? French curl braids!
This deluxe synthetic style is a fusion of classic box braids and boho goddess braids, and influencers around the world have been quick to pick up the braid baton. “Actually, French curls braids is nothing new,” says Guinness World Record holder for fastest braiding, Aycan Kemal. (Of course, we’re not letting that burst our braid bubble.) “This look was hot in the 90s. I remember RnB babes like Brandy and Destiny Child flaunting the look. Like all things in fashion, it’s come back round,” Kemal tells us.
But in 2024, the sumptuous synthetic ringlets have been given a serious upgrade with millennials and Gen Zs opting for two-tone blends and exaggerated 30 inch-plus length. Sign us up!
When it comes to reinventing and bringing back classic protective styles, influencers have the skill and camera angles on lock. So, if you want to try French curl braids this Spring/Summer, then keep reading our complete guide for installation, maintenance and sift through the style gallery of our favourite influencers swishing the look.
The pros and cons of French curl braids
As stunning as this style may look, it certainly comes with benefits and disadvantages. To give you a full breakdown, here are some quick pros and cons:
Pros
- To get the finishing effect, you have to leave out a substantial amount of curls making the braiding process quicker compared to classic braid installation
- You can use the knotless box braid method to achieve this look.
- Wearers have claimed it feels lighter on their scalp compared to box braids.
- Quality French Curls Braids hair extensions are made from premium SYN fibres.
Cons
- Compared to braiding hair made from kankalon fibres, French Curl Braids tend to have a silkier texture and are therefore prone to unravelling.
- This look cannot be achieved using human hair. However, if you do find a way of installing this style using human hair, it will work out a lot more expensive compared to synthetic hair.
- If you don’t use quality hair, the style can be prone to excessive tangling and therefore not last long.
How to install French curl braids
YouTube has an extensive catalogue of French Curl Braid tutorials, however here are some key installation tips worth knowing:
Choose pre-curled, 100% synthetic fibre French curl braid hair extensions. We recommend Urban French Curl made from quality synthetic fibre. The bulk braiding hair is available in two tones and drops down to a lush 30 inches.
For an ultra-sleek result, we recommend installing this style using the knotless braid technique. To slick your hair without product build-up, use Cantu Protective Styles Braiding & Twisting Gel, £6.99. Part clean hair into sections and apply with fingertips through roots of each section. Reapply with comb to achieve cleaner parts and reapply on the ends of braids to seal.
Always braid an inch beyond where your natural hair stops to avoid breakage or cutting your own hair during take out.
Maintaining French curl braids
To keep any protective style fresh and neat it requires care and maintenance. Leaving your hair unchecked for too long can result in the style not lasting as long, so to avoid that, follow these need-to-know tips:
Each night sleep with a silk / satin bonnet or pillowcase. This will lock in moisture and minimise frizz on your natural hair and extensions.
To revive worn out curls, wrap them around flexi rods and wear under a silk bonnet for at least four hours. Wrap mousse like Sunny Isle Jamaican Black Castor Oil Hair Mousse, £6.99 can be used for extra definition.
Avoid getting the hair soaking wet. Use a refreshing scalp treatment like Crème of Nature Pure Honey Scalp Refresh Cleansing Scalp Treatment, £5.99 or for expedience a refresh mist like Aveda Scalp Solutions Refreshing Protective Mist, £36, or Cantu Protective Styles Hair Refreshener, £9.
Now you have the knowledge on how to install, maintain and care for this season’s trending tendrils, here’s a gallery of influencers dressed to impress in French Curl Braids.
Don’t forget to tag @spellmagazine to be featured in future hair galleries!
