Channel you inner Sho Madjozi and braid your own hair at home - 5 easy styles to try

Many people have resorted to doing their hair at home due to the lockdown, from celebrities cutting their hair to social media content creators flaunting their self-made braids.

At this point many of us are sitting at home counting down the days until we can get our hair done. The problem is that you know that you won’t be able to get to a hairstylist for the foreseeable future since the government announced that in the upcoming Level 3 that hairdressers will still be closed. So what to do?

Out of the at-home hairstyles we've seen, Sho Madjozi garnered particular attention for doing this braided updo style herself:

While this is, of course, an advanced style, there are some hairstyles you can do yourself that fall in the beginner range.

Here we suggest five of the easiest hairstyles you can dress up or down without having to ever leave your house.

READ MORE: The extraordinary lengths these hairstylists go to keep businesses open amid coronavirus 

All you need is a comb, hair ties, all the hair pins you can find and hair scissors if you will be doing any cutting. If you can comb hair, you probably can do these styles yourself.

Twist and tuck

Step 1: Part your hair in half  or as desired with a rat tail comb

Step 2: Gather as many pins as you can

Step 3: Start twisting the smallest bits at the beginning of your part, gather more hair as you go back and pin, then repeat on the other side.

For braids and dreadlocks, section a third of your hair from the front and once you have that section in a triangular-like shape start twisting upward and gather more hair to the direction of the back of your head. Secure hair with pins as you go, then repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Once you have reached the ends, if your hair is on the short side, twist your ends and tuck them in the secure with a pi. Otherwise, tie pigtails with a hair tie at the end and make a bun on each side if your hair is on the long side.

Here's a visual guide:

A similar concept can be seen on Tessa Thompson's hair look during her Men In Black press tour.

READ MORE: Protective hairstyles to add to your hair inspo moodboard for winter 

Cornrows 

This style is similar to the tuck and pin but you will need to be able to do a basic flat braid. You can do two, four or as many cornrows your biceps will allow. This is how you can achieve the style.

Step 1: Part your hair in half with a rat tail comb

Step 2: Gather three big chunks of hair and make a three-part braid, picking up big chunks of hair until you meet the back of your head. Then repeat on the other side.

For braids and dreadlocks, gather a three locs or braids at the very beginning and make a three-part braid, picking up the gradually  until you meet the back of your head. Then repeat on the other side. 

Step 3: Tie each of the ends in a puff/ponytail or make a bun on each side.

Here's a visual guide:

Elevate the look by adding length and volume with hair extensions as seen above on actress Jessica Williams. 

Bantu Knots 

Bantu knots can be achieved in a couple of ways, the method is up to preference really. But this is a great style to keep because it not only protects your ends and keep your hair tidy, but it can leave you with beautiful curls to turn into a new look once you unravel them. The magic to making this style look great is in the parting.

Step 1: Use a rat tail comb to do you parting sections

Step 2: Use hair ties to secure each section at the base

Step 3: Either Twist each section into a knot OR braid each section before wrapping into a knot

Here's a visual guide for you:

READ MORE: "I love my natural hair but my mom hates it – and it’s racist"

Simple box braids

If you are skilled at any type of braiding, this style will be a walk in the park for you. 

This style works well if you have four sections but if you’re adventurous you can section your hair into six or more parts. With clean parting and embellishments in the form of beads, rings or clips, you’ll look good enough to walk the runway.

Step 1: Create equal partings and detangle each thoroughly

Step 2: Braid each section all the way to the ends in the direction you want the braid to fall, and repeat

Step 3: Add accessories of your choice

Here’s a video that can help guide you: 

Low bun 

If you desire a sleek look but don’t want to compromise your hairline, consider doing a low bun as opposed to a high bun.

READ MORE: Is your hair breaking all your combs? Careful, you may be risking hair breakage too - key tips from a hair expert 

Thorough detangling is the name of the game if you want to ace this look. If you have natural and/or thick hair, you may want to keep a tub of hair gel close for an extra sleek look, otherwise wrapping your head for a few hours once the style is complete may serve you well if you’re going for a less structured look.

Step 1: Gently and thoroughly detangle you hair from tip to root

Step 2: Make a straight or zigzag middle parting with a rat tail comb that’s roughly 5cm long

Step 3: Brush you hair down and secure a ponytail close to, or at the nape of your head

Step 4: Wrap the ponytail/puff in a bun

Here's a video to guide you:

If you want to add something extra, make a braid with your hairpiece of choice and wrap it where you would put a hair band, and secure it with pins - as seen above on Kiki Layne. 

Happy styling!

Have you been doing your own hair at home? Send us your pics here.

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