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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BLACK MEN’S HAIR
An Uncomplicated Guide to Braiding Your Own Hair
Pull it together in eight simple steps
Update 6/7/22: Level has a new home. You can read this article and other new articles by visiting LEVELMAN.com.
Black hair’s prosperity relies on threat avoidance. The climate, your pillowcase, and even one’s own fingers can betray the goal of optimal hair health. Our best shield against damage is a protective style — typically cornrows, two-strand twists, or braids — changed every couple of weeks. We call it “protective,” but these twists also stimulate hair growth, strengthen your ends, and even manage to look good. For LEVEL’s Black Hair Guide, YouTube’s Black hair savant, William Humphrey (WillOnAWhim) breaks down how to install braids, while retaining all the moisture your hair needs. It’s the first step to protecting your hair and a foundational piece to the Black hair journey.
Step 1
Wash your hair and scalp. “Do not play yourself,” Humphrey says. “The buildup of product since your last wash day will have your parts looking like tile grout.” Use your fingers or scalp massager — or ask a friend — to give both your scalp and hair strands a good going-over.
