Hair Styles for African American Teens
From LoveToKnow Hair
Hair styles for African American teens can be sophisticated and fun. Teens usually keep up with the latest black hair styles because they love to experiment. African American teens are not afraid to lengthen their hair with weaves and hairpieces (like ponytails), but they tend to avoid using wigs.
Braid Hair Styles for African American Teens
There are a several different popular African American hair braiding styles for teens. Some teens opt simply for cornrows that are braided toward the back of the head. Some girls add synthetic hair to their braids for length, while others prefer the natural look and opting to avoid using synthetic hair for this style. Because simple cornrows are an easy style and not time consuming to complete, teens who participate in sports may wear cornrows. Cornrows also stay put; they don't fly away into your eyes.
Zig Zag Parts and Braids
Zig zagged parts have been popular for years, because they add style to otherwise simple hairstyles. For example, the old standby of two ponytails looks a little more exotic when the center part is zig zagged.
Zig zag braids are just an extension of the zig zagged parts and designer cornrow styles. In zig zagged braids, the cornrows themselves are zig zagged. Skilled braiders can complete this style in relaxed or natural hair, with or without extensions.
Single Braids
Single braids are a glamorous hair style for African American teens, particularly if the added human or synthetic hair is not too bushy or dramatic. Teens like the versatility of braids and the added length from the human or synthetic hair. Teens typically pull the single braids back into a ponytail, but more creative styles include a French braid, an inverted bob, and updo, or a flip. The ends of the single braids can be styled into a variety of styles. There's no need for teens to continue wearing a ponytail in their new braided hairdo.
Relaxed Styles for Teens
The majority of African American teens have their hair relaxed while they are in their elementary school years. Teens with relaxed hair may wear their hair in flipped curls, bobs, or layers. There are relaxer kits that are marketed to young people, but whether they are milder than relaxers made for adults or not, the relaxers marketed to young people still change the structure of the hair and could damage the hair or scalp and should be used cautiously.
All relaxed styles must be maintained; relaxers should be retouched every few weeks. Retouch time may vary from product to product. Relaxed hair that is not maintained, retouched, well-conditioned, and gently styled, will break. If the hair is relaxed at all, only the mildest relaxer for the teen's hair should be used, and the relaxer should remain on the hair only as long as recommended in the directions. If the teen complains that the relaxer is burning, it should be washed out immediately. Pain, burns, or damaged hair is not worth a hairstyle. Teens can have some responsibility in caring for their own hair, but the parents of teens with relaxed hair should make sure that the hair is well-cared for.
Natural Hair Styles for Teens
Teens who opt to wear their hair natural instead of wearing their hair relaxed have a variety of styles to choose from. Teens who would like the look of straight hair can have their hair straightened with a flatiron or hot comb. Teens can also wear two strand twists, cornrows, individual braids, or afro puffs. Some teens like to flat-twist the front of their hair and wear it in a cute afro in the back.
Be creative, there are hundreds of styles for natural hair as well as for relaxed hair! Relaxed or natural, there are a variety of hair care techniques and fun hair styles for African American teens.
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