Half Braids Half Weave Styles
Combining braids and weaves allows you to get the best of both protective styles. half braids half weave styles involve braiding the top section of your natural hair, then installing a weave on the bottom half. This gives you a versatile two-toned look that is easy to achieve at home. Blending braided and weaved hair allows you to customize fullness, length, and styling options.
Benefits of Half Braids Half Weaves
There are many advantages to half braids half weaves:
- Protects natural hair by braiding top section
- Allows you to reuse and retain length with weave hair
- Options for styling top braided hair in various ways
- Adds comfort from less tension of a full weave
- More scalp exposure for healthier environment
- Lightweight and moves more naturally than full weave
- Can be installed at home DIY-style
You get the low manipulation of braids with the versatility of weave hair.
Prepare Hair for Installation
Properly prep hair for best results:
- Shampoo and deep condition natural hair 1-2 days before install.
- Let hair air dry fully before braiding. Damp hair won’t hold braids.
- Create a clean center part from forehead to nape.
- Apply a moisturizing leave-in spray or cream before braiding.
This provides a clean foundation and prevents dryness during the process.
Part Hair Cleanly for Braiding
- Part prepared hair from ear to ear horizontally.
- Clip away bottom section for weaving.
- Ensure top parting is clean, straight and spans entire head side to side.
The straighter the part, the more seamless the blend between braids and weave.
Braid Top Section in Desired Style
- Braid top section in your choice of pattern.
- Options include straight back braids, goddess braids, cornrows, zigzags, spirals etc.
- Keep braids neat and tailored to the head.
- Secure ends with elastic bands.
The top half braids half weave style determines the overall look. Get creative!
Prepare and Measure Weave Hair
- Take the weave hair and separate into sections.
- Measure against bottom section of natural hair to cut tracks to proper length.
- Also determine how many weft rows needed based on thickness desired.
- Prepare adhesive if using glue-in method.
Customizing the weave hair ensures the right amount and length.
Install Weave Onto Bottom Section
- Starting at nape, install first weft strip using your preferred attach method (sew-in, glue-in, clips).
- Continue installing tracks moving up the back of head towards braids.
- Maintain same direction and spacing between each track.
- Install leaving a small gap between braids and wefts.
Careful installation creates a seamless blend with the half braids half weave styles.
Style and Blend Braided Top with Weave
- Once install is complete, style and arrange braids across top of head.
- Gently pull apart to cover any visible spaces between braids and wefts.
- Lightly tease bottom section of braids to blend with fullness of weave hair.
- Mist braids with holding spray for a polished finish.
Finesse the two sections to achieve one cohesive hairstyle.
Maintain Braid and Weave Sections
- Moisturize braids 1-2 times per week with leave-in conditioner and oil.
- Gently shampoo braids weekly and allow to fully air dry.
- Wash wefts as directed, detangling hair from ends up.
- Take braids down and re-install weave when growth occurs.
Proper maintenance keeps both the natural hair and half braids half weave styles in optimal condition.
Half Braids Half Weave Styles FAQs
How long do half braids half weaves last?
Expect half braids half weaves to last 4-6 weeks with proper care before requiring re-installation. The braids may start to loosen before the weave.
What is the best hair for half braids half weaves?
For the weave, match your hair texture (coarse, medium, fine). For braids, use Kanekalon braiding hair or synthetic yaki hair.
How do you sleep with half braids half weaves?
Gently tie your braids into a loose low ponytail. Use a satin bonnet and pillowcase. Avoid direct friction between braids and cotton bedding.
Can you reuse the weave hair?
Yes, gently wash, condition, and store weave bundles to reuse 1-2 times. Take care not to tangle the hair and detangle from ends up before reusing.
How short can you go with half braids half weaves?
The style works well even with short hair. Just braid the top section closely to the head and install shorter weft lengths as needed.
Is it better to sew or glue half braids half weaves?
Either method works, but glue allows removal and maintenance as needed. With sewing, take care not to stitch too tightly to avoid braid damage.
How do you blend curly weave with braids?
Choose a tightly curled or deep waved weave pattern. Finger coil the braids to match the curl pattern. Diffuse both sections for a blended wavy look.
Can you dye the top braided section?
Yes, use semi-permanent or temporary color formulated for synthetic braiding hair. Avoid permanent dye which can damage the fibers.
Should you trim braids before taking down half braids half weaves?
Yes, trim braids before take down to remove any loose ends for a clean finish. Use sharp shears and cut an inch or two above the end.
How do you minimize braid frizz with half braids half weaves?
Avoid over-manipulation, mist with holding spray, tie down edges overnight, and touch up frizzy spots by re-braiding pieces along the edges.
Conclusion
half braids half weave styles give you the best of both worlds – protection, length, versatility, and ease of installation. With the right prep, clean parts, meticulous braiding and weave application, you can achieve a beautiful blended hairstyle that allows you to customize your look. Maintain both sections properly while installed to maximize the longevity of the style. Get creative mixing colors, textures, braid patterns, and styling options with this fun protective fusion.
