Hair Styling I – Traditional Styling SS1 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note

Introduction to Traditional Styling

Traditional Nigerian hairstyles are famous all over the world. Most of these styles are “Protective Styles.” This means they tuck the ends of the hair away to protect them from the sun and dust, helping the hair grow longer.

The three most common techniques every SS1 student should know are:

1. Braiding (Three-strand plaiting)
2. Cornrows (Flat weaving)
3. Threaded styles (Kiko)

Braids (Three-Strand Plaiting)

Braids are created by taking three equal sections of hair and crossing them over each other.

• Single Braids: These are often called “Box Braids” because the hair is divided into square boxes before braiding.
• Twists: These use only two strands of hair instead of three. They are faster to do but may not last as long as braids.
• Care Tip: Do not make the braids too heavy or too long, as the weight can pull out the client’s hair from the roots.

Cornrows (The Foundation of Styling)

Cornrows (often called “Weaving” in Nigeria) are braids that are attached flat to the scalp. They are the foundation for almost every other style, including “fixing” weaves and wigs.

• Common Styles:
  1. All-Back: Simple straight lines from the forehead to the neck.
  2. Suku: Cornrows that start from the edges and meet at the center of the head.
  3. Didimoke: Cornrows that start from the center and go down towards the ears.
• The Secret to Neatness: Use your “tail comb” to make very straight lines (parts). A style only looks professional when the lines are clean.

Tools Needed for Styling

To start styling, you need your “Styling Kit” ready:

• Tail Comb: For making neat parts.
• Wide-tooth Comb: For detangling before you start.
• Hair Cream or Edge Control: To lay down “flyaway” hairs and make the braids look shiny.
• Sectioning Clips: To hold the rest of the hair out of the way while you work on one part.
• Cutting Comb: To trim any stray hairs on the finished braid.

Protecting the “Edges”

As a student of cosmetology, you must learn the Health of the Hair before the Beauty of the Style. * The Danger Zone: The hair around the forehead and temples (the “Edges”) is very thin and weak.

• The Mistake: Many stylists pull the hair too tight to make it look “neat.” This causes Traction Alopecia (permanent hair loss).
• The Rule: If the client’s forehead is tight or they are having a headache, the braids are too tight! Loosen them immediately.

Finishing the Look

A professional stylist doesn’t just stop when the braiding is done.

1. Trimming: Use scissors to carefully cut off the “hairs” sticking out of the braids.
2. Hot Water Dip: For synthetic extensions (attachments), dipping the tips in hot water makes them straight, soft, and prevents them from unravelling. (Be very careful not to burn the client!)
3. Mousse/Oil Spray: Apply a little bit of foam or oil spray to give the style a fresh, “new” look.

Class Practical Activity:

• The Three-Strand Challenge: We will use pieces of colored wool to practice the “over-and-under” movement of braiding. Once you master it with wool, we will move to the mannequin heads.
• Line Drawing: Take a piece of paper and draw three different patterns for cornrows (e.g., zig-zag, straight, and curved).