Hairstyles and braids with kanekalon – instructions for braiding and care

Kanekalon has gained popularity as a material for striking and colorful hairstyles. Kanekalon braids provide countless options for adding length, volume, or a pop of color.

You can experiment with different styles while keeping your natural hair safe when using kanekalon braids. You can alter these braids to fit your own style, from simple box braids to more complex cornrows.

To keep them looking their best, kanekalon braids need to be created and maintained using certain methods. You can have gorgeous, long-lasting braids that are manageable and fashionable if you take the proper steps.

Discover how to use kanekalon, a synthetic hair extension, to create gorgeous hairstyles and braids. Get step-by-step braiding instructions as well as maintenance advice to keep your new look looking great for a long time.

What is kanekalon

Kanekalon is a long-lasting fiber designed to mimic hair in hairstyle creation. The earliest kanekalons were used to decorate blankets, carpets, and curtains rather than for hairstyles when they first appeared in the middle of the previous century. Seaweed was used to make them.

The first fiber wigs were introduced in the mid-1960s, just ten years after the invention’s first use in the hairdressing industry. As fashion grew in scope, stylists for fashion shows began utilizing the fibers to create unique and colorful hairstyles for young ladies. Kanekalon’s fame reached its zenith three to four years ago, when fashionistas with opulent tastes started incorporating fiber into their hair at all points.

In response to the increased demand, manufacturers did not back down and provided a wide range of options for any needs. The following Kanekalons are presently on sale in stores:

• ombre – with a smooth color transition. Usually, the top of such fiber is calm – black, brown, white, and the ends are bright;

• solid bright – the entire length is one color;

• for natural curls – calm brown, black, white, red shades.

Kanekalons also have extra effects, such as chameleoning, which changes color in response to sunlight and fluorescence and glows in the presence of ultraviolet lamps.

To make additional accessories like zizi, which are pre-braided braids in varying thicknesses, Kanekalon was modified. They’re used for making Afro braids fast. However, Kanekalon isn’t just useful for Afro hairstyles; we’ve included instructions on how to create a number of stylish looks below.

Benefits of fiber

• durability. Having bought Kanekalon, you can use it many times, as the material is highly durable;
• the ability to create different looks without changing your own hair – no need to cut, dye or extend strands;
• affordability. The fiber is not expensive – from 300 to 1000 rubles per thick strand. There are cheaper options, but be careful – under the guise of Kanekalon, they can sell its synthetic analogue, which is significantly inferior to the original in terms of strength;
• the fiber is safe – it is made from a natural base and does not harm the quality of the hair shafts;
• can be used on short hair and helps to create different hairstyles where it is impossible to do them. For example, thanks to the weaving of the fiber, you can make long Afro-braids even if your own length barely reaches 3-4 cm.

Drawbacks:

• to create high-quality, neat hairstyles, you need skill. Almost no one gets a "clean job" the first time, because you still need to get your hand in;
• bright strands lose their color over time. They fade in the sun, become dull when exposed to water.

Boxer braids with kanekalon

The girls who gathered their hair in this manner while participating in sports, such as boxing, gave rise to the nickname "boxer braids." Boxer braids are essentially two French braids woven in reverse, placed on opposite sides of the parting.

Tightly braided from the roots are boxer braids. You can walk with the braid for several days because of its strength; during this time, the strands won’t have a chance to loosen or unravel. The duration of kanekalon braids is directly related to experience and skill level; braids done by novices can last anywhere from five to seven days, while braids done by professionals can last up to three weeks. It is acceptable to wash your hair while wearing braids, albeit it is obviously inconvenient.

How to use kanekalon to braid boxer braids:

1. Divide clean, dry hair into 2 parts along the parting and comb thoroughly. This point applies to all types of braiding – the quality of combing determines how convenient it will be to grab the strands and whether the hairstyle will be neat in the end. Poorly untangled hairs stick out, creating a feeling of disheveledness;
2. Divide the kanekalon into 2 equal parts – one for each braid. Usually, wide enough strands are used for boxer braids so that they are clearly visible in the hairstyle; Divide each part into 2 more equal strands and cross them in the center, grabbing one strip with the other – as a result, you should get 3 strands of kanekalon;
3. Tie one part of the hair with an elastic band so that it does not interfere. Separate the first strand of a small size from the second part. Note that boxer braids start from the growth line above the forehead and the first strand should be taken exactly there;
4. Divide the separated strand into three parts, place the prepared kanekolon so that the overlap of the two parts falls on the beginning of the central strand of natural hair;
5. Each of the Kanekalon strips corresponds to a strand of hair – so just connect 2 parts of the fiber and 3 parts of the hair and start weaving a reverse French braid, that is, weaving the side strands under the central one, gradually capturing loose curls;
6. Continue until you reach the ends, fix it with an elastic band and repeat the same on the other side of the head.

The video goes into great detail on how to weave colored artificial strands into boxer braids.

Other techniques for adding colorful strands to these braids include using loops, securing natural hair, and tying knots. The simplest method—which also happens to be the one shown in the video—allows you to create a gorgeous hairstyle.

These kinds of braids are popular among girls in school. Naturally, a vibrant hairstyle isn’t suitable for school, but it’s a great choice for the summer. Adult girls who wish to cut their hair off without losing their uniqueness can also pull off this hairstyle.

Afro braids

Fashionistas have been captivated by long Afro braids for the past few years. Since many people lack sufficient length, Kanekalons in two, black, and natural colors are helpful. The latter are particularly well-liked.

Kanekalon can be woven into Afro braids using a variety of methods; at least a dozen intricate patterns are available online. We shall take a look at the easiest option, but keep in mind that even a basic pattern for weaving African braids takes time and effort; the process is quite drawn out, particularly if you weave it yourself. Depending on the thickness, experts can braid the entire head in three to five hours.

How to use kanekalons to braid Afro braids:

1. Comb the washed dry strands well, gather them into a high ponytail or bun, separating the hair along the lower line of their growth above the neck;
2. Prepare the Kanekalon – it needs to be divided into thin strands 0.5-0.7 mm wide. The thinner the fiber, the smaller the braids will be;
3. Separate a small strand of natural hair – its size should be proportionate to the size of the prepared artificial strand;
4. Divide the kanekalon into 2 equal parts and overlap them – as a result, you should get 3 strands of fiber;
5. Divide the hair into 3 equal strands and place the kanekalon with the part where the knot is located to the central one. Combine the remaining 2 parts of the fiber with two strands of natural hair;
6. After combining the strands of artificial and natural hair, start braiding as usual. When the hair runs out, the strands of fiber will be intertwined.

The two methods of braiding afro braids shown in the video are by exchanging strands and following our instructions.

Voluminous ponytail

A thick ponytail is among the easiest kanekalon hairstyles. This hairstyle is temporary; wear it in the morning and take it off in the evening, in contrast to the other options in the article.

Guidelines for creating a thick ponytail with kanekalon:

1. Comb the curls well and gather them into a bun where you want the ponytail to be. High ponytails placed closer to the crown look best;
2. Twist a large strand of Kanekalon tightly in the middle with a thin elastic band;
3. Place the resulting structure against your hair so that the part of the Kanekalon with the elastic band is located under the bun;
4. Wrap the free ends around the sides of the bun and align the ends at the top of the bun parallel to the point where the elastic band is placed under the bun;
5. Use the same small elastic band to connect the free ends of the colored strand as tightly and as close to the bun as possible;
6. Separate a small strand of Kanekalon and wrap it around the bun to hide it. Secure the end with an invisible pin;
7. Straighten the artificial tail – the hairstyle is ready.

At your discretion, you can add more to the Kanekalon tail. For instance, instead of just putting your hair in a bun, create multiple tightly braided sections or one in the middle.

Making hairstyles and braids out of kanekalon is a colorful and enjoyable way to express yourself. There are countless options, whether you want to go for a bold or more understated look.

Gaining proficiency in kanekalon braiding techniques will guarantee that your look is polished and lasts longer. It is equally important to take care of your braids, so remember to adhere to the care instructions to maintain their fresh appearance.

You can become proficient at kanekalon braiding and take advantage of its versatility in hairstyle options with a little practice and perseverance.

Video on the topic

BOXER BRAIDS WITH KANEKALON. Braids with kanekalon, a simple and detailed tutorial. I recommend watching!

Boxer braids with kanekalon Moscow Khimki. Record in VK or Inst. @kosa_na_style

How to braid braids with kanekalon / full coverage / common mistakes