The Black Girl's Braid Dictionary, From Box Braids to Marley Twists

Ever since Zendaya came down the red carpet with faux locs, we've been seeing the style everywhere. This style is created by wrapping kinky Marley hair tightly around your natural hair.

Video: Faux Locs Tutorial

Crochet braids are hard to distinguish between naturally curly or kinky hair. The style is achieved by braiding the hair to the scalp. Then, the extensions are attached to each braid using a crochet needle (with a latch). The weave is then curled with hot water and perm rods. This hair can be cut and styled to look more like Afro hair.

Video: Crochet Braids Tutorial

You can often spot yarn braids based on the bright color choices (even though black is definitely an option). Acrylic yarn is used to create this look, and many different styles can be created — twists, braids, or faux locs.

Video: Yarn Braids Tutorial

Senegalese twists are created by wrapping straight synthetic hair (like Kanekalon) around the roots of the natural hair and two-strand twisting to the ends. This style was popularized by in West Africa, hence the name.

Video: Senegalese Twist Tutorial

Senegalese, Havana, and Marley twists are very similar. The difference is in the hair, not the technique. Marley and Havana hair is kinky or wavy to resemble Afro hair. The hair is attached by twi-strand twisting the extensions in with your real hair.

Video: Marley Twists Tutorial

Ghana braids (or Banana cornrows) are extensions that touch the scalp. It begins like a regular cornrow braid. More synthetic hair is slowly incorporated to create a larger plait near the nape.

Video: Ghana braid tutorial