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Understanding Braid & Part Sizes: Choosing the Best Style for Your Hair

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:55:56 GMT

When booking a braiding appointment, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right braid size and parting size.

These factors affect not only the look of your style but also its longevity, maintenance, and how it protects your natural hair. In this guide, we’ll break down braid and part sizes to help you make the best choice for your hair type and lifestyle.

Braid Sizes Explained

1. Small Braids

Description: Thin, lightweight, and more flexible.
Pros: Last longer (6-8 weeks), allow for more styling versatility, and create a fuller look.
Cons: Take longer to install and remove.

2. Medium Braids

Description: A balance between small and large braids.
Pros: Ideal for those who want a stylish but time-efficient install. Moderate longevity (4-6 weeks).
Cons: Not as full as small braids, but still versatile.

3. Large Braids

Description: Bigger, chunkier braids that make a bold statement.
Pros: Faster installation (2-4 hours), great for temporary styles, and low tension on the scalp.
Cons: Don’t last as long (2 -4 weeks), may not be as versatile for styling.

How Part Size Affects Your Style

Small Parts: Provide a fuller look and help distribute the weight of small braids evenly, reducing tension.
Medium Parts: Offer a balanced look that’s not too full or too spaced out.
Large Parts: Create a bold, defined look but can leave more scalp exposed.

Your hair density plays a role in how parting sizes work. If you have thick hair, small or medium parts help control volume. If you have fine or thin hair, larger parts can prevent excess scalp exposure.

Knotless Box Braids: The Scalp-Friendly Choice

Knotless box braids have become a favorite because they offer a lightweight, tension-free alternative to traditional box braids. Unlike regular box braids, which start with a tight knot at the root, knotless braids begin with your natural hair and gradually add extensions for a seamless, natural-looking finish.

Why Choose Knotless Braids?

Less tension on the scalp – Ideal for sensitive scalps or thin edges.
Natural movement – The braids feel lighter and look more natural.
Longer-lasting comfort – Easier to style and wear for an extended time.

Part Size & Knotless Braids

Small knotless braids with small parts create a fuller, more natural look.
Medium knotless braids with medium parts offer a perfect balance between fullness and styling versatility.
Large knotless braids with larger parts give a bold look but may not last as long as smaller sizes.

How Many Rows Do You Need?

The number of braid rows varies depending on the braid size, parting size, and head shape. Here’s a general guideline:

Estimated Number of Rows for Different Braid Sizes at Braids by Faith (BbF)

Small Braids (Including Small Knotless Braids)

Rows: 7 (meaning 14 braids from ear to ear)
Columns (per row): 10–15 (depends on head size and density)
Total estimated braids: 120–200+
Best for: Fuller, longer-lasting styles with maximum versatility.

2. Smedium Braids (Including Smedium Knotless Braids)

Rows: 6 (meaning 12 braids from ear to ear)
Columns (per row): Approximately 9–13 (varies with head size and density)
Total estimated braids: Around 100–160 (approximate)
Best for: A balanced style offering slightly less density than small braids while providing more volume than medium braids.

3. Medium Braids (Including Medium Knotless Braids)

Rows: 5 (meaning 10 braids from ear to ear)
Columns (per row): 8–12
Total estimated braids: 80–120
Best for: A balanced look that’s not too full but still offers styling flexibility.

4. Large Braids (Including Large Knotless Braids)

Rows: 4 (meaning 8 braids from ear to ear)
Columns (per row): 8–10
Total estimated braids: 30–50
Best for: A bold, statement look with quicker installation time.

5. Extra Large/Jumbo Braids

Rows: 2–3 meaning 4-6 braids from ear to ear)
Columns (per row): 3–6
Total estimated braids: 15–30
Best for: A quick, trendy style with minimal scalp coverage.

Factors That Affect the Number of Rows:

Head size & shape: A larger head may require additional rows for a balanced look.
Hair density: Thicker hair might need smaller parting to ensure even braid distribution.
Desired fullness: More rows and smaller parts create a fuller style, while fewer rows create a more spaced-out look.
Scalp protection: For fine or sensitive scalps, larger parts with fewer rows help reduce tension.

Choosing the Best Braid & Part Size for You:

For longevity & fullness: Small braids with small parts.
For balance & manageability: Medium braids with medium parts.
For quick & bold looks: Large braids with large parts.
For protective styling: Knotless braids with medium to large parts to reduce tension.

Box/Square Braids:

Description: Box braids get their name from the “boxy” or square sections of hair that are created when parting the hair. Each section is defined and uniform, which leads to neat, consistent braids.
Effect on Style: The clean, geometric lines of box braids offer a structured look. They tend to be versatile, allowing for various braid sizes (small, smedium, or large) and are popular for their longevity and protective qualities.

Oval Parting:

Description: Oval parting refers to a pattern where the hair is sectioned in an oval shape or arranged so that the overall braid formation follows an oval contour. This is often used to frame the face gracefully.
Effect on Style: An oval part can soften the look of the hairstyle by creating curves that follow the natural shape of the head. It’s a great choice if you want fuller braids and to accentuate facial features while still enjoying the benefits of protective braiding.

Triangle Parting:

Description: Triangle parting is less common but creates a striking, angular design. Here, the sections might be arranged in triangular formations—either as part of an overall cornrow design or as individual braid patterns.
Effect on Style: The angular lines of triangle partings can add a modern and edgy twist to traditional braids. They often serve as an artistic accent, drawing attention to the geometric interplay of lines and spaces on the scalp.

Customization and Creativity:

Mixing Shapes: Many stylists combine these geometric patterns to create custom looks. For example, you might see a hairstyle that uses a combination of square (box) parts on the sides and a curved, oval part in the front, or even interlocking triangular designs throughout.
Considerations: The choice of parting isn’t just about aesthetics—it can also impact how the weight of the braids is distributed across the scalp. Uniform, well-planned partings help ensure even tension, which is key for scalp health and the longevity of the style.

Ultimately, the choice between oval, triangle, box, or square partings depends on your desired look, hair type, and even your head shape. At Braids by Faith Luxury Salon, our stylists assess these factors to create a design that’s not only visually stunning but also comfortable and protective for your natural hair.

If you’d like to experiment with these geometric styles or have a specific design in mind, let’s chat further to create the perfect, personalized braid for you!

At Braids by Faith VIP Salon, we assess your hair type, scalp health, and personal preferences to help you choose the best size for your braids. Whether you want traditional box braids or knotless braids, we ensure a flawless, long-lasting, and protective style.

Ready for your next braid appointment? Book with us today!

How to Prevent Hair Breakage

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 23:51:53 GMT

The health of your hair is important to us, even if you aren't a Braids by Faith customer. Whether it’s eating right or reducing stress, here are some tips for preventing hair breakage.

Understanding Hair Breakage
Unlike dandruff, split ends, and similar issues, hair breakage is a very common problem that sometimes occurs naturally. Shedding 50–150 strands of hair per day is normal and not considered hair breakage. However, hair loss exceeding 150 strands daily may indicate a problem. Even if you haven’t experienced hair breakage yet, it’s important to take preventative measures, and that’s what this post is about.

The Causes of Hair Breakage

Several inevitable factors can cause hair breakage, but in most cases, it results from how we treat our hair. Improper maintenance and a lack of understanding about hair care are common contributors. To address this, I’ve written a post on how you can fully understand your hair.

Additionally, if your parents have hair that breaks easily, you may inherit this tendency through your genes. Hair that is prone to breakage can be passed down genetically. Other factors, such as climate exposure and poor diet, may also lead to hair breakage, although these natural causes affect only a small percentage of people.

Preventing Hair Breakage

Here are three key tips to help prevent hair breakage:

Choose Hairstyles Carefully: There are thousands of hairstyles to choose from, but not all are suitable for your hair type. Hairstyles that work well on thick hair may have adverse effects on thin hair. Learn to select styles that best suit your hair type to avoid unnecessary stress on your strands.
Care for Your Hair: When you genuinely care for your hair, you’ll notice when it’s time to wash, groom, or apply treatments. Pay close attention to your hair’s needs. Everything has its time, especially when it comes to hair care.
Watch Your Diet: Your hair gets most of its nutrients from your body. Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated will make your hair less prone to breakage. This is a golden rule to live by.

Ending Hair Breakage

If you’re already experiencing hair breakage, here are some solutions to stop it:

Reduce Stress: Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Stress can impact your hair’s health. No matter how well you wash your hair or eat, stress can still cause breakage. By managing your stress levels, you can prevent further damage.
Avoid Hair Dryness: Dry hair is more prone to breakage. Use warm—not hot—water to wash your hair, as hot water can strip it of moisture. Avoid over washing; washing your hair once every few days (depending on your hair type) is often sufficient.
Protect Your Hair from Unfavorable Weather Conditions: Climate exposure is another factor in hair breakage. Protect your hair from extreme weather, such as harsh sun, strong winds, or cold temperatures, to reduce damage.

For further questions or to schedule a consultation, reach out to @braidsbyfaith on IG , @braidsfaith on Twitter , or Braids by Faith on Facebook .

Understand Your Hair

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 23:51:53 GMT

"The hair is the richest ornament of a woman. It may soak up time and money, but still remains the pride and joy for most women."

Your Hair

It craves for special attention more than the other part of the body. When you understand your hair; you know what to expect from your hair, how to take care of it, and importantly you will know what type of styles that best suits your hair.

You only understand your hair when you know its behavior - when it’s thirsty, when you need to apply oil/grease, the right type of hair products it needs etc.

Hair Types

Different people vary in skin type and color, so it is with the hair. There are various types of hair and each type has different ways to be handled and different styling techniques. Different hair types occur as a result of variation in individuals’ genetics.

The Hair Components

To understand how different hair evolve, we must know what formed the human hair itself.

The human hair is made up of two parts:

(a) The Root or Hair Bulb: Which is the living part of the hair and is embedded in a hair

follicle.

(b) The Shaft: Which is the one that is visible on the outside but also biologically dead.

Knowing your Hair Type

The shape of your hair follicle predicts whether your hair is straight, wavy, coily or curly. So, the more oval your follicle is the curlier your hair will be.

To determine your hair type, all you need to do is wash your hair free of any products you have used before, and let it air dry after washing. If it dries straight without a bend or curl, then your hair is straight. If it dries with a slight curve or shape S, then it is wavy. If it dries with a defined curl or loop pattern, it is likely curly, while tight curls, spirals, or zig-zag patterns are considered coily.

When you know your hair type, you will gradually learn what works best for your hair.

You can visit any hairstylist near you for more details about your hair. You can also reach out to Braids by Faith for hair consultancy services.

For further questions or to schedule a consultation, reach out to @braidsbyfaith on IG , @braidsfaith on Twitter , or Braids by Faith on Facebook or contact us here on our website.