Top hairdressers for Feed-In Braids and Stitch Braids in London
As the months get colder, you may be thinking more about protective hair styling, more specifically feed-in braids! Feed-in braids and stitch braids are both terms used to describe a technique used in braiding hair where additional hair is added to the braid as it is being braided. The purpose of this technique is to create the appearance of thicker, fuller braids.
What are feed-in braids?
Feed-in braids are a great form of protective styling and a type of braid hairstyle in which additional hair is added to the braid as it is being braided. It is a method of cornrowing your hair whereby the braid starts with your natural hair, with extensions being added to the cornrows to create a thicker, fuller more natural-looking braid. The added hair is typically braided in as "feed-ins" along the length of the braid, hence the name "feed-in braids."
What are stitch braids?
Stitch braids are a type of hairstyle that involves braiding hair in a specific pattern to create the appearance of a "stitched" or "sewn" look. They are often done using extensions or synthetic hair and can be styled in a variety of ways. The style is called "stitch braids" because the braids are created by "stitching" the hair into the braid as it is braided.
What are the benefits of wearing feed-in braids and stitch braids?
Less manipulation of hair
With feed-in braids starting with your natural hair, consequently, there is less added tension which is beneficial for the overall health of your hair. No more worrying about a painful scalp once you opt for feed-in braids.
Hairstyle looks natural
Another benefit of starting off with your real hair to achieve feed-in braids is that it gives a more natural-looking style. The technique allows for a seamless transition between your natural hair and the added extensions. Like knotless braids, it keeps people second-guessing whether that’s your hair or not.
Less required additional styling
With feed-in braids being another form of cornrowing one’s hair, choosing this style means once done, there’s no need for additional styling. The style is so intricate and stunning on its own that you do not really need to go overboard with finding another way to style your already done and perfected style (unless you want to of course)!
Tips for preserving your hair in these styles
As with any protective hairstyle you choose, it is important to not neglect your hair and scalp underneath. I know we feel lazy sometimes or perhaps we just want a little break. But the key to having this style last longer and having your natural hair underneath kept healthy is to maintain that hair care routine. So, what would that include?
Remember to moisturise and seal your hair.
Having your scalp so exposed to the elements makes it especially important to ensure that you are taking care of it. A light spray of water and a light oil should do the trick.
Sleep in a scarf
If I had one goal for you in the upcoming year, it would be to make sure you keep your hair covered in a silk/satin scarf when going to sleep. Or if the scarf is not for you because it slides off, a silk/satin pillowcase is just as great. Sleeping without these items not only leads to your hair being all over the place the next day, but the friction caused by using cotton pillowcases alone will cause your hair to become dry and eventually break off. If this is something you are trying to avoid, then please take my advice!
Wash your hair
Now when it comes to the topic of when to wash your hair, people will have different beliefs on when it should be done and that's perfectly fine. All I would say here is that if you’ve noticed build-up on your scalp and you plan to wear your style for a bit longer then I would suggest washing your hair. Removing buildup is so beneficial to the health of your hair as too much can inhibit your growth and can cause very much avoidable issues that I, unfortunately, do not have enough time to go into today!
If you are worried about washing your hair and making the style last for a shorter time period, check out our Black hair tutorials section or YouTube it. There are many videos out there that teach you how to wash your hair whilst in a protective style. However, a quick tip from me would be to use a silk scarf and a hairdryer not only to dry your hair but to keep it neat and intact.
Tips before booking your Afro Hairdressers
Once you have found an Afro hairdresser near you, click on the style and you will be taken to a page where you can see photos, read reviews and fill out a few simple details to confirm your booking. These may include (but are not limited to) your location, the date you wish to get your hair done, and the time of the appointment. You will then send a request to book a hairdresser - it is that simple!
Each hairdresser is an independent hair professional, so ensure you check out their terms and requirements before making a booking. Everything you need to know will be available on the hairstyle you are wishing to book. For any additional questions that you may have about the hairstyle, you can also always speak to your hairdresser directly by using the messaging function on their FroHub business profile.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s get to the more exciting stuff - the Afro hairdressers themselves!
#1 CUSTOM CORNROWS
Starting with Custom Cornrows, she is a professional and reliable mobile hairdresser who will give you seamless feed-in braids. Whether it be feed-in braids or stitch braids you're looking for, Custom Cornrows will give you just that. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#2 LUEMAS HAIR AND BEAUTY
Luemas hair and beauty is a salon-based hairdresser based in Edgware, North London, who can provide you with feed-in-like braids - more specifically, Ghana braids. So, if you're located around the North West London area or you don't mind the commute, why not try out this Afro hair salon? For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#3 TAMARA’S HAIR STUDIO
Tamara's Hair Studio is a salon-based hairdresser who will give you the feed-in braids you desire. Based in Leyton, East London, Tamara's Hair Studio not only does feed-in braids but a variety of hairstyles that you can choose from. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#4 THE BRAIDING ZONE
The Braiding Zone is an East London based Afro hairdresser who takes great pride in her work. She loves being a hairdresser because it allows her to tap into her creative side and create beautiful, unique hairstyles, which can be seen in her intricate cornrow styles, feed-in and stitch braids. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#5 HAIR BY GRACE
Hair By Grace is a west London based Afro hair salon who is passionate about the art of hairdressing and braiding in particular. She places a strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service and values the satisfaction of her clients. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#6 BRAIDOMETRY
Braidometry is located in the east London Romford Essex area. They believe in the power of protective styling such as feed in braids as a way to achieve long, healthy, and strong hair. They are dedicated to helping their clients grow and protect their natural hair. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#7 WHITNEII HAIR LOUNGE
Whitneii Hair Lounge provides high-quality hair styles in a comfortable home environment. She offers a wide range of services including braiding, cornrows, feed in braids and stitch braids. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
#8 HAIR BY WINTA
Lastly, we have Hair By Winta who is a home-based Afro hairdresser. So, if you'd prefer to get your hair done in a cosy and friendly environment, Hair By Winta based in West London may be the Afro hairdresser for you. For more information regarding booking this Afro hairdresser, please check out their page.
There you have it! I hope this blog post has given you some insight into feed-in/ stitch braids. If this blog post did it for you and you want to see more like this, why not check out our other hair and beauty blog posts and find other top Afro hairdressers near you at FroHub?