Fresh parts in afro!

Hey all, I was just cruising le coil looking for some inspiration for my new haircut, and I came across this style:

http://tobia.tumblr.com/post/108948125/aug-2008-yours-truly-trying-the-sidney-poitier

Does anyone know how I can do parts like that in my hair? Or how you get your hair to look like that period! Or maybe something like this:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_bJKz4lWVpfo/TBD34_povgI/AAAAAAAADfM/E6lR_ZPe9Ds/SoYouThinkYouCanDanceAllStars3.jpg?imgmax=800

Ade, in the top left corner, has sort of a mock mohawk made with the parts in his hair. Any help/advice would be appreciated!