How can I get straight brown hair into an afro?

Yo guys, I lost a bet with my friend, just for fun, and the task was just to get an afro. So, I have straight hair, and I need an afro. He said it has to be good, but not perfect like Josh Childress's or something. So, I am a boy, and I wanna know some techniques I can create an afro out of short hair at home. I have read about braiding your hair and sleeping in it, but I am not sure if boys can do this, or really how to do that. I have looked at some pictures of girls with straight hair, then braided it over night, and they had pretty good afro's. But anyway, if a boy can do this, please explain how I do. If not, what are other ways to get an afro with straight hair? Thanks people.