I have always liked big braids. I think it’s partly because my hair was plaited as a kid. My mother braided my hair to ensure that the style remained polished and intact even after many hours of playing and rolling around.
My hairstyles are more durable now, but I love the braided look because it is both stylish and practical. There are many braided styles to choose from, whether it is elegant French braids or cornrows. They can be worn for any occasion.
Cornrows
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Start by sectioning the hair using a comb into neat rows. Start braiding each section near the scalp. As you progress, add small sections of braiding extensions to your hair. You can keep the braids tight or loose for a sleeker look. Continue braiding each section until all sections are complete. Secure each braid at the end with a small elastic.
Braided Ponytail
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Jennifer Korab, celebrity hairstylist in New York, says that to achieve this look, first put your hair up into a bun, and then braid it. Add hair extensions in the same texture and color as your own hair for extra length. After you have finished braiding your ponytail, allow around 3 inches to be left at the end. Create a textured edge at the bottom of your braid using a texture spray.
French Braid To Fishtail
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Start by dividing your hair into two sections on the crown of the head. Start French braiding and add small sections of hair to the braid as you progress. As you approach the nape, switch to a fishtail by splitting your remaining hair into two parts and crossing the small sections from one side to the other. Secure the end of the braid with a clear, elastic band. Gently tug sections of the hair to create a fuller texture. For shine and hold, spray a little hairspray on the braid.
French Braid with Swept Side
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Sophie Rose Gutterman is a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles and an expert on textured hair. She says that to achieve this look for Leona Lewis you should part your hair, and select a side opposite your favorite or one that complements the asymmetrical dress. You want to ensure that you have a full braid. So, consider adding clip in extensions like The Hair Shop Pro 7 Snap-In Set.
French Ponytail Braids
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Gutterman says that you can create two or six braids by parting the hair differently, depending on how many you want. I love to start any updo using All About Curls’ Luxe Leave-In detangler because it gives the hair a soft texture that doesn’t weigh the hair down and keeps frizz at bay. Always use your favorite edge control for controlling fly. Use elastic at the ends.”
Half-Up Half-Down
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Gutterman explains that when a client wants to upstyle their braids for an event, she uses Flawless by Gabrielle Union Scalp Nourishing Spray to hydrate her scalp. Then I separate the braids, and make a cute bun. If you must use a bobby, choose one with rounded tips and a flexible tip. This will prevent the pins from messing up the braids. Use a toothbrush and Flawless Repairing Edge Control to style your baby hairs.
Colored Braid
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Korab says that to get the look Justine Skye has, you should first create small cornrows braids on your head and then pull them all into a ponytail. Next, braid the ponytail and secure it using an elastic. Add color to this style with extensions.
Cornrow updo
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The feed-in jumbo-braid updo that Teyonah Parris has achieved is done by adding lots of braiding hair pre-stretched when creating cornrows. The extension will make the braids look fuller and more defined.
Loose Dutch Braids
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Start this Rita Ora look by creating a central part. Then, use a texture-spraying to create a base. Korab says to do two Dutch braids loosely on each side. Once you have finished the two braids, pull out the base for more fullness.
Fishtail updo
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I love the statement that this look makes on Janelle. It’s stunning how much texture you get from creating a bun with hair. Gutterman says that whether you create a half-up, half-down look or a fun shape at the top of your hair using braided extension, everyone will be looking. I like to keep braiding hair of all colors in my kit in case a client wants something more daring. If you are looking for a particular color, The Hair Shop offers wefts and clip-in extensions. SexyHair Weather Proof Hairspray will help you keep the look.
French Braid Buns
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For looks like the one Jessica Alba wore, I use a braiding tool to control my hair. Korab says that he starts by making an upside-down French braid, which he secures with an elastic. Next, backcomb your hair to give it fullness. Spray a texture spray, like Kerastase’s VIP Spray, for grit and hold. Create a bun, and secure it using a pin.
Halo Braid
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Korab says that to get the look Jennifer Lopez wears, you should create a high, voluminous ponytail on the crown of your head. Use an oil or lotion for smoothing any flyaways. Next, divide the pony into sections. Then begin braiding. Wrap the braids to create a halo and secure. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray such as Redken Control Addict.”
Side Braid
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Start by parting your hair on one side deeply. Begin by gathering all of your hair on the other side of the part. Braid it in a classic 3-strand braid while keeping it tight to the scalp. Continue braiding your hair until you reach the end and secure with a small elastic. To add texture and volume to the braid, loosen the sides by gently pulling them.
Braided Bang
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Gutterman cites this beautiful example of Alicia Keys’s hair. Use a long bobby to secure your hair once you’ve decided where you want to place the braid.
