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Braids: A Guide to Different Techniques and Styles
by Lotte Lindgren on Jun 20, 2023
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Read through by Dorthe Kristensen
Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on August 25, 2024.
Table of contents
Braids are a timeless style that can add a touch of elegance and ease to any look. But with so many different styles to choose from, it can be hard to know which one to go for. We've put together a guide to the best braids to help you find your perfect style. Read on for our top picks for braids and styling tips!
Braids: A Guide to the Best Styles
Herringbone braid is one of the most beautiful and popular braids that can be styled in different ways. It can be both easy and more advanced to make this type of braid, but it is definitely worth practicing for a beautiful result. Another stylish option is French braids, which can also be made in different varieties and lengths depending on the length of the hair.
Braided bangs also add an elegant touch to any hairstyle and suit both everyday and festive occasions. A wreath made of flowers or small braids around the head creates a romantic expression, while a more relaxed style with loose braids gives a bohemian-inspired look. The inspiration for your next braided styles need not be limited - there are many suggestions for creative combinations!
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What are braids?
History and Origin
Braids are one of the oldest hairstyles in the world, dating back to early civilization. Braiding techniques were used in various cultures as a symbol of status or as a practical choice to keep hair away from the face and protect it from environmental factors.
Different types of braids
There are several types of braids to choose from, including Dutch braids, herringbone braids, French braids and wreaths. In addition, you can also experiment with different styles such as up-styles or bangs-braided styles for varied looks.
Benefits of choosing braided hair
- Braided hair requires minimal styling and care.
- It allows for variety in your style with many different variants.
- Protect your natural hair from damage from sunlight, wind, etc.
Which braids are most popular?
There are several popular braids that can be beautiful and elegant for special occasions or just for a day when you want to look your best. Here are some of the most popular types of braids and how to make them:
French braid
French braids are a classic style that is always popular for special occasions. To make a French braid, start by gathering a small section of hair from the top of your head and dividing it into three sections. Then braid the hair by crossing the sections over each other and adding more hair to the braid as you go down the head. Continue braiding in this way until you reach the bottom of the head and secure the braid with an elastic band.
.Dutch braid
Dutch braids are another beautiful style that can be perfect for a special occasion. The difference between a Dutch braid and a French braid is that with a Dutch braid, you cross the sections under each other instead of over each other. This creates a braid that stands out from the head for a more voluminous look.
.Fishbone braid
Herringbone braids are a more advanced type of braid, but they can be incredibly beautiful and impressive. To make a herringbone braid, divide the hair into two sections, then take a small section of hair from the edge of one section and cross it over to the other section. Repeat this process on both sides of the head and continue down the length of the hair, keeping the braid tight.
.Boho braid
Boho braids are more loose and relaxed braids that can be perfect for a more bohemian-inspired style. To create a boho braid, start by creating loose waves in your hair using a curling iron or flat iron. Then, braid small sections of hair along the sides of the head and gather them into a loose braid at the nape of the neck or side of the head. Let some loose strands of hair fall out the front for a more relaxed look.
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Whatever type of braid you choose, it's important to practise beforehand to ensure you achieve the desired look. You can also add jewellery such as flowers or pearls to the braids to give them an extra touch.
Braids for short hair
Mini braid on the side: An easy and relaxed way to style short hair is by making a mini braid on one side of the bangs. The braid can be either regular or French braids, whichever suits your style best.
Mini side braids are a relaxed and easy way to style short hair.
Top-knot with mini-braids: For a more elegant and beautiful style, you can try making small braids all around the hair before collecting it in a top-knot. This gives a nice twist to the classic up styles.
Half-halo with small braids: If you want to spice up your short hair for festive occasions, then the half-halo style with beautiful herringbone braids is the perfect bet. One can also try including braided bangs for added detail. The inspiration is herewith given!
Braids for medium length hair
Dandelion braid at the nape of the neck is an easy and beautiful way to style your medium length hair. This braid requires only a few steps and can be done in no time. It gives a relaxed look that is perfect for everyday wear or for an informal event.
Another stylish option is the elegant 'Boho' style with two large side moldings. This full look makes your hair look impressive, but it takes a little more patience and practice than other options. Use French braids to achieve this beautiful result or experiment with herringbone braids for extra texture and depth in your hairstyle.
If you want to create a more traditional look, try the classic two-strand braided half-up. This works well with bangs that can either be styled away from the face or incorporated into the braid itself - depending on what look you want to achieve! Regardless, this type of braided hairstyles is always popular as it looks elegant both on formal occasions and at work!
Braids for long hair
Crown braid around the top of the head is a beautiful and elegant braid that gives a royal look. This style requires a little more patience and practice than other braids, but the results are worth it. Serpent French braid along the back is also a nice and sophisticated style. It may be easier to get help from a friend or hairstylist for this braid.
Bubble braids
Bubble braids are a fun and trendy hairstyle that adds a unique and modern twist to traditional braids. Here are the steps to make bubble braids:
- Start by brushing or combing your hair to remove any knots.
- Divide the hair into sections. You can choose to do a centre parting or a side parting depending on your preference.
- Take the top section of hair and braid it as you normally would in a regular braid. Tie the end of the braid with an elastic.
- Gently pull the braid to give it some volume and fullness.
- Place an elastic band about 5-7 centimetres down the braid. This will create "bubbles" in the braid.
- Do the same with the next sections of hair, continuing down the head until you reach the end of the hair.
- Once you reach the end of the hair, you can tie an elastic band around it to secure the braid.
Remember to adjust the size of the bubbles to your liking by stretching or loosening the elastic bands. You can also add extra flair by decorating the braid with ribbons, beads or flowers if you wish.
If you want something more relaxed, you can try flowers in the hair or "Fishbone" or fishtail braiding from the middle to the tips. These styles do not require as much time as the other styles described, but still look great for everyday wear. Braided bangs can also be added to any look to add an extra touch of elegance and fun. There are many ways to style your long hair with braids - let these tips serve as inspiration!
Braids for festive occasions
Braids can be the perfect hairstyle for festive occasions. There are many beautiful and stylish braid styles to choose from, such as the classic French braid or an elegant herringbone braid. If you want something more casual, try styling your bangs in a braided wreath.
There are many easy guides and inspiration for braided hair online, but the best result is achieved by getting help from a professional hairdresser. They can help you find the best styles to suit your face shape and clothing style - whether you have short or long hair!
Braids for everyday life
Looking for easy braids for everyday? Then you have come to the right place! Braids are a classic and beautiful hairstyle that can be styled in many different ways. Here are three suggestions for beautiful and relaxed braiding techniques:
- Create a classic side braid: A simple but beautiful braid that keeps the hair away from the face all day.
- A simple half-french braided bun: Perfect for the days when you need to pick up your hair in a quick and stylish hairstyle.
- Ingrown dutch pigtail braids: A modern wreath of ingrown Dutch bangs braids.
Try these three styles for some inspiration for your next everyday hairstyle. Remember to practice with different techniques and styles to find the best look that suits you perfectly.
Braids for sports and training
Braids for sports and training can be a great help when it comes to keeping the hair in place during physical activity. One of the most popular styles is the classic braid, but there are many variations that can be styled according to desire and need. French braids are also a good bet for those with medium or long hair as they keep the hair away from the face and still look great.
For easy and relaxed training exercises, the herringbone braid or a simple braided bangs are a good choice. They look beautiful while fulfilling the practical purpose - not having disturbing curls in the eyes during training. Inspiration is found everywhere: both online tutorials and in everyday life where you are inspired by friends or celebrities in the industry.
Tips and tricks for making the best braids
Use an Egg brush to avoid knots. When braiding your hair, it's important to have a tool that can help you avoid knots. An Egg brush is perfect for this purpose and will make it easier for you to braid your hair without frustration.
Damp hair (not wet or dry) is easier to work with. When starting your braids, make sure you don't start on wet or dry hair. In fact, the humidity works best for styling hairstyles like these! So spray a little water on your hair before you start and let it dry a little - then your hairstyle will look fantastic.
Add volume using a texturizing product before you begin. If you want more voluminous results from your braid, try a texturizing product! It can be anything from a salt water spray to a styling mousse - just choose the type that best suits your hair type and style! This will give you more control over the result and at the same time create better & more beautiful effects in the wreath or the herringbone braid than if you made them without the product first
Braids FAQ
How to take out hair for braids?
When you have to take hair out for braids, it is important to make sure that the hair is brushed through thoroughly to avoid knots and tangled hair. If the hair is very curly or tangled, it may be a good idea to use a conditioner or hair treatment to make it more manageable.
When the hair is ready to be braided, you can start by taking a section of hair from the top of the head and divide it into three equal parts. Then take the outer part of the hair section and cross it over the middle part. Repeat this with the other outer section and continue taking new sections of hair until the braid is complete.
Remember to keep the thread tight so that the braid is nice and even. If you have difficulty keeping the thread tight, you can use an elastic band or a hairpin to hold the braid in place.
When you're done with the braid, you can secure it with an elastic band or bobby pin.
Why is it better to sleep with braids?
Sleeping with braids can have several benefits for your hair and your sleep quality. Braids can protect your hair from tangling and breakage as it holds the hair together and reduces friction against the pillow. Additionally, braids can also help maintain curls and waves in your hair while you sleep.
When you sleep with braids, it can also contribute to a better night's sleep. The hair is removed from the face, which can help avoid skin irritation and minimize the risk of acne. In addition, braids can help reduce uneasiness in the hair and provide a calmer and more relaxed sleep.
However, it's important to remember that braids aren't the only way to protect your hair while you sleep. A bamboo pillowcase can also reduce friction and protect your hair and skin from damage. It is also important to choose the right type of braids that suit your hair type and preferred style.
Is it possible to do braids with short hair?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to do braids with short hair. Although it can be a little more challenging than with longer hair, there are still plenty of options for creating beautiful braids on short hair.
When doing braids on short hair, it's important to have the right equipment. A comb with fine teeth, bobby pins and a good hair spray are essential to achieve a great result. In addition, you can also invest in some small hair jets or hair extensions, which can help you lengthen and thicken your hair.
When braiding short hair, it's a good idea to start with a small section of hair and then gradually add more hair as you braid. You can also experiment with different types of braids, such as a French braid or a Dutch braid, to add variety and interest to your look.
Remember that practice makes perfect and it can take some time to learn how to braid short hair in a way that works. But it will definitely be good.
How to maintain braids for a long time?
Braids are a popular and versatile hairstyle that can last for days if cared for properly. Here are some tips on how to preserve your braids for a long time:
1. Avoid washing your hair for at least the first two days after the braids are done. This will help keep the braids in place and prevent frizz.
2. Use a bamboo pillowcase or a scarf when you sleep at night. This will help reduce friction and keep the braids in place.
3. Use a light oil or conditioner on the braids every other day to keep them hydrated and prevent them from becoming too dry and brittle.
4. Avoid touching the braids too much and avoid taking them out and putting them back in. This can damage the hair strands and cause the braids to unravel.
5. Keep the braids protected from the elements, such as rain and wind. Use a hat or scarf to protect your hair.
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