Hey, Beauty Besties! Salwa here! Have you ever seen a super cool braided hairstyle on Pinterest or Instagram and immediately wanted to try it, only to end up with a tangled mess? Me too! I used to be like that. It looks easy, but when you try it, it’s so frustrating, right? Well, instead of spinning in circles with foreign terms like French Braid, Dutch Braid, or even Fishtail Braid, let’s have a casual chat so you won’t be confused anymore!
Speaking of braids, did you know that this hairstyle has been around for ages? Long before fancy salons or advanced styling products existed. Historians have discovered that braids first appeared in Africa. There, the braiding styles held significant meaning. They could indicate a person’s social status, pretty cool, right?
Then, in the Middle Ages, braids became super popular. It was different for the Native American tribes. They actually required all their members, male and female, to braid their hair. Even the men in Native American tribes often braided their hair as a sign that they were ready for war! Wow, scary but cool too.
Over time, braids became more than just symbols; they evolved into fashion statements. Their forms became more varied, mixed with other hairstyles. So, curious about the history anymore? Now, it’s time for us to get acquainted with various easy-to-master braid styles. Get ready to become a professional braid expert in no time!
- Three Strands Plait / Classic Braid: The Foundation of All Braids!
This is the most basic one. Think of it like learning your A-B-Cs before you can write a novel. If you’re a pro at this three-strand braid, I guarantee all other braid types will feel much easier. Here’s how it’s done:- Divide your hair into three equal sections.
- Hold the middle section. Move the left section over to the top of the middle section.
- Now, move the right section over to the top of the middle section, which has now become the new middle.
- Repeat until the ends of your hair. So simple, right?
Pro Tip from Salwa: For those with slightly slippery hair or who are just learning, try spraying a little water or using a hair vitamin mist like Sunsilk Hair Vitamin before you start. The vitamin B content keeps hair moisturized and easy to manage, plus the scent will boost your mood!
- French Braids: The ‘French’ Braid That’s Actually Not from France?
This is the one that often causes confusion. Why is it called a French Braid if it’s not originally from France? Hehe, it’s like French Fries or French Kiss. In France itself, this style is more commonly known as ‘la tresse africaine.’ Pretty cool, its roots are actually in Africa!
The technique is similar to a three-strand braid, but the difference is:- Start braiding from the root of your hair, not the ends.
- Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three.
- Braid as usual, but every time you want to add a strand of hair from the side, take a little bit of hair from the section that’s still loose.
- Continue adding hair from the left and right sides as you move down until all the hair is braided.
The result? A braid that looks like it’s ‘integrated’ with your hair. Perfect for everyday wear to keep your hair from getting messy.
- Bangs Braid: Bye-Bye Flat Bangs!
For those of you with bangs that tend to get flat or get in your eyes, this is the solution! The technique is basically the same as a French Braid, but the focus is only on the bang area.- Take your bangs and divide them into three sections.
- Start braiding from the temple (side of your forehead) towards the back of your head.
- Just like a French Braid, take small sections of hair from the top of your bangs to add to the braid.
This requires a bit of hand practice, but the result will instantly make your look more stylish!
- Fishtail Braids: Looks Complicated, But It’s Super Easy!
The name itself means ‘fish tail,’ and its shape is indeed very unique. But don’t be fooled, it’s not as difficult as it looks!- Divide your hair into just two large sections.
- Take a small strand of hair from the outer right side and move it to the inner left side.
- Do the same on the left side: take a small strand of hair from the outer left side and move it to the inner right side.
- Repeat until the ends of your hair.
Warning: To make it easier and neater, you can tie your hair into a ponytail first, then start the Fishtail Braid technique. The result can be slightly asymmetrical, suitable for casual to semi-formal occasions.
- Upside Down Braid: Starting from the Bottom!
This is an adaptation of the French Braid, but in reverse. If a French Braid goes from top to bottom, this one goes from bottom to top!- Start from the nape of your neck at the bottom.
- Take a small section of hair in that area and divide it into three.
- Braid as usual, but as you move upwards, gradually take small sections of hair from the left and right sides to add to the braid.
Pro Tip from Salwa: If you want to try this yourself, it can be a bit tricky. Try tilting your head forward slightly when you start. Or, ask a friend for help to make it easier. The braid will ‘pop’ upwards, which is very unique!
- Dutch Braid: The ‘Outward’ Braid That Dares to Stand Out!
Now, this is what makes it different from a French Braid, which tucks the braid inwards. A Dutch Braid makes the braid ‘pop’ outwards, meaning it looks raised.- Just like a French Braid, divide your hair into three sections.
- The difference here: when braiding, you must cross the strands from the bottom upwards, not from the top.
- Continue adding hair from the left and right sides as you move down.
Because the braid is raised, it makes your hair look more voluminous. Perfect for those with thin hair!
Beauty Alert! Often, braids that are too tight can cause hair loss or breakage. That’s why it’s crucial to care for your hair to keep it strong. Try using the Dove Hair Fall Rescue Serum Shampoo and Conditioner range. Its NutriSerum formula deeply penetrates the hair, preventing it from feeling limp and helping to reduce hair fall by up to 99%! Bye-bye, hair fall! - Milkmaid Braids: Classic Beauty, Frida Kahlo Style!
Who doesn’t know Frida Kahlo? An art icon whose style was always cool, including her braided hairstyle. A Milkmaid Braid is like two long braids wrapped around the top of the head.- Divide your hair into two equal sections.
- Braid each section using the regular three-strand braid technique.
- Once done, take one braid and wrap it around the top of your head (like a headband). Pin the end on the opposite side.
- Do the same with the other braid.
The result? It looks elegant and slightly wavy. For an even cooler look, you can try variations like a halo braid or a crown braid.
- Four Strands Braids: Instant Thick Hair Illusion!
Mastered the three-strand braid? Time to level up to four! This braid makes your hair look much thicker and more voluminous, even if it’s not naturally that way.- Divide your hair into four sections.
- This is a bit tricky, but the gist is you need to cross one strand from the outside downwards, then the next strand from the outside upwards.
- Alternate until the ends.
Warning: This technique requires a bit of patience to master. If you’re confused, just search for a video tutorial, and you’ll understand it instantly!
- Slide Up Braid: A Simple Yet Striking Accent!
This style looks complicated at first glance, but it’s actually just about wrapping and ‘scrunching.’ Suitable for long or short hair.- Take a small section of hair, for example, on the side.
- Wrap the hair backwards as if making a simple braid.
- Then, ‘pull’ a bit of the braided section upwards to create a wavy or ‘slide up’ effect.
This works more as an accent and doesn’t need to be done on the entire hair.
- Braided Bun: A Quick, Fuss-Free Solution!
In a hurry but want to look neat? A braided bun can be your savior! It’s a simple combination of a bun and a braid that results in a luxurious look.- Braid a portion of your hair (you can use any technique you like).
- Roll the braid into a bun.
- Pin it neatly.
Pro Tip: Spray TRESemmé Dry Texture Finishing Spray at the end. Your hair will hold its shape, won’t be sticky, and won’t feel stiff at all!
- Mermaid Braid: Specifically for Curly Hair!
For those of you with curly hair, don’t be sad! The Mermaid Braid is perfect for your hair texture. The technique involves creating a braid within a braid.
It sounds complex, but it’s actually easy once you know the trick. Try watching a video tutorial, and you’ll want to try it right away!
So, turns out it’s not as difficult as you thought, Beauty Besties? Out of the 11 braid ideas above, which one are you most curious to try first? Let’s get practicing tonight so your hair can look even more amazing tomorrow!
