A head full of ringlets is a dream of many girls and is a perfect hairstyle for an evening or a special event. Curling your hair with an iron or curler takes time and patience, but you will find that simple braids are enough to obtain soft and natural waves. The results are even better if the technique is applied to slightly wavy or naturally curly hair. The braids should be done immediately after washing the hair, while it is still a little damp. If you are naturally curly, a side braid is ideal for creating soft curls. On the other hand, if you have straight hair, it is better to do some rather tight braids to get more even waves. You can fix the final hairstyle with hairspray to make the curls last for a long time.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Hair
Step 1. Shampoo
First wash your hair as usual. Feed them conditioner after shampooing, especially if they have a tendency to get dry and frizzy.
Step 2. Dry your hair until it is only slightly damp
You can let them air dry naturally or you can use the hair dryer. To the touch they will only have to be damp, they will finish drying once braided and will hold the fold better.
- Start braiding when your hair is about 80% dry.
- If necessary, you can moisten them a little more by spraying them with water from a spray bottle.
Step 3. Comb your hair
You have to make sure there are no knots. You can use the brush or comb to remove any knots from slightly damp hair.
Step 4. Use a hair oil if you need to tame frizz
If you have dry hair, which tends to frizz easily, it's best to apply a nourishing oil to the ends before braiding. Pour a small amount into the palm of your hand and then massage it into the ends of your hair. Since the oil tends to weigh them down, if you have straight or thin hair, it is best not to use it otherwise the style will not last long.
Step 5. Use a styling mousse to make the style last longer if you have straight or just slightly wavy hair
Squeeze a nut into the palm of your hand, then apply it evenly to your hair, starting from the lengths and working your way up to the ends.
Step 6. Have a pair of hair ties handy
You will need at least one to make a side braid. If you want to create two braids instead, you will need to use two.
It is important that the rubber bands are made of fabric and not rubber to avoid damaging the hair
Method 2 of 4: Make a Soft Side Braid to Get Natural Waves
Step 1. Line the part aside with your fingers
Part your hair creating a very low side parting and then comb it with your hands to bring it to one side. Move the ones on the nape and the other side of the head to the side as well.
If you have bangs, you can leave it in its usual position
Step 2. Pull your hair down, letting it fall over your shoulder
Let them fall to the side of the face, along the neck and above the collarbone. Comb them with your fingers, without using a brush or comb, for a more natural look.
Step 3. Separate the hair into three distinct sections
As the video shows, take the two side sections, the one on the right and the one on the left, and cross them over each other while overlapping the central one.
Step 4. Now grab the section of hair in the center as well
Without letting go of the two side ones, first pass it over the one on the left and then under the one on the right.
Step 5. Continue like this to braid the hair all the way to the ends
Continue with the braid as normal, alternately moving the side sections towards the center. Hold the three sections of hair firmly, but don't pull them too hard with each step to get a soft braid.
Step 6. Wrap a rubber band around the ends of the hair to secure the braid
When all the hair has been braided, use the elastic to keep the braid from coming loose.
Use a rubber band or ribbon if you have very fine hair. A regular elastic could leave its mark on the hair and interfere with the final look
Step 7. Sleep with your hair braided
Since the braid is soft and sideways you won't have any trouble sleeping. Try to fall asleep on the opposite side so as not to ruin it during the night.
If you want, you can wrap a scarf around your head and braid to prevent it from unraveling while you sleep. You can also try using a shower cap
Step 8. Untie the braid the next morning
After the hair has been braided overnight or at least 6-8 hours, remove the elastic and carefully untie the braid. The ends and lengths should be gently wavy. Looking in the mirror you will notice that you have a neat and natural look.
Method 3 of 4: Make Tight Braids to Get a More Wavy Effect
Step 1. Make the middle row
Part the hair in the center of the head using the pointed part of the comb, starting from the forehead up to the nape of the neck, then bring all the hair forward forming two large locks that fall along the two sides of the face.
If you prefer, you can do the middle parting with your fingers, but with the comb you will get a more precise result
Step 2. Part the hair on the right front of the head into two distinct strands
Shape two large locks by taking the hair from the top of the head, as shown in the video.
Step 3. Create a two strand braid
Grab each strand in one hand and twist them together as a first step, then pick up a new portion of hair on the side of your head and add it to the one closest to your forehead. The process is the same one you use when you want to create a classic braid that starts from the top. Proceed following this simple pattern, slowly taking all the hair on the right side of the head to add it to the two main strands. Try to keep the strands pulled to get a very taut braid close to the head.
Step 4. Continue to twist the two strands
Each time try to add a portion of hair that is 3-5 cm wide. With one hand, hold the braid in place, while with the other you pick up a new section of hair.
Make sure you get the hair on the back of your head as well, as it all adds up to the main braid
Step 5. Continue like this until you reach the base of the neck
Gradually add other portions of hair to the braid and twist one strand over the other. Continue crossing the two main strands until you reach the base of the nape.
Step 6. Twist the lengths and ends to create a tight bun
By the time you have reached the base of the nape, chances are you will have no more portions of hair to fit into the two-strand braid. At this point you can create a single lock and twist it on itself to create a tight bun.
It is important that the bun is very tight to prevent it from melting overnight
Step 7. Wrap a rubber band around the bun
If you want, you can use one of those fabric elastics that normally wrap around the bun as a decoration, the so-called "scrunchy". After twisting your hair to form a tight bun, secure it with the elastic of your choice and make sure it can't be unraveled easily.
Scrunchy is especially suitable for thin hair. A normal rubber band may leave its mark
Step 8. Repeat the same steps on the left side of the head
Start by creating two strands close to the forehead, twist them together, and then gradually pick up more portions of hair to add to the main braid, until you reach the base of the nape. Remember to keep your hair pulled to get a tight braid very close to the head. Finally twist the lengths and ends to create a bun.
As a last step, secure the bun with a second elastic
Step 9. Go to sleep with your hair braided
During the night they will take the desired turn. If you want, you can wrap a scarf around the braid and bun to prevent them from melting while you sleep. You can also try using a shower cap.
Step 10. The next morning, undo the buns first and then the braids
Carefully remove the rubber bands and start undoing the buns, then move on to the two braids. Do not pull the hair too much to avoid ruining the wavy style. Try shaking your head gently to make the braids come undone naturally. You finally got the wavy hair you wanted.
Method 4 of 4: Making the Hairstyle Last Long
Step 1. Secure the crease with hairspray
To make the waves last longer, you can spray a veil of hairspray on the lengths and ends, avoiding the roots. If you want, you can curl your hair in your hands immediately after using the "scrunching" technique to revive the curls. You can also spray hairspray on your hair while upside down to get more volume.
Step 2. Avoid brushing and touching curls
Using the comb or brush will inevitably ruin them. Also try to touch them as little as possible so as not to unravel the curls and avoid dirtying them, in this way they will remain clean and voluminous for longer.
Step 3. Wash your hair as you normally do to return to your natural look
If they look dry, use a moisturizing shampoo to make them soft again. Also use conditioner if they are naturally quite frizzy or dry.
