Braiding your hair is an original and very popular way to collect it and still look beautiful. There are infinite types of braids to choose from, yet they are all based on the same hair weaving principle starting from the selection of various strands and each braid differs from the others depending on the position of these. Beyond the standard braid, there are others that can be sported on special occasions, such as a wedding or party, and some of these alternative styles will be the main topic of this article.
To see how to make a standard braid, read How to Braid Hair.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: Bow braid
The bow shaped braid is very simple but impressive and it will look like your hair is tied in a real bow. It is only achievable if you have long hair.
Step 1. Wash your hair
This type of hairstyle looks best on very straight and shiny hair. Use a hair straightener to straighten them completely before proceeding.
The smoother these are, the sleeker your hairstyle will look and it will be more suitable for a wedding or any other special occasion
Step 2. Part your hair starting from the center
Take a small section to the side about halfway up the head. Comb it and then divide it into three sections.
Step 3. Make a braid with the strand you have selected and secure it with a small elastic
Step 4. Repeat the same thing on the diametrically opposite side of the head and secure with another rubber band
Step 5. Create the bow
You will have two braids and behind the hair still loose. Take the two braids and tie them together by giving them the shape of a bow at the back of the head. If possible, get someone to help you to make things easier.
- Make sure the loops of the bow are large and even on both sides; try to create a symmetrical bow.
- Secure the center of the bow with bobby pins.
- Secure any other part of the bow that feels unstable to you by always using bobby pins.
Step 6. Finish by tying the tail of the bow
Twist the two tails together, then wrap them to tie them together with ribbon. Then legal with this at the bottom of the staple.
Method 2 of 7: Pigtails
A hairstyle made with lots of braids gives a fun and youthful look and also allows you to show off your favorite bows or ribbons. It can be good for both medium length hair and long hair.
Step 1. Part your hair starting from the center
Add some gel or wax to smooth them out.
Step 2. Take a small section of hair and bring it to the side of the face
Divide it into three equal parts. Intertwine the strands obtained, starting to overlap the right one on the central, then the left one always on the central, again the right one on the central and so on, up to the end of the hair. Secure the braid with a hair ponytail.
When doing pigtails, always try to pull them slightly towards the face
Step 3. Repeat on the other side of the face as well
Step 4. Divide the back of the hair into four equal sections
Divide each section further into three strands, starting at the top of the head. As you weave, grab sections of hair from the side, (use your fingers to grab more hair). Secure the ends with elastic hair ties.
Step 5. Add accessories
Use decorated hair bows or clips at the end of each braid.
Method 3 of 7: Basket Braid
This type of braid is not as well known or used as the other more common types of hairstyles, probably because it is a little more difficult to make; however, overall the final result is really impactful. You will only be able to do it if you have long hair and you need some help.
Step 1. Wash your hair
This hairstyle is best when the hair is very straight and shiny. Use a straightener on all strands to make your hair as smooth as possible.
Step 2. Divide the hair into several strands of the same thickness
Step 3. Start on the right side
Overlap the first section (the one closest to your face) over the second section next to it.
Step 4. Overlap the third strand over the second strand just obtained
Don't pull too hard, as this is a soft flowing hairstyle.
Step 5. Repeat the same thing on the left side
The central lock still remains unused for the moment.
Step 6. Now considering what was originally the first strand as the third, take the third strand on the right side and bring it to the central one, (the unused strand)
Then weave it under the third strand of the left side.
Step 7. Bring the first strand of the right side over the second
Then bring it below the middle one.
Step 8. Repeat on the left side
Bring the first lock of the right side over the second and under the middle one.
Step 9. Secure everything with a rubber band
Then add a hair clip or bow.
Method 4 of 7: Crown Braids
This braid style is very suitable for curly and voluminous hair. It manages to tame the hair on the skull and around the forehead, letting the rest of your hair frame the face in all its glory. This type of hairstyle is good for medium curly hair; if you have longer hair, extending too much, it may make your face look too framed, but sometimes it can still be nice.
Step 1. Apply gel or other type of hair treatment
Use what you normally like to style your curly hair.
Step 2. Grab the top of the hair and pin it at the top
Leave the back of your hair free.
Step 3. Pull out a small section of hair from the top of the hair to the side of your head
Then comb it out and then work on it.
Step 4. Divide the freshly combed section into three parts
Braid your hair tightly, first with the right strand on the central one, then the left one in the center and so on; then add more hair as you weave down.
Step 5. Continue braiding until you reach the upper back of your head
Stop and leave your hair as it is.
Step 6. Take a new section of hair approximately 25mm next to the newly made braid
Now you will need to work all over the top of the head to create the remaining braids, going from side to side. Repeat the type of weave as indicated in the steps listed above. Finish the weave the moment you get to the upper back of your head.
Step 7. Again, take a new part and isolate the section of hair next to the previous one
Divide it into two strands and braid as you did for the previous strands. Continue until you have reached the other side of your face. You should get roughly a total of 5 or 6 braids at the top of the head that extend all the way to the back.
Step 8. Try to style the end of the braids to blend it in with the rest of your curly hair
The more your curly hair will be voluminous on the shoulders, the more successful this look will be.
Step 9. Add a romantic headband to complete the look
This creates a bottom line between the braids and the loose curly hair. It also serves to keep the braids in place.
Method 5 of 7: 70s high braid
This type of braid is a very fine hairstyle and was popular in the 1970s. The effect is best if you have shorter tufts (a fringe) and some side sections of longer hair; it is obviously more suitable hairstyle for long hair.
Step 1. Wash your hair
Comb them well to remove any knots.
Step 2. Divide the hair into two parts by parting the middle
Step 3. Make two simple braids from both sides, grabbing all the back hair
However, remember to leave a few strands free in front of your face to frame it better. Obviously don't weave the bangs too.
Step 4. Secure the ends of both braids
Step 5. Bring both braids to your head
First take one from the side and pin it high on the head. Then bring the other braid and make it meet the previous one in the center of the head. Finally, fix them both.
Step 6. Brush the side strands you left loose to make them smoother
This look has to look romantic yet casual.
Method 6 of 7: Headband braid for short hair
This type of hairstyle is a make-up and requires using artificial hair that is similar to your natural hair. It is really fun and can be used for a special occasion with the addition of artificial beads or gems.
Step 1. Purchase a small strand of hair that is the same color as your real hair
On the market there are already made braids or tails to be braided. Either way, check that this section is the right size to fit snugly around your head.
Step 2. Braid the artificial hair as needed
Step 3. Close the section of artificial hair in a circle, joining the two ends
Glue them to fix the headband permanently. You may also need to use a thin wire across the headband to better maintain its circular shape. In this case, try to keep the thread well hidden in the artificial hair, tying it at the end with a knot and cutting off the excess parts.
Step 4. Attach artificial beads or pearls to the headband
Glue or sew gems around the headband braid at the same distance from each other to make it even more beautiful and interesting.
Step 5. Put on the headband braid
Simply slide it over your short hair and position it so that it is comfortable to wear. You can also secure it with bobby pins if necessary.
This hairstyle can also be created on long hair
Method 7 of 7: Other types of braids to try
Step 1. If you are looking for other braid hairstyles, here are some very popular ones:
- Try braids that are typical of some countries, such as French or Dutch.
- Try braids that incorporate other materials, such as ribbon or rope.
- For a whimsical look that suits both romantic-vintage styles and more modern styles, the herringbone braid is a good choice.
- For tighter braids that better control your hair, try Brazilian braids or twists.
- The side braids are a valid alternative to the traditional ones and are very suitable for a wedding and other special occasions; you can also add some flowers to get a really special look.
- And last but not least, you can also braid your hair extensions to give them a new look.
Advice
- Braiding is also known as pleating in some places and has multiple meanings. However, braiding is the term more properly used to refer to more complex types of weaving for hair.
- Braiding is therefore more appropriate to refer to hair, but can also be used for craft projects, horse manes, clothing etc. For general instructions on how to braid anything, (even hair), read How to Braid.
