A braided look can give you a fun, feminine, romantic or pretty hairstyle, so familiarize yourself with the do's and don'ts for creating this beautiful look and then enjoy rockin' it!
Braided Hair Do's
Do keep the size of your braids in check. A braided style is a lovely way to bring attention to your hair, but if that attention is due to your braid being so oversized it’s comical (see right), it’s time for a style re-think.
Do keep the braid loose if you’re over 30. A neat, tightly braided ‘do can look a little too juvenile once you hit a certain age. Keep the finish chic and free by ensuring your braid is styled loosely.
Do learn a variety of braids. The different finishes that you get between a fishtail braid and a regular braid could make or break your style. Knowing how to create different looks with your braids also gives you lots of styling variety.
Braided Hair Don'ts
Don’t braid freshly washed hair. If you want your braid to stay in place then wash your hair the day before you intend to wear your style. Day old hair has enough hair oil in it to help your braid go into place and stay there. If you’re worried that your hair looks too oily, wash the strands around your face for a fresher finish.
Don’t stick to one look. Braids can be incorporated into your hair in lots of ways. Try side-styling, adding braids through your fringe, using braids to create headbands, or spicing up your updo with braids.
Don’t forget to use the right products. Just because your hair has been tightly braided doesn’t mean it doesn’t need some styling product help to stay in style all night. Use a light hold product like mousse before braiding your hair, and then finish with some hairspray. It’s also important to use good quality hair elastics and hair pins when styling to limit hair damage.
