Braids are stylish, classic, and versatile. They are perfect for every occasion and can elevate your look from casual to sophisticated in the twinkle of an eye.
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But getting the perfect braids every time can be quite a hassle and may even be your biggest challenge. Don’t worry—we’ve got all the tips you need right here. Let’s explore them together.
The Clear Mini Elastic Hack
You will need clear mini elastics for this hack; you can find these at any drugstore or beauty supply store. A brush, hair clips, a brush or comb, and style gel or hairspray will also come in handy.
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Start with dry, clean, or just slightly damp hair. Brush out any tangles and make sure your hair is smooth. Then apply a small amount of hairspray or style gel for further hold. You’re welcome!
Section And Secure Your Hair
Divide your hair evenly into three sections. If you have trouble keeping them equal, use hair clips to hold the sections apart while you work.
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Now here’s where the magic happens: secure the bottom of each section of hair with clear mini elastics. This keeps the sections neat and tangle-free as you braid.
Braid and Set The Style
Begin braiding as you normally would. The elastics keep sections separate, and the tension even makes it smoother and quicker. When you get to the end, use a clear mini elastic to tie off the braid.
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Gently pull on the sections to add volume and remove the bottom elastics with caution so as not to damage your hair. Apply a light hairspray mist to finish. And bam! You’ve braided it perfectly.
Why This Hack Works
You know it’s hard to keep the tension when braiding, right? Tying mini elastics around each section can ensure a clean braid. Also, no more flyaways! The clear elastics hold the hair in place, which is particularly helpful for layered or shorter hair.
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This technique also saves time, as you don’t have to continuously re-section and detangle your hair. It is a win-win because it makes braiding quicker and less frustrating.
French Braids
As you have now mastered the basic braid, you can experiment with alternative styles. To do a French braid, start with a small section of your hair at the top of your head. Secure it with a mini elastic.
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Now add small sections of hair to each original section before crossing them over, as you braid. The elastics will keep everything in place and stop the parts that have been added from falling out.
Dutch Braid
To understand the Dutch braid technique, simply cross the sections under one another instead of over each other. This makes your hair into a braid that rests on top of it.
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As you add hair and braid underneath, use the clear elastics to hold each section in place. You’ll end up with a neat, raised braid that appears stylish and clean.
Fishtail Braid
For the fishtail braid, divide your hair into two large sections rather than three. Take a small portion of hair from the outside part of one section and cross over to the other section.
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Secure the ends of the large sections with mini elastics to keep the braid firm and neat. Continue the pattern until you reach the end, and secure it using another elastic.
How to Maintain Your Braids
For daily care, take a small bottle of hairspray or style gel with you to keep your braid looking nice all day. And to maintain flawless-looking braids, give them a quick touch-up to tame any stray hairs.
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Overnight tip: to ensure that your braid stays in place all night, use a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf. This keeps your braid from frizzing out and reduces friction.
Handling Different Types of Hair
If you have thick hair, use slightly larger clear elastics to make sure they securely hold all of your hair. You might also find that cutting your hair into smaller sections is helpful to maintain control.
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For fine hair, apply a small amount of styling spray to the strands before you begin. This helps the elastics stay in place and provides your hair with additional hold. Curly hair is generally prone to tangling. So, use a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner before braiding.
Spice Up Your Braids
Using hairpins, beads, or ribbons as embellishments, you can give your braid some flair. And if you want to add some colorful streaks to your braid, think about using temporary hair chalk or hair spray to change the color.
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For a more elaborate look, consider braiding several tiny portions of your hair together. You can leave them as separate, smaller braids or unite them into one huge braid.
Common Braiding Problems
If you frequently break your clear elastics, get the ones specifically designed for thicker hair or apply a little layer of oil. You can also use texturizing spray or hairspray to improve the grip on elastics and prevent them from slipping.
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And when creating unequal braids, use a comb to make sure your sections are evenly spaced from the beginning and keep your tension consistent throughout.
