7 Ways to Braid

Madison Flicker, In-Depth Senior Editor|January 15, 2014

When you think of fast, cute, and easy hairstyles, braids should come to mind. With many ways to make, wear, and invent them, braids are a timeless and quick style that work for any occasion. Here are some of our favorites.

 

[Untitled picture of how to french braid]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/117726977729591474/
[Untitled picture of how to french braid]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from: http://www.pinterest.
com/pin/117726977
729591474/

French Braid:

With a classic look, the French braid is one of the simplest forms of the 3-strand braid. Once you finish off your braid, you don’t have to be done! Tug on the sides of the braid to make it look thicker, or pull out some pieces to go for the “messy” look.

 

Dutch Braid:

Also known as an inverted French braid, it is just reversed. Instead of adding pieces of hair and crossing them over each other, with a Dutch braid, you cross the pieces under one another, giving the illusion that a braid is laying on your head.

 

Fishtail Braid:

This braid is out of the ordinary in that it doesn’t take the “normal” shape of every other braid. It’s jagged and can be a time consuming process, but the end result is an edgy, fun look.

 

Rope Braid:

Should we even call this a braid? With only two pieces of hair twisted in opposite directions, then twisted together, the rope braid

[Untitled photo of two types of four strand braids]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from:http://babesinhairland.com/hairstyles/flat-4-strand-braid-video/
[Untitled photo of two types of four strand braids]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from:http://babesinhairland.com/hairstyles/flat-4-strand-braid-video/
couldn’t be easier. I love this braid because it also creates one of my favorite no-heat waves. Just do the rope braid with damp hair at night, and by the time you wake up, your hair will have natural, no-heat waves!

4-Strand Braid:

This braid is a lot easier than it sounds! I know 4 strands seems kind of difficult, but once you get the technique down it’s a piece of cake. This braid is all about alternating under and over, weaving your hair till you get the final product. This braid is no more time consuming than the fishtail braid, so give it a shot!

 

5-Strand Braid:

Surprisingly this braid is actually easier than the 4-strand braid, given that there is now is an odd number of strands so you don’t have to alternate going under and over every time you use a new strand. You will always start by going over! I find it a lot easier if I say what I am doing out loud, “over, under, over, new strand,” that way I don’t lose my spot and I don’t mess up my braid.

 

[Untitled photo of a classic 3-strand braid]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from: http://www.dailymakeover.com/trends/slideshow/braids-to-try-this-week/
[Untitled photo of a classic 3-strand braid]. Retrieved January 12, 2014, from: http://www.dailymake
over.com/trends/slide
show/braids-to-try-this-week/

Classic Braid:

Everyone knows this braid, it’s the original, using 3-strands and starting at the base of your head. With only 3-strands, this is usually  considered a casual look, but is now breaking way into elegance. This braid can be worn in any way and still look amazing.

 

These are easy, classic, and can be worn anywhere. They look beautiful, without taking up too much time or damaging your hair. Being adorable when woven together or creating timeless waves, braids have hundreds of uses!

 

Stay Classy.

M&M