What to expect from braids?
You may know exactly what type of braid you’re after, or you may be less sure. Either way, your stylist will greet you and talk you through your options. Once you’ve both decided on the perfect plait, you can sit back and let them work their magic. First things first, they will prep your hair with a texturising product to give it some grip, before blow drying it and sectioning it off. A few twists, tugs and knots later, and your new style will be secured into place. A showering of hairspray and it’s going nowhere – but you sure are! The braidy lady shall go to the ball.
Highlighted: 3 types of braids
- French braid: also called the French plait. Three hair chunks are taken from the top of the head. The left and right strand are crossed over to the center, working in some extra hair from the side each time hair is crossed over. This is done until the end of the strands are reached.
- Dutch braid: basically an inside-out French braid! Instead of crossing the hair strands over the center strand, the strands go under. This badass braid creates the illusion that the braid 'lies' on top of the hair.
- Cornrows: small rows of tight braids close to the head. Cornrows are great for kids - hello fuss-free hairdo!
Good to know
- Step away from the conditioner – dirty hair works best for braiding, as the texture will make it easier to style and stay put.
- You can expect your braid to last for up to around two days. Luckily, the fall-out is pretty and you can look forward to gorgeous tousled waves!
The sciencey stuff
French braids are famous across the globe, but their roots trace back to North Africa, funnily enough. People have been coveting the classic three-strand plait for thousands of years, with the earliest evidence going back to a mountain range in Algeria. In the years that followed, the style also appeared in early Greek art, on Celtic warriors and the high courts of the Sung Dynasty. A braidy bunch and a half!
