How to Create Three Whimsical Braided Hairstyles
Do you ever get bored of doing the same styles over and over?
Most artists get stuck in a creative rut now and then. That’s why it’s so important to learn new techniques that keep us engaged and energized behind the chair!
As we look forward to the return of wedding season, proms and festivals (once these events are safe again), this is the perfect time to upgrade your braid repertoire with some fresh styles.
Discover three new, modern plaits with hair wizard, Sam Villa Ambassador, Redken artist, and Lumos Nox Salon owner, Twylla Jane.
Before starting a braid, Twylla recommends texturizing the roots with the Textur Iron for added lift and fullness. If you’re creating a voluminous, textured braid, texturize all of the hair from roots to tips.
Pre-texturizing the hair before braiding can transform the final look, especially when working with sleek or fine hair!
Bow Braid
Perfect for festival-goers and boho brides alike, this eye-catching style can be as delicate or as edgy as you want it to be. Experiment with the size and placement of your bows, or try pinning up the braid in different shapes for added visual interest.
Part One: Create a Dutch Side Braid
Step #1: Prep the hair by texturizing the root area only. Make a side parting in the hair.
Step #2: Take a slight diagonal back section on the side with the most hair, creating a line from the parting to the top of the ear. Secure the hair behind this section with a Dry Sectioning Clip.
Step #3: Pick up three equal-sized strands of hair from the top of the section. Begin a Dutch or “inside-out” braid by bringing the right section under the center section, then bringing the left section under the center section.
Step #4: Place the left section in your left palm and grip it with your fingers. Hold the center section securely between your “peace fingers” (index and middle fingers). Using your right hand, pick up a ½-inch section of hair from the crown area and add it to the right section. Place the right section, with the newly added hair, between the thumb and index fingers of your left hand.
Step #5: Bring the center section from the “peace sign” in your left hand to the palm of your right hand. Clasp it securely with your right ring and pinky fingers. Place the new center section in the “peace sign” of your right hand. Using your left hand, pick up a ½-inch section of hair next to the face and add it to the left section. Place the left section, with the newly added hair, between the thumb and index fingers of your right hand.
Step #6: Repeat Steps Four and Five, adding consistent ½-inch pieces on each side as you work your way down the hair shaft.
Step #7: When all the hair from the diagonal back section has been incorporated, finish with a 3-strand braid. Make sure to bring the outside strands under the center strand for consistency. Secure the ends with an elastic and gently “pancake” or pull apart the 3-strand braid for extra fullness.
Part Two: Tie a Bow!
Step #1: Pick up a ¼-inch vertical section of hair behind the Dutch side braid. This is the hair that will form the “bows”. Clip the rest of the hair out of the way with a Dry Sectioning Clip.
Step #2: Place a large U-shaped hairpin under the Dutch braid, close to where the braid begins. (Where you place the pin determines where the bow design will start.) The head of the pin should point away from the face.
Step #3: Pick up a ¼-inch piece of hair from the top of the loose section and place it inside a second U-shaped hairpin. Thread the prongs of this hairpin through the head of the first hairpin. (Imagine you’re threading a needle!)
Step #4: Grip the prongs of both hairpins, one in each hand. Gently shimmy the pins apart until a small loop of hair appears on each side of the Dutch braid. Adjust as needed until you achieve your desired shape and size.
Step #5: Repeat Steps 2-4 until you’ve created your desired number of bows. Tuck the ends against the Dutch braid and they will be secured as you work down the hair.
Step #6: To finish this bow braid, hold the tail of the braid as you pinch and pull apart small pieces from the back of the Dutch braid. Repeat on the front side of the Dutch braid. Shape and adjust the bows with your fingers.
Step #7: For a fuller braid, pancake the side of the 3-strand braid that is next to the face. Mist the braid with Redken Fashion Work 12 Hairspray to boost shine and hold. Wrap the tail into a rosette shape and pin it to the head for a stunning flower-child look!
Bubble Braid
Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble! This fun, youthful braid is pure magic. It’s not technically a braid, but rather a series of fluffed-out mini ponytails that form the shape. Take your bubble braid up a notch by dressing up the bubbles with rings from your local craft store!
Step #1: Heat protect with Redken Iron Shape 11 and use the Sam Villa Pro Results Double-Waver to wave the hair from roots to tips.
Step #3: Take a diagonal back section from the parting to the bottom of the hairline. Secure the rest of the hair in a Dry Sectioning Clip.
Step #4: Pick up a 1-inch diagonal forward section next to the hairline and the hair parting. Comb through this hair, secure it with an elastic close to the scalp, and cinch the ponytail to tighten.
Step #5: Separate another 1-inch diagonal forward section behind the first ponytail. Comb through this hair and add it to the hair from the first ponytail. Secure both sections together with an elastic and tighten them up.
Step #6: Emulsify a dab of Redken Dry Shampoo Paste 05 in your palms and work it through the ends of the hair. This gives your style workable hold and helps the bubbles to “puff” out.
Step #7: Create the first bubble with the hair between the two elastics. Slide the tail of your comb underneath the hair that came from the first ponytail. Hold down the second elastic as you lift up with your comb. Then place your fingers underneath the hair and pull it gently outwards.
Step #8 (Optional): Level-up this look by using a latch hook to cover the second elastic with your favorite hair rings.
Step #9: As you work down the hair shaft, continue picking up 1-inch diagonal forward sections, adding the hair to the last ponytail, securing with an elastic and puffing out the hair. If desired, keep adding hair rings to decorate each bubble.
Step #10: Once all the hair has been incorporated into your bubble braid, apply more Redken Dry Shampoo Paste 05 to the tail of the braid. Add another elastic to the hair about 2 inches below the last bubble. Pick up a small piece of hair from the center of the tail. Hold onto this piece while you push the elastic up towards the head, creating another bubble. Add more hair rings if desired.
Step #11: Repeat Step 10 until you reach the ends of the hair, or your preferred endpoint.
Step #12: Use your fingers to shape the bubbles and make any final adjustments, then style the ends as desired. Try creating a face-framing bubble braid on each side, then securing the ends together behind the head!
Ring Braid, Two Ways
Who doesn’t love an editorial hairstyle that looks WAY more intricate than it really is? Pick up a stack of 2-inch rings from the craft store and get ready to amaze your guests with this fascinating loop braid!
The single-strand version rests on the surface of the hair, adding quick visual appeal to any style. The French version involves adding hair for a braid that grows thicker at the bottom.
Single-Strand Ring Braid
Step #1: Start with well-combed hair. Pick up a 1-inch square section of hair from the crown area.
Step #2: Pick up a ring and place it around the hair so that the hair comes through the ring.
Step #3: Hold the hair up and over-direct towards the face. For easier styling, temporarily secure this section with a Dry Sectioning Clip while you work with the rings. Place a second ring over the first one, just below the hair.
Step #4: Bring your index finger and thumb up through both rings. Flip the hair back, pinch it in your index finger and thumb, and pull it down through the rings. The second ring should pop out. Reach down through the second ring, grab the hair with your index finger and thumb, and pull it up and through the ring.
Step #5: Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you reach the ends of the hair (or your preferred endpoint).
Step #6: For a fuller look, apply Redken Dry Shampoo Paste 05 to your hands and fluff out individual loops of the braid, working from bottom to top.
Step #7: Finish the braid by pinning the ends against the scalp to create a unique shape. If you prefer to leave the braid down, twist the ends several times and secure with a pin.
French Ring Braid
Step #1: Start with combed-out hair. Separate a 1-inch vertical section from the crown all the way to the nape.
Step #2: Pick up a ring and place it around the hair so that the hair comes through the ring.
Step #3: Hold the hair up and over-direct towards the face. For easier styling, temporarily secure this section with a Dry Sectioning Clip while you work with the rings. Place a second ring over the first one, just below the hair.
Step #4: Bring your index finger and thumb up through both rings. Flip the hair back, pinch it in your index finger and thumb, and pull it down through the rings. The second ring should pop out.
Step #5: Add a 1-inch slice of hair from just below the section. Reach down through the second ring, grab both pieces of hair with your index finger and thumb, and pull them up and through the ring.
Step #6: Repeat Steps 3-5, adding 1-inch horizontal slices of hair until all the hair from the vertical section has been incorporated.
Step #7: Finish the “tail” of the braid with a single-strand ring braid. (Continue Steps 3-5, but do not add new hair.)
Step #8: For a fuller look, apply Redken Dry Shampoo Paste 05 to your hands and fluff out individual loops of the braid, working from bottom to top.
Step #9: Finish the braid by pinning the ends against the scalp. If you prefer to leave the braid down, twist the ends several times and secure with a pin.
Conclusion
One of the best parts of being a hairdresser is that there’s always something new to learn and share! Twylla suggests using these braids as a jumping-off point to create your own salon magic. Mix it up, get creative, and add VALUE for your guests to set yourself apart as a stylist.
Also, make sure to take photos and videos of your work to post on your social channels! If you try out any of these braid upgrades, tag @twyllajane and @samvillahair to show off how you made the styles your own. Let’s keep it fresh and FUN behind the chair!
