Hey beautiful! In a recent poll where we asked top hair stylists in our stylist community on Facebook to vote for the most difficult braids to do, Butterfly Locs came out as the clear winner, closely followed by patterned braids and cornrows.
Photo Credits: From Left to Right – Popoola Tolulope, Thando Mdhluli, Pamela Zwane
Photo Credits: From Left to Right – Popoola Tolulope, Thando Mdhluli, Pamela Zwane
Photo Credits: From Left to Right – Popoola Tolulope, Thando Mdhluli, Pamela Zwane
Using your hair as a canvas to rock edgy and complex hairstyles is something we totally stand for. So, let’s dive into some of the most fabulous and intricate hairstyles out there that may seem tricky at first, but with some guidance and practice, you’ll be slaying those looks like a pro!
Butterfly Locs: The Playful Twist
Photo Credit: Jay Mc’vela
First up, let’s chat about butterfly locs. If you’re unfamiliar, these locs are like the cousin of traditional faux locs but with a fun, boho twist. They’re perfect for adding a bit of whimsical charm to your look. Hailing from West Africa, this hairstyle is rich in cultural and historical significance and a standout choice for protecting your hair.
What You’ll Need
- Pre-twisted locs (Let me know which product to link) – Jozi dread
- Hair oil or serum to keep the braids smooth
- A crochet hook for attaching the locs
Steps to Follow
- Prep Your Hair: Ensure that your hair is clean and well-moisturized. You want it to be really supple for the locs to look their best.
- Section It Out: Divide your hair into manageable sections. This makes the whole process way easier and less stressful.
- Attach the Locs: Using your crochet hook, loop the locs through your natural hair. Make sure you’re pulling the locs through from the root, not just the middle.
- Twist and Wrap: As you go along, twist and wrap the locs around each other to create that butterfly effect. These little loops and twists are what give the style its unique charm.
- Seal the Ends: Use oil or pomade to seal the ends of your locs so they don’t unravel.
- Style and Flaunt: Shake out your butterfly locs and arrange them as you like. You can even accessorize with beads or gold cuffs for a little extra flair!
Patterned Braids: Artistry in Every Strand
Photo Credits: Sky_Hairstyles
Patterned braids are like a creative playground for your hair. They’re all about combining different braid patterns into beautiful, intricate designs. Some of the most challenging patterned braids include zig zag braids, flower patterns etc.. Let’s take a look at how these challenging braids can be aced with a few simple tricks.
What You’ll Need
- Braid extensions
- Edge control gel for neat lines & edges
- A rat-tail comb for parting
Steps to Follow
- Moisturize and Detangle: Start with clean, detangled hair. Spray some moisturizing spray or apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and manageable.
- Section Your Hair: Use a rat-tail comb to create clean sections. You can go for straight lines or create patterns, whatever suits your mood! The neater your lines, the better your cornrows.
- Add Extensions: for extra length and volume, add in good quality braid extensions like the Darling One Million Braid which is made of premium fibers to give you smooth, durable, salon-fresh braids.
- Begin Braiding: Start with one section at a time. For example, cornrow braids involve adding more hair extensions as you go along. Keep your tension consistent to ensure even, neat braids that will not become loose.
- Maintenance Tips: Keep your cornrows looking fresh by applying a bit of oil to your scalp, edges and hair regularly.
- Seal and Finish: After braiding, dip your braids in hot water to seal the ends. You can also apply a bit of sheen spray or foam mousse to keep them shiny and smooth.
3 Key Mantras for All Kinds of Complicated Hairstyles:
- Patience is Key: Don’t rush the process. Take your time to get each braid and loc just right.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you braid, the better your skills become! It might not look flawless on your first try, and that’s okay! Keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it.
- Have Fun with It: Experiment with different styles and accessories to make each look your own.
Photo Credits: From Left to Right – Nicca Dee, MaKhuzwayo Mileh Zamanguni, Mbulaheni Lufano, Zandiswe Twinny Meh
You can absolutely nail a complicated braid style by following all the above tips because Darling, they’re totally worth the effort!