Bob braids on long hair can create a stylish and chic look that combines the elegance of long locks with the neatness and charm of a bob haircut in a braided form. Whether you’re looking to switch up your everyday style, attend a special event, or just want to try something new with your hair, mastering the art of bob braids on long hair can be a great addition to your hairstyling repertoire. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating beautiful bob braids on long hair, along with some tips and tricks to ensure a professional-looking result.
Tools and Products You’ll Need
Before we dive into the actual braiding process, it’s important to gather all the necessary tools and products. Here’s what you’ll need:
Hairbrush: A good quality hairbrush, such as a paddle brush or a wide-toothed comb, will help you detangle your long hair smoothly without causing excessive breakage.
Hair elastics: You’ll need several small to medium-sized hair elastics to secure the different sections of the braids. Clear elastics are a great choice as they blend in well with most hair colors.
Bobby pins: These are essential for tucking in any loose ends or securing the braids in place if needed.
Hairspray: A light to medium hold hairspray will help set the braids and keep them looking neat throughout the day or evening.
Optional: Hair extensions (if desired): If you want to add extra volume or length to your bob braids, you can use hair extensions that match your natural hair color and texture.
Preparing Your Long Hair
Detangle: Start by gently brushing your long hair with your chosen hairbrush or comb. Begin from the ends and work your way up to the roots, carefully removing any knots or tangles. This step is crucial as it ensures a smooth braiding process and helps prevent breakage.
Wash and Condition: If your hair is dirty or greasy, it’s a good idea to wash and condition it before braiding. Use a shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type (e.g., for dry hair, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner; for oily hair, opt for a clarifying shampoo and a lightweight conditioner). After washing, gently towel-dry your hair until it’s damp but not dripping wet.
Apply a Heat Protectant (if using heat styling tools): If you plan on using a blow dryer or a straightener to smooth out your hair before braiding, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant spray. This will help protect your hair from the damaging effects of heat and keep it healthy.
Section Your Hair: Divide your long hair into two equal sections by creating a center part. Use your fingers or the end of a comb to create a straight line from the front of your hairline to the nape of your neck. Secure each section with a hair elastic or clip to keep them separate while you work on one section at a time.
The Bob Braiding Process: Step by Step
We’ll now focus on creating the bob braids on one of the sections of your long hair. Once you’ve completed the first section, you can repeat the same steps on the other section.
Decide on the Type of Bob Braid
There are several types of bob braids you can choose from, such as a classic three-strand braid, a fishtail braid, a Dutch braid, or a French braid. For the purpose of this guide, we’ll focus on the classic three-strand braid as it’s one of the most common and easiest to master. However, you can always experiment with other braid types once you’ve got the hang of the basic process.
Start the Braid
Take the section of long hair that you’ve prepared (either the left or the right section depending on your preference).
Divide this section into three equal smaller sections. You can do this by simply using your fingers to separate the hair.
Hold the three sections in your hands, with the middle section slightly in front of the other two.
Cross the Strands
Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. Now the right section becomes the new middle section.
Next, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section (which was originally the right section). The left section now becomes the middle section.
Repeat this process of crossing the right and left sections over the middle section, gradually working your way down the length of the hair. As you do this, make sure to keep the braid tight but not too tight that it pulls on your hair uncomfortably.
Incorporate More Hair (Optional)
If you want to create a thicker braid, you can incorporate additional hair from the sides of the main section as you braid. Here’s how:
After crossing the right section over the middle section, take a small amount of hair from the right side of the main section and add it to the right section before crossing it over the middle section again.
Similarly, after crossing the left section over the middle section, take a small amount of hair from the left side of the main section and add it to the left section before crossing it over the middle section again.
This way, you’ll gradually build up a thicker and more voluminous braid.
Continue Braiding to the Desired Length
Keep repeating the process of crossing the strands and incorporating additional hair (if desired) until you reach the desired length for your bob braid. Remember, the length of the braid will determine how much of a “bob” look you achieve. For a more traditional bob length, you might want to stop braiding when the braid reaches around the level of your chin or just below it.
Secure the Braid
Once you’ve reached the desired length, use a small to medium-sized hair elastic to secure the end of the braid. Make sure the elastic is tight enough to hold the braid in place but not so tight that it causes discomfort or leaves a visible mark on your hair.
Tidy Up and Shape the Braid
Gently tug on the sides of the braid to make it look a bit wider and more voluminous. This will give it a more natural and stylish appearance.
Use bobby pins to tuck in any loose ends or hairs that are sticking out of the braid. You can also use bobby pins to shape the braid if it’s not sitting quite right, for example, by pinning it closer to your head or giving it a more curved shape.
Repeat on the Other Section
Now that you’ve completed the bob braid on one section of your long hair, repeat the same steps on the other section. Make sure to match the length and thickness of the two braids as closely as possible for a symmetrical look.
Finishing Touches
Once both braids are in place, give your hair a light spritz of hairspray to set the braids and keep them looking neat. Hold the can about 10-12 inches away from your head and spray evenly over the braids.
You can also add any accessories you like, such as small hair clips, ribbons, or beads, to further enhance the look of your bob braids. For example, you could attach a cute ribbon bow at the end of each braid or thread some beads through the braids for a more glamorous effect.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bob Braids on Long Hair
Practice Makes Perfect: Don’t be discouraged if your first attempt at bob braids doesn’t turn out exactly as you hoped. Braiding takes practice, so keep trying and you’ll get better with each attempt.
Keep Your Hair Tidy as You Braid: As you’re braiding, make sure to keep the hair that’s not currently being used in the braid neatly tucked away or held with a clip. This will prevent it from getting in the way and making the braiding process more difficult.
Use the Right Tension: Finding the right balance of tension when braiding is key. You want the braid to be tight enough to hold its shape but not so tight that it pulls on your hair and causes discomfort or breakage. If you feel any pain while braiding, ease up on the tension.
Divide Your Hair Evenly: When dividing your long hair into sections and then further dividing those sections for the braid, make sure to do it as evenly as possible. Uneven sections can result in a lopsided or messy-looking braid.
Watch Tutorials: There are countless online tutorials available that can show you different techniques and variations of bob braids. Watching these tutorials can give you more inspiration and help you master the art of braiding more quickly.
Consider Your Hair Type: Different hair types may require slightly different approaches when it comes to braiding. For example, if you have curly hair, you might want to straighten it first to make the braiding process easier. If you have fine hair, you may need to be more careful with the tension to avoid breaking the hair.
Add Volume at the Roots: If you want your bob braids to have more volume at the roots, you can tease the hair at the roots of each section before starting the braid. Use a comb to gently backcomb the hair, creating some lift and volume. Then smooth out the top layer of the hair with your fingers or a brush before proceeding with the braid.
Use Hair Extensions Wisely: If you’re using hair extensions, make sure to blend them in well with your natural hair. You can do this by matching the color and texture of the extensions as closely as possible to your natural hair. Also, when incorporating the extensions into the braid, do it gradually so that they don’t look out of place.
Conclusion
Bob braids on long hair can be a fun and stylish way to transform your look. By following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, along with the tips and tricks provided, you can create beautiful and professional-looking bob braids on your own long hair. Remember, it takes practice to master the art of braiding, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try different techniques until you find the ones that work best for you. Whether you’re going for a casual day out or a formal event, bob braids are sure to turn heads and make you feel confident and fashionable.
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