Long braids with curls at the end are a charming and stylish hairstyle that can add a touch of elegance, playfulness, or bohemian flair to anyone’s look. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion, a casual day out, or just want to switch up your everyday style, mastering this hairstyle can make a significant difference. In this article, it here will share 5 essential tips that will help you achieve beautiful long braids with those lovely curls at the end.
Start with the Right Hair Preparation
The foundation of any great hairstyle is well-prepared hair. When aiming for long braids with curls at the end, it’s crucial to begin with clean, conditioned hair. Wash your hair with a gentle shampoo that suits your hair type, whether it’s dry, oily, or normal. For example, if you have dry hair, choose a moisturizing shampoo that won’t strip away too much of your hair’s natural oils.
After shampooing, apply a good quality conditioner from mid-length to the ends of your hair. Leave it on for a few minutes as directed on the product label to allow it to penetrate and hydrate your strands properly. Rinse thoroughly but gently to avoid tangling.
Once out of the shower, towel-dry your hair gently by patting it rather than rubbing vigorously, which can cause breakage and frizz. If your hair is prone to frizz, you can apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner or a frizz-control serum while it’s still damp. This will help smooth the hair cuticles and make it easier to braid and curl later.
Another important aspect of hair preparation is detangling. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush to carefully work through any knots or tangles starting from the ends and gradually moving up towards the roots. This step ensures that your braids will be smooth and free of bumps or snags during the braiding process.
Moreover, if your hair lacks volume or body, you can apply a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots before blow-drying. This will give your braids a fuller look and more bounce when the curls are added at the end. When blow-drying, use a round brush to lift the roots and direct the hair in the direction you want the braids to fall. Keep the heat setting on a medium level to avoid over-drying or damaging your hair.
Choose the Appropriate Braid Style
There are numerous braid styles that can work well with curls at the end, and choosing the right one depends on various factors such as your hair length, thickness, and personal preference.
The classic three-strand braid is a great starting point. It’s simple yet elegant and can be easily customized. For long hair, you can start the braid from the crown of your head for a more elaborate look or from the nape of the neck for a more casual, laid-back style. To make the braid look fuller, you can gently pull on the edges of the braid once it’s complete to loosen it slightly. This creates a softer, more voluminous effect that pairs beautifully with the curls at the end.
The fishtail braid is another popular option. It has a more intricate and delicate appearance, adding a touch of sophistication to your hairstyle. To create a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections. Then, take a small strand from the outside of one section and cross it over to the other section, repeating this process on alternating sides until you reach the end of your hair. Fishtail braids work particularly well with long, thick hair as they can showcase the length and texture of the hair, and when combined with curls at the end, they create a stunning visual effect.
For a more bohemian or romantic look, consider a Dutch braid. This braid is similar to the French braid but instead of crossing the strands over, you cross them under. It creates a raised, textured look that lies flat against the scalp at the beginning and then cascades down with the curls at the end. Dutch braids can be done in a single braid down the center of your head or in multiple braids for a more elaborate and textured style. You can also incorporate small sections of hair from the sides as you braid to make it look even more intricate.
If you want a braid that’s quick and easy but still looks stylish with curls at the end, a side braid is a good choice. Simply gather your hair to one side and start braiding it towards that side. You can make it a loose, messy side braid for a casual, effortless vibe or a tight, neat side braid for a more polished appearance. Side braids are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Curl the Ends Professionally
Once you’ve completed the braid, it’s time to add those beautiful curls at the end. There are several methods to achieve this, and each has its own advantages.
Using a curling iron is a common and effective way. Choose a curling iron with a barrel size that suits the look you want. For loose, soft curls, a larger barrel (around 1.25 to 1.5 inches) is ideal, while for tighter, more defined curls, a smaller barrel (around 0.75 to 1 inch) can be used. Before curling, make sure your curling iron is heated to the appropriate temperature for your hair type. For fine hair, a lower heat setting (around 300°F to 320°F) is recommended to avoid damage, while for thicker or coarser hair, you can use a slightly higher heat setting (around 350°F to 375°F).
Take a small section of the braid’s end and wrap it around the curling iron barrel, holding it for a few seconds (usually around 8 to 12 seconds depending on your hair’s thickness and the heat level). Then, gently release the curl and let it cool in your hand for a moment before letting it fall naturally. Repeat this process for each section of the braid’s end until all the ends are curled. To make the curls last longer, you can spray a light-hold hairspray on the curls while they’re still warm.
A curling wand is another option, especially if you want a more natural, tousled look. Curling wands don’t have a clamp like curling irons, so you simply wrap the hair around the wand and hold it in place with your fingers. This gives the curls a looser, more organic appearance. The technique for using a curling wand is similar to that of a curling iron in terms of heat settings and holding time, but you have more control over the shape and direction of the curls. You can vary the direction of the curls by wrapping some sections towards the face and others away from it to create a more textured and voluminous effect.
For those who prefer a heat-free method, there are alternative ways to create curls. One popular option is using braiding or twisting techniques to create overnight curls. After braiding your hair as described earlier, you can twist the braided sections around each other and secure them with a hair tie or bobby pins before going to bed. In the morning, when you undo the twists and braids, you’ll be left with soft, natural-looking curls at the end of your braids. Another heat-free method is using foam or fabric hair rollers. Roll the ends of the braids around the rollers and leave them in for a few hours or overnight. This will give you defined curls without the use of heat, which is beneficial for maintaining the health of your hair.
Add Finishing Touches and Styling Products
To make your long braids with curls at the end truly stand out, adding some finishing touches and using the right styling products is essential.
First, gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them slightly and create a more natural, tousled look. This also helps to distribute the curls evenly and gives the hairstyle more volume. Avoid using a comb or brush at this stage as it can disrupt the curl pattern and make the curls look frizzy or flattened.
Next, apply a small amount of shine serum or oil to the palms of your hands and then gently run your hands over the braids and curls. This adds a healthy 光泽 to your hair, making it look shiny and lustrous. Choose a product that is lightweight and won’t weigh down your hair, such as argan oil or a silicone-based shine serum.
If you want to add more hold and definition to the curls, you can use a curl-enhancing cream or spray. Apply it evenly to the curled ends, scrunching the hair gently with your hands to encourage the curls to form and hold their shape. Curl-enhancing products usually contain ingredients that help to define and moisturize the curls, keeping them looking fresh and bouncy throughout the day.
Another useful product for this hairstyle is a texturizing spray. Spraying a light mist of texturizing spray over the braids and curls can add more dimension and a lived-in look. It gives the hair a slightly gritty texture that makes the style look more effortless and stylish, as if it’s been casually put together yet still looks put-together.
Finally, to set the entire hairstyle and keep it in place, use a light-hold hairspray. Hold the can about 10 to 12 inches away from your head and spray a light mist over the braids and curls, focusing on the areas where you want the most hold, such as the roots of the braids and the tops of the curls. Avoid spraying too much hairspray as it can make your hair look stiff and unnatural.
Maintenance and Longevity of the Hairstyle
Once you’ve achieved your long braids with curls at the end, you’ll want to make sure the hairstyle lasts as long as possible.
Throughout the day, try to avoid touching or constantly running your hands through your hair too much. Excessive handling can cause the curls to lose their shape and the braids to become loose or frizzy. If you notice any flyaways or small strands coming out of the braids, you can use a small amount of hairspray on your fingertips and gently smooth them back into place.
If you’re going to be outdoors or in a humid environment, consider wearing a hat or using an anti-humidity spray. Humidity can cause the hair to frizz, especially the curls at the end, so an anti-humidity spray can help to combat this by creating a protective barrier around the hair strands.
When it’s time to take the braids out, do it gently to avoid pulling or breaking your hair. Start by undoing the hair tie at the end of the braid and then carefully unbraid the hair, working from the end towards the roots. Once the braid is undone, you can use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to gently detangle the hair. If the curls have held up well, you can leave them in or use a brush to smooth them out depending on your preference.
To maintain the health of your hair after wearing this hairstyle, make sure to wash and condition it properly. Use a deep conditioner once a week to restore moisture and nourishment to your hair, especially if you’ve used heat styling tools or products. Additionally, trim your hair regularly to get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking healthy and shiny.
Conclusion
Long braids with curls at the end are a versatile and beautiful hairstyle that can enhance your overall appearance. By following these five tips – starting with proper hair preparation, choosing the right braid style, curling the ends professionally, adding finishing touches with styling products, and maintaining the hairstyle throughout the day – you can achieve a stunning look that will turn heads wherever you go. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and find the combination that works best for you and your hair type. With a little patience and skill, you’ll be able to rock this gorgeous hairstyle with confidence.
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