Creating a braid crown with short hair may seem like a challenging feat, but with the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can achieve a stylish and elegant look that suits your personal characteristics. Whether you have a pixie cut, a bob, or any other type of short hair, this guide will show you how to transform your ‘do into a stunning braid crown.
Understanding Your Hair Type and Length
Before diving into the braiding process, it’s crucial to understand your hair type and length. Short hair can vary greatly in texture, density, and curl pattern. Some people have fine, straight hair, while others have thick, wavy or curly locks. Your hair’s natural state will influence how you approach the braid crown style.
Fine, Straight Hair
If you have fine, straight hair, you may find it easier to create a sleek, polished braid crown. Your hair will likely be more manageable and less prone to frizz. However, you may need to use products like hair spray or texture powder to give your hair some grip and hold.
Thick, Wavy/Curly Hair
On the other hand, if you have thick, wavy or curly hair, you may need to use more product to tame your strands and create a smoother base for braiding. A good leave-in conditioner or styling cream can help to soften your hair and make it more cooperative. You may also want to consider using a flat iron to straighten out some of the curl, although this step is optional.
Gathering Your Tools and Products
Before you start braiding, make sure you have all the necessary tools and products at hand. This will streamline the process and ensure you have everything you need to create a polished look.
Essential Tools
Comb or brush: A fine-toothed comb or paddle brush can help to detangle and smooth your hair.
Hair clips or pins: These will come in handy for sectioning off your hair and securing your braids.
Hair spray: A strong-hold hair spray can help to keep your braid crown in place all day long.
Optional: Bobby pins or hairpins: These can be useful for securing any loose strands or adding extra decoration to your braid crown.
Recommended Products
Texture powder or dry shampoo: These products can add grip and volume to your hair, making it easier to braid.
Leave-in conditioner or styling cream: These can help to soften and smooth your hair, especially if you have thick, curly or wavy strands.
Heat protectant spray: If you plan to use a flat iron or curling iron, make sure to protect your hair with a heat protectant spray.
Preparing Your Hair
Once you have your tools and products ready, it’s time to prepare your hair for braiding. This involves detangling, styling, and sectioning off your strands.
Detangling
Start by using a comb or brush to detangle your hair. Work from the bottom up, gently combing through any tangles or knots. This will make it easier to style and braid your hair later on.
Styling
If you have thick, curly or wavy hair, you may want to use a flat iron to straighten out some of the curl. This will give you a smoother base to work with and make it easier to create a polished braid crown. Just remember to use a heat protectant spray to protect your hair from damage.
Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your natural curl or wave, you can use a leave-in conditioner or styling cream to soften and smooth your hair. This will make it more manageable and less prone to frizz.
Sectioning Off Your Hair
Once your hair is detangled and styled, it’s time to section it off. Use hair clips or pins to divide your hair into manageable sections. You’ll need to create a central part that runs from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Then, divide the hair on either side of the part into smaller sections that you can braid.
Creating the Braid Crown
Now that your hair is prepared, it’s time to start braiding. Follow these steps to create a stunning braid crown:
Step 1: Braid the First Section
Take the first section of hair on one side of your part and divide it into three smaller strands. Start braiding from the top of your head, working your way down towards your ears. Secure the end of the braid with a hair clip or pin.
Step 2: Braid the Second Section
Repeat the same process with the second section of hair on the other side of your part. Again, start braiding from the top of your head and work your way down towards your ears. Secure the end of the braid with a hair clip or pin.
Step 3: Cross the Braids
Now, take the two braids and cross them at the back of your head. Secure them in place with hair clips or pins. This will create the foundation of your braid crown.
Step 4: Add Additional Braids (Optional)
If you have enough hair to work with, you can add additional braids to fill in any gaps and create a more intricate design. Simply take small sections of hair from around your head and braid them, securing the ends with hair clips or pins. Then, weave these braids into the existing crown for a fuller look.
Step 5: Secure and Style
Once you’re happy with the placement and design of your braid crown, use hair spray to secure it in place. This will help to keep your braids from coming undone throughout the day. You can also use your fingers or a comb to style the rest of your hair, creating a sleek and polished look.
Customizing Your Braid Crown
While the basic steps for creating a braid crown with short hair are relatively straightforward, there are plenty of ways to customize your look and make it your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Adding Accessories
One easy way to dress up your braid crown is by adding accessories. Consider incorporating hairpins, barrettes, or headbands to add a pop of color or a touch of glam. You can also use bobby pins to secure loose strands and create a more polished look.
Mixing Textures and Styles
If you have layers or a multitextured cut, you can mix and match different braiding techniques to create a unique look. For example, you could combine fishtail braids with regular three-strand braids, or incorporate some loose waves or curls into your design.
Experimenting with Color
Another way to customize your braid crown is by incorporating color. Whether you opt for subtle highlights or bold streaks, adding color can take your look from basic to bold. Just make sure to choose a color that complements your skin tone and personal style.
Maintaining Your Braid Crown
Once you’ve created your braid crown, it’s important to take care of it to ensure it stays looking its best. Here are a few tips for maintaining your style:
Avoid Heat Styling
Try to avoid using heat styling tools on your hair, as this can cause damage and make your braids look frayed. Instead, opt for air-drying or using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to minimize heat exposure.
Use Gentle Products
When washing your hair, use gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid stripping your strands of natural oils. This will help to keep your hair healthy and shiny, and make it easier to style in the future.
Touch Up as Needed
Over time, your braid crown may start to look a bit frayed or loose. To keep it looking its best, touch up any loose strands with hair spray or bobby pins as needed. You can also use a small amount of styling cream or gel to smooth down any flyaways.
Conclusion
Creating a braid crown with short hair may seem like a daunting task, but with the right techniques and a bit of creativity, you can achieve a stylish and elegant look that suits your personal characteristics. By understanding your hair type and length, gathering the necessary tools and products, preparing your hair for braiding, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to creating a stunning braid crown. And don’t forget to customize your look with accessories, textures, and colors to make it truly your own. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be able to rock a braid crown with confidence, no matter how short your hair may be.
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How to Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
How to Do Space Buns with Shoulder-Length Hair
