Long braids can be a beautiful and stylish hairdo, but there may come a time when you want to shorten them for a different look or for practical reasons. Whether it’s because they’re getting in the way during daily activities, you’re ready for a change, or you simply want a more manageable length, there are several methods to achieve this. In this article, we’ll explore various techniques to help you transform your long braids into a shorter and equally appealing style.
Folding and Securing the Braid
One of the simplest ways to make a long braid shorter is by folding it up and securing it in place. Here’s how you can do it:
Prepare the Braid
First, make sure your long braid is smooth and free of any tangles. You can run your fingers through it gently or use a wide-toothed comb to detangle if necessary. If you’ve recently washed your hair and the braid is still a bit damp, it’s best to let it dry completely before attempting this method, as a wet braid may not hold the shape as well.
Decide on the Desired Length
Visualize how short you want the braid to be. You can hold the end of the braid and bring it up to the point on your head where you’d like it to end. This will give you an idea of how much you need to fold the braid.
Fold the Braid
Starting from the bottom of the braid, begin to fold it upwards. You can fold it in half if you want to reduce the length by about half, or you can make multiple smaller folds depending on the exact length you’re aiming for. For example, if you want to take off about a third of the length, you might fold the braid so that the bottom third is tucked up against the middle section.
Secure the Folded Braid
Once you’ve folded the braid to the desired length, you’ll need to secure it. You can use bobby pins for this. Insert the bobby pins horizontally through the folded sections of the braid to hold it in place. Place the pins in a crisscross pattern if possible to ensure a more secure hold. If you have thicker hair or a thicker braid, you may need to use several bobby pins to keep it from unraveling.
Style and Adjust
After securing the folded braid, you can style it further if you like. You might tuck the ends of the bobby pins under the braid to make them less visible. You can also gently fluff out the top part of the braid near the roots to give it a more voluminous look. This method is great for a quick and easy way to shorten your braid without having to do any major cutting or restructuring.
Creating a Bun with the Braid
Turning your long braid into a bun is another popular option to shorten it and create a more elegant look. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Prepare the Braid as Before
Just like in the previous method, make sure your braid is smooth and tangle-free. It should be dry for the best results when creating a bun.
Gather the Braid at the Desired Height
Decide where on your head you want to place the bun. It could be at the nape of the neck, on the top of your head, or somewhere in between. Once you’ve chosen the location, gather the braid at that point.
Twist the Braid
Begin to twist the braid around itself. You can twist it tightly for a more compact bun or leave it a bit looser for a more casual look. As you twist, the length of the braid will start to shorten as it wraps around.
Form the Bun
Once you’ve twisted the braid enough times to reach the desired length reduction, start to form the bun. You can coil the twisted braid around itself to create a circular shape. Tuck the end of the braid under the bun to hide it.
Secure the Bun
To keep the bun in place, use hairpins or a hair elastic. If you use hairpins, insert them around the edges of the bun to hold it together. You can also use a hair elastic to wrap around the base of the bun for added security. If you want a more polished look, you can spray some hairspray over the bun to keep any loose hairs in place.
Decorate (Optional)
If you want to add a touch of elegance to your bun, you can decorate it with accessories. For example, you could insert a decorative hairpin, a flower, or a ribbon into the bun. This will not only enhance the look but also draw attention to the shortened and styled braid.
Cutting the Braid
Cutting the braid is a more permanent solution to shortening it, but it requires some caution and skill. Here’s what you need to know:
Consider Your Options
Before you pick up the scissors, think about how much you want to cut off. You can measure the braid against your back or shoulder to get an idea of the new length you’re aiming for. Also, consider whether you want to cut the braid straight across or at an angle for a more stylish look.
Prepare the Tools
You’ll need a sharp pair of hair-cutting scissors. Dull scissors can cause the hair to fray and split, so it’s important to use a good-quality pair. You may also want to have a comb handy to separate the braid and make it easier to cut evenly.
Section the Braid
If your braid is very long or thick, it might be a good idea to section it into smaller parts before cutting. This will make it easier to handle and ensure a more even cut. You can divide the braid into two or three sections depending on its thickness.
Cut the Braid
Starting from the bottom of the braid, begin to cut off the desired amount. If you’re cutting straight across, hold the scissors parallel to the floor and make a clean cut. If you’re cutting at an angle, hold the scissors at the desired angle and cut slowly to create a tapered look. Be careful not to cut too much at once, especially if you’re not sure about the final length you want.
Finish the Cut
After cutting the desired amount from the bottom of the braid, check the length again. You may need to make some minor adjustments by cutting a little more or less from certain sections to get an even length throughout the braid. Once you’re satisfied with the length, you can use a comb to smooth out the cut ends of the braid.
Style the Shorter Braid
Now that you’ve cut the braid shorter, you can style it in various ways. You could leave it as a simple straight braid, or you could add some curls to the ends using a curling iron. You can also braid it again in a different style, such as a fishtail braid or a French braid, to give it a whole new look.
Using Hair Extensions to Adjust the Length
Interestingly, you can also use hair extensions to make your long braids appear shorter. Here’s how:
Choose the Right Extensions
Select hair extensions that match the color and texture of your natural hair. You can choose from synthetic or human hair extensions. Human hair extensions will give a more natural look and feel, but they are usually more expensive. Synthetic extensions are a more budget-friendly option but may not look as realistic.
Prepare the Extensions
If you’re using human hair extensions, you may need to wash and condition them before using them to match the cleanliness of your own hair. Synthetic extensions usually don’t need this step. Once you’ve prepared the extensions, detangle them using a wide-toothed comb or your fingers.
Attach the Extensions
There are several ways to attach hair extensions to your braid. One common method is to use clip-in extensions. Simply clip the extensions onto the braid at the desired points to add length to certain sections. You can also use glue-in or tape-in extensions, but these methods require more skill and may be more difficult to remove later.
Adjust the Braid Length
By adding the extensions to the braid, you can effectively change the perceived length of the braid. For example, if you add extensions to the middle of the braid, it will make the bottom part of the braid appear shorter in comparison. You can experiment with different attachment points and lengths of extensions to achieve the desired shortening effect.
Style the Modified Braid
Once you’ve attached the extensions and adjusted the length of the braid, you can style it as usual. You can braid it again, create a bun with it, or leave it as a simple straight braid. The added extensions will give you more flexibility in styling and can create a unique look.
Conclusion
There are multiple ways to make long braids shorter, each with its own advantages and considerations. Whether you choose the quick and temporary solution of folding or creating a bun, the more permanent option of cutting, or the creative approach of using hair extensions, you can transform your long braids into a shorter and stylish hairdo. Remember to always take care when handling your hair, especially when cutting, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods and styles to find the one that suits you best. With these professional tips and techniques, you’ll be able to easily manage the length of your braids and keep your hair looking great.
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