Creating a braid crown on short hair can be a stylish and elegant way to elevate your look. Despite the challenges short hair presents, with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a beautiful braided crown. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you master this hairstyle.
Preparation and Tools
Before starting, gather all the necessary tools and products. Proper preparation is key to a successful braid crown.
Tools You Need
Hairbrush: A brush to detangle and smooth your hair.
Hair Clips: To section your hair.
Bobby Pins: To secure the braids.
Elastic Bands: Small, clear elastics work best.
Texturizing Spray: Adds grip to the hair, making it easier to braid.
Mirror: To see the back of your head.
Hair Spray: To hold the style in place.
Preparing Your Hair
Wash and Dry Your Hair: Clean hair is easier to work with. Dry it completely before starting.
Detangle: Brush through your hair to remove any knots.
Add Texture: Use a texturizing spray to give your hair some grip. This will make the braiding process smoother.
See also: How to Dry Short Curly Hair？
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Braid Crown
Step 1: Section Your Hair
Divide Your Hair: Create a middle part that runs from your forehead to the nape of your neck.
Clip Each Section: Use hair clips to secure the two sections of hair.
Step 2: Start Braiding
Begin at the Front: Take a small section of hair near your forehead.
Divide into Three Strands: Start a regular three-strand braid.
Add Hair Gradually: As you braid, add small sections of hair to each strand. This is similar to a French braid.
Braid Along the Hairline: Continue adding hair and braiding along your hairline towards your ear and then around the back of your head.
Step 3: Secure the Braid
Use an Elastic Band: Once you reach the end of the section, secure the braid with an elastic band.
Repeat on the Other Side: Follow the same steps to braid the other side of your hair.
Step 4: Create the Crown
Cross the Braids: Take one braid and lay it across the top of your head, securing it with bobby pins.
Secure the Second Braid: Lay the second braid over the first one, securing it with bobby pins.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Tuck the Ends: Tuck the ends of the braids under each other and secure with bobby pins.
Adjust and Secure: Adjust the braids to ensure they are even and secure. Use more bobby pins if needed.
Apply Hair Spray: Use hair spray to hold the style in place.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Braid Crown
Working with Layers
Manage Short Layers: If you have layers, especially short ones, use more bobby pins to keep them in place.
Use Product: A bit of styling gel or wax can help tame shorter layers and keep them from sticking out.
Dealing with Flyaways
Control Flyaways: Use a small amount of hair serum or oil to smooth any flyaways.
Use a Toothbrush: Spray a bit of hair spray on a toothbrush and gently brush down flyaways.
Enhancing Volume
Add Volume: Before starting the braid, you can backcomb the crown of your head slightly to add volume.
Loosen the Braid: Once the braid is secure, gently pull on the edges of the braid to make it look fuller.
Styling Variations
Boho Braid Crown
Loose and Messy: For a boho look, keep the braid loose and slightly messy.
Add Accessories: Incorporate small flowers or decorative pins into the braid for an added touch.
Elegant Braid Crown
Smooth and Tight: For a more polished look, keep the braid tight and smooth.
Add Shine: Use a shine spray to give your hair a glossy finish.
Half-Up Braid Crown
Half-Up Style: Instead of braiding all of your hair, create a braid crown with the top half of your hair and leave the bottom half loose.
Soft Waves: Style the loose hair in soft waves for a romantic look.
Maintaining the Style
Touch-Ups Throughout the Day
Carry Bobby Pins: Keep a few bobby pins in your bag for any touch-ups.
Mini Hair Spray: A small bottle of hair spray can help maintain the style throughout the day.
Nighttime Care
Protect the Style: If you want to keep the braid crown overnight, wrap your hair in a silk scarf.
Morning Touch-Up: In the morning, touch up any loose areas and reapply hair spray.
Conclusion
Creating a braid crown on short hair may seem challenging, but with practice and the right techniques, you can achieve a stunning look. Follow the step-by-step guide, use the tips and tricks provided, and explore different styling variations to find what works best for you. Whether you’re going for a casual boho vibe or an elegant updo, a braid crown is a versatile and beautiful hairstyle that can complement any occasion.
FAQs
Is it possible to braid really short hair?
Yes, it is possible to braid really short hair, though the types of braids you can do may be limited compared to longer hair. With very short hair, you can still achieve styles like French braids, Dutch braids, and even simple three-strand braids. The key is to adapt the technique to the length of your hair and possibly use bobby pins or small elastics to secure the ends.
How to attach braids to short hair?
When attaching braids to short hair, especially for styles like a braid crown or halo braid:
Secure with Bobby Pins: Use bobby pins to anchor the braids to your hair. Insert them into the base of the braids and cross them over each other for a secure hold.
Use Small Elastics: For longer braids, use small, clear elastics to secure the ends and prevent them from unraveling.
Backcomb for Grip: If your hair is very short and slippery, lightly backcomb the roots where you’ll be placing the braids. This will add texture and grip, helping the braids stay in place.
What is the difference between a crown braid and a halo braid?
Crown Braid: A crown braid is typically a single braid that wraps around the head like a crown. It starts from one side of the head and continues around to the opposite side, often incorporating all the hair into one continuous braid.
Halo Braid: A halo braid, also known as a milkmaid braid, involves creating two separate braids (usually Dutch braids or simple three-strand braids) that circle the head like a halo. The ends of each braid are typically tucked and secured discreetly to create a seamless halo effect.
What is the difference between a milkmaid braid and a crown braid?
Milkmaid Braid: A milkmaid braid is another term for a halo braid. It involves creating two braids that wrap around the head, often starting from the sides and meeting at the back. The ends are then tucked and secured to create a halo or crown-like appearance.
Crown Braid: As mentioned earlier, a crown braid is usually a single braid that encircles the head like a crown. It can be done with all the hair or just a portion of it, and the braid typically follows the natural curve of the head from one side to the other.
You May Be Interested In