The crown braid is a beautiful and elegant hairstyle that can add a touch of royalty to any look. While it may seem challenging to achieve with short hair, it is definitely possible with a little creativity and the right techniques. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do a crown braid with short hair.
Prepare Your Hair
Start with Clean Hair
Begin by washing your hair with a suitable shampoo and conditioner. This will ensure that your hair is clean and manageable. If your hair is naturally straight, you can skip this step, but if it has some texture or curl, it’s a good idea to straighten it slightly for easier braiding. Use a flat iron to smooth out any kinks or waves, but be careful not to overdo it as you still want some body in the hair.
Add Texture and Hold
To give your short hair some grip and help the braid stay in place, apply a texturizing spray or a light-hold mousse. Spray the product evenly throughout the hair and then use your fingers to tousle it gently. This will add texture and make the hair more pliable for braiding. You can also use a small amount of hair wax or pomade on the ends of the hair to prevent them from sticking out and to give a more polished look.
Section Your Hair
Divide the Hair into Sections
Using a tail comb, create a horizontal part across the top of your head, starting from just above one ear and ending above the other ear. This will be the section where you will create the crown braid. Clip the rest of the hair out of the way to keep it separate. You can divide the top section into three or four smaller sections depending on the thickness and length of your hair. The more sections you have, the more detailed and full your braid will look, but it may also be more challenging to manage with short hair.
Add Hair Extensions (If Needed)
If your hair is very short and you want a more elaborate crown braid, you can consider using hair extensions. Clip-in extensions that match the color and texture of your hair are a good option. You can attach them to the underside of the top section of your hair before you start braiding. Make sure to blend them well with your natural hair so that they look seamless.
Start Braiding
French Braid the First Section
Take the first small section of hair from the front of the top part you divided earlier. Begin a French braid by taking a small strand from the outside of this section and crossing it over to the middle. Then, add a small strand from the adjacent section of hair to the strand you just crossed over and continue braiding in this way, incorporating new strands from the adjacent sections as you go along. Keep the braid close to the scalp and make sure it is tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that it pulls on your hair or causes discomfort.
Incorporate the Other Sections
As you continue braiding the first section, gradually incorporate the other small sections of hair into the braid. You can do this by simply adding the strands from the adjacent sections into the existing braid as you would in a regular French braid. Make sure to distribute the hair evenly throughout the braid so that it looks full and consistent. If you find that some sections are too short to be incorporated in the traditional way, you can use bobby pins to secure them to the base of the braid as you go along.
Continue Braiding Around the Crown
Continue braiding in a circular motion around the crown of your head, following the shape of your head. As you reach the back of the head, you may need to adjust the tension of the braid to make sure it lies flat and looks seamless. If your hair is short and you run out of hair to braid, you can simply continue with a regular three-strand braid until you reach the end.
Secure the Braid
Pin the End of the Braid
Once you have completed the braid around the crown, use a small elastic band to secure the end of the braid. Then, tuck the end of the braid under the rest of the braid and use bobby pins to secure it in place. Make sure the pins are inserted at an angle and are hidden within the braid for a more seamless look. You may need to use several pins to ensure that the braid stays secure throughout the day.
Fix Any Loose Strands
After securing the end of the braid, go back and check for any loose strands or sections that may need to be adjusted. Use bobby pins to tuck in any stray hairs and to make the braid look neater. You can also use a small amount of hairspray to hold everything in place and to give the braid a more polished finish. If you have any flyaways, you can use a small amount of hair serum or a bit of pomade on your fingertips to smooth them down.
Add Finishing Touches
Decorate the Braid (Optional)
To make the crown braid look even more special, you can add some decorative elements. You can weave a thin ribbon or a strand of pearls through the braid for a touch of elegance. Simply thread the ribbon or pearls through the braid using a small needle or a bobby pin. You can also attach a flower or a small hairpin with a decorative charm to the side of the braid for a more feminine look.
Style the Rest of Your Hair
If you have any hair left out from the braiding process, you can style it in a way that complements the crown braid. You can curl the ends of the remaining hair with a curling iron for a more glamorous look or leave it straight for a more natural appearance. You can also pull some of the shorter strands around your face to frame it and add a soft touch. If you have bangs, you can style them according to your preference – either sweep them to the side, pin them back, or leave them loose to add some volume and dimension to the overall look.
Conclusion
In conclusion, doing a crown braid with short hair may require a bit of patience and practice, but the end result is well worth it. It’s a beautiful and stylish hairstyle that can make you feel like a princess. With the right preparation, techniques, and a little creativity, you can achieve a stunning crown braid even with short hair. Whether you’re going to a special event or just want to add some elegance to your everyday look, this hairstyle is sure to turn heads and make you look and feel amazing. So, go ahead and give it a try – you might be surprised at how great it looks on you.