Franklin Dean
Braids have long been a part of wedding traditions, with the oldest known reproduction of hair braiding dating back approximately 30,000 years. Today, braids are a versatile and fashionable choice for brides, offering a range of styles from classic messy braids to more intricate braided updos and ponytails. They can be dressed up or down and paired with various accessories, flowers, or even colourful headpieces.
Braids are also a practical choice for brides, as they can help keep hair contained and are considered a protective hairstyle, particularly for Black hair. Additionally, the braid's ability to incorporate three strands symbolically represents the union of the bride, groom, and God in some cultures, further adding to its significance during wedding ceremonies.
With their timeless appeal and endless customisation options, it's no wonder that braids continue to be a popular choice for brides on their special day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Peekaboo Braids, Box Braids, Cornrows, Knotless Braids, Crochet Braids, French Braids, Senegalese Twists, Goddess Braids, Lemonade Braids, Feed-in Braids, Fulani Braids, Boho Braids, Tribal Braids, Brandi Braids, Boho Knotless Braids, Bubble Braids, Milkmaid Braids, Braided Faux Hawk, Braided Ponytails, Braided Buns, Braided Pigtails, Braided Chignon, Braided Crowns, Braided Halos, Braided Faux Hawks, Braided Faux Hawks with Flowers, Braided Faux Hawks with Jewels, Braided Faux Hawks with a Pop of Color, Braided Faux Hawks with a Center Part, Braided Faux Hawks with a Diagonal Bow Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Wildflowers, Braided Faux Hawks with a Loose French Fishtail Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with a Reverse French Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Butterfly Embellishments, Braided Faux Hawks with a Short Hair Wavy Halo Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Natural Hair, Braided Faux Hawks with Hair Vines, Braided Faux Hawks with a Half-Up Pull-Through Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Braided Pigtails and Edges, Braided Faux Hawks with a Wide Complex Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Microbraids, Braided Faux Hawks with Dual Dutch Braids, Braided Faux Hawks with Long Pull-Through Pigtails, Braided Faux Hawks with a Mermaid Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with a Topsy-Tail Twist, Braided Faux Hawks with a Floral French Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with Ombre Crochet Braids, Braided Faux Hawks with a Combination Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with an Extra Wide Fishtail Braid, Braided Faux Hawks with a Shaved Head, Braided Faux Hawks with a Multi-Strand Braid and Twisted Tendrils, Braided Faux Hawks with a Woven Pull-Through Updo, Braided Faux Hawks with a Side Braid and Flowers |
| Type of hair | Straight, Wavy, Curly, Natural |
| Hair length | Ultra-long, Long, Medium, Short |
| Hair texture | Thick, Thin, Fine |
| Hair volume | Heavy, Light |
| Hair accessories | Flowers, Veils, Hairpins, Hair Clips, Hair Jewellery, Hair Ties, Hair Vine, Hair Powder, Hair Extensions, Headbands, Ribbons, Chains, Beads, Hairpins, Tiaras, Headpieces, Jewels, Gemstones, Barrettes, Hair Hoops, Hair Vine |
What You'll Learn
Braids as a protective hairstyle
Braids are a protective hairstyle that can help shield your natural hair strands from elements that may damage your hair, such as heat, excess styling, and colour. They are also a great way to retain hair length and prevent breakage.
However, braids should be worn in moderation. Constantly wearing braids can cause damage to your hair over time. The smaller the braids, the higher the risk. The weight of braids, the tension, manipulation, parting, and products used can all lead to hair breakage, damage, scalp problems, hair loss, and traction alopecia, especially if braids are worn too often or styled into ponytails or buns.
If you are wearing braids, it is important to still care for your hair and scalp. There are also many different types of braids to choose from, such as:
- Box braids
- Knotless braids
- Fulani braids
- French curl braids
- Stitch braids
- Flat twists
- Marley twists
- Goddess braids
- Senegalese twists
- Butterfly faux locs
- Crown braids
- Reverse cornrows
- Side-swept cornrows
- Two-strand twists
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Braids for brides with short hair
Braids are a whimsical and fun hairstyle for brides and are currently experiencing a resurgence. They are a great way to elevate any bridal look and can be styled in numerous ways to complement the bride's hair type, length, and personal style.
For brides with short hair, braids can be a part of a chic updo or a playful, curly look. Here are some ideas for braids for brides with short hair:
The Graceful Braided Crown
A romantic and intricate braid that will accentuate the bride's facial features and complement her wedding gown. This style involves creating a Dutch braid that angles back around the head like a crown. The end of the braid is secured with a clear elastic, and bobby pins are used to keep it in place. This style can be decorated with flowers, beads, or other hair accessories.
The Boho Braided Bob
This free-spirited style combines a bob with intricate braids, creating an elegant and bohemian look. To achieve this, the hair is first detangled and divided into three sections to create a three-strand braid. The braid is then secured with an elastic band, and the hair is sprayed with hairspray to hold the style. For a more bohemian look, loose curls can be added before braiding.
Half-Up Braided Halo
This style is perfect for brides who want to showcase their locks while keeping them out of their face. It involves dividing the hair into sections, braiding, and then twisting and securing the braids at the back of the head. This creates a beautiful, intricate look that frames the face.
The Elegant Pixie Updo
This sophisticated style adds a touch of elegance and charm to a pixie cut. To achieve this look, the hair is blow-dried to add volume and texture, then divided into sections. Each section is curled away from the face with a flat iron and set with hairspray. Bangs can be left out or tucked behind the ears for a more elegant look.
Braided Faux Hawk
A playful and edgy style that combines braids with a faux hawk. This look is perfect for brides who want to showcase their glam and unique style. The sides can be left natural or braided, and the braids are slicked back into the updo.
These are just a few ideas for braids for brides with short hair. With creativity and customization, any bride can rock braids on their special day!
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Braids for brides with thick hair
Braids are a popular choice for brides, and with good reason. Celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims says:
> "Braids are the first thing I think of when a bride wants a hairstyle that's special, whimsical, and fun. Plus, you have the major bonus of taking your hair down after the reception and having these gorgeous waves throughout your hair for any post-wedding festivities—or for the flight on your way to the honeymoon the next day."
If you're a bride with thick hair, here are some braid styles to consider:
Low side braid
If you have thick hair, consider showing it off with a low side braid. This style is perfect for brides who want to showcase their locks and is a great option for those seeking a romantic, bohemian look.
Braided faux hawk
For a unique and edgy bridal style, opt for a braided faux hawk. You can keep the sides natural and slicked back, or add additional braids for a more intricate look. This style is perfect for showing off your glam and is sure to make a statement.
Braided bun
A braided bun is an elegant and sophisticated option for brides with thick hair. You can add a modern twist to this classic style by incorporating a thick braid, which is also great for showcasing highlights and balayage.
Half-up, half-down braided style
If you're looking for a versatile option, consider a half-up, half-down braided style. This look is perfect for thick hair as it allows you to show off your locks while keeping them out of your face. You can also add some face-framing tendrils for a soft and romantic touch.
Milkmaid braid
A milkmaid braid is a beautiful and rustic option for brides with thick hair. You can dress it up by adding a stunning jewelled headpiece or fresh flowers for a more whimsical look.
Crown braid
A crown braid is a timeless and elegant choice for brides with thick hair. This style will ensure your hair is visible in all your wedding photos, especially if you opt for a side braid. You can also add some loose tendrils for a more relaxed and effortless look.
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Braids for brides with thin hair
Braids are a fun way to add detail to a simple bun, and they also inject thickness into thin hair. A hairstylist can either create a broad braid with extensions or mimic the look of a dense plait by loosening and tugging. This technique can also be repeated at the crown to create soft volume around the face.
If you're looking for a braided hairstyle for your wedding day, here are some ideas for brides with thin hair:
Low Bun with Braids
When your hair is thin, a low bun is a great style to hide the fact that your hair is thin. This style is especially suitable for thin shoulder-length hair. To add even more volume, you can use mini crimpers or hair padding placed underneath the bun. Hair extensions can also be added below the crown to boost volume.
Braided Updos
Braided updos are a great option for brides with thin hair. Clip-in hair extensions can be strategically placed underneath the braided area to create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. Braided updos pair well with floaty boho-inspired dresses. When choosing styles with braids, keep accessories to a minimum or place them around the braid. Avoid large or heavily beaded accessories on top of the braid, as they can overpower the look.
Voluminous Top Bun
A voluminous top bun is another option for adding volume to thin hair. This style works well with princess-style gowns or mermaid dresses. Keep the crown and nape area voluminous for a trendy undone look, and leave plenty of strands around the face and nape. However, if you have a long face shape, avoid this style as it will elongate your features.
Crown Braid
A crown braid is a simple yet elegant style that can be worn on its own or combined with a bun, updo, or hair down style. Braids are a great way to add definition to your face and create a chic and defined look, especially for those with thin hair.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids
Half-up, half-down styles are versatile, playful, and flirty, and they can also work for thin hair. For thin hair, adding a ripple of waves will give more body and life to dull, thin tresses. You can also add texture and volume to this style with glossy waves. However, if your dress has a heavily embellished bodice, avoid wearing your hair down as it can catch on the metal elements.
Braided Ponytail
A braided ponytail is a classic look that works well for thin hair. You can create a voluminous, teased hairstyle with statement clips for an edgy look. Alternatively, a fishtail braided ponytail is another option.
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Braids in the form of updos
There are many different braided updos to choose from. For a simple and low-maintenance option, a side ponytail braid is a good choice. For something more sophisticated, a milkmaid braid or braided chignon is elegant and ideal for formal weddings. A braided bun is another option for a romantic bridal hairstyle, especially when combined with small flowers such as baby's breath.
For brides who want a messier, more relaxed look, a messy braided updo is a chic choice and is perfect for outdoor or casual weddings. This style can be dressed up with flowers, ribbons, or delicate hair clips. Waterfall braids and crown braids are also popular choices, with the latter being a favourite of bridal hair artist Claire Hartley.
Braided updos can be achieved with hair as short as shoulder-length, although hair extensions can always be used to add length and volume. When it comes to hair type, the right products are essential to create a workable base. For example, dry and frizz-prone hair will need smoothing and moisturising products, while heavier, silky hair will require chalky, texturising products.
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Frequently asked questions
Braids are versatile and can be incorporated into almost any bridal hairstyle, whether it's a wispy updo, hair worn down, or a bold ponytail. They are also practical, helping to keep hair in place, especially in humid weather.
There are many braid styles to choose from, including fishtail, French, Dutch, infinity, micro, halo, and box braids. For a bohemian look, boho braids are a great option, incorporating loose, wavy hair into traditional braiding styles.
Braids can be achieved on most hair lengths, except for very short pixie cuts. They work well with straight, wavy, curly, or natural hair. For complex braids or those with thin/fine hair, hair extensions can be added for volume and length.
The Marriage Braid or Cord of Three Strands is a symbolic ceremony where the bride and groom braid three strands together, representing the union of God, husband, and wife. The three strands, gold, purple, and white, symbolise God's gift of love, the groom, and the bride respectively.
