Braid outs are one of the most popular natural hairstyles, partly because they are so easy to do but also because they deliver an effortlessly wavy curly definition on all hair types. However, if you don't use the right techniques, your braid can easily turn into a failed disappointment. So before trying to do this hairstyle, having a few styling tricks up your sleeve is very important.
In this article, we'll discuss all you need to know about getting a flawless braid out on your curly natural hair. Keep reading for the ultimate step-by-step guide to achieving this popular hairstyle.
Start On Clean Hair
If you want your braid out to turn out beautifully, it is always best to start with clean hair. So you need to shampoo your hair with a hydration shampoo like our Manuka Honey Shampoo. Be sure to wash your hair in sections to minimise tangles and make it easier to style
Deep Condition And Detangle
After shampooing, it's time to replenish your hair with moisture and nourishment. Since a braid out will leave your hair exposed to the elements, it is very crucial to deep condition before styling to strengthen your hair and infuse it with an added boost of moisture and nutrients. To achieve your desired results, it is important to use a deeply nourishing deep conditioner like our Manuka Honey Deep Conditioning Mask which is designed to repair, soften, and improve the overall shine of the hair. After applying the deep conditioner, be sure to leave it on for at least 10-15 minutes before rinsing to allow deep penetration of all the nutrients in the formula.
Moisturise And Detangle
Now that your hair is clean and properly conditioned, it's time to move on to the styling but first, you’ll need to moisturise it so you don’t end up with a frizzy braid out. Apply a generous amount of a moisturiser like our Manuka Honey Leave-in Conditioner and detangle your hair properly from ends to roots. While detangling, it is best to work in sections to minimise any discomfort and make the process much faster.
Divide Your Hair Into Sections
After moisturising your hair, divide it into 6-10 sections. You can create more or fewer sections depending on your full your hair is. Additionally, the size of your curl pattern will be determined by the size of your braids. So, if you want a tighter curl pattern, create smaller sections. Meanwhile, if you prefer your braid out with a looser curl pattern, make larger or medium-sized sections.
Braid With Styling Products
Once your hair is in your desired sections, working one section at a time apply a styling product like Curl Activating Smoothie or our Curling Creme to help define and further hydrate your curls. If you want more hold, you can follow up with a little bit of our Curling Mousse and then braid the hair. Be sure to braid firmly from the roots to the ends to avoid any flyaways that could cause frizz. To create a more defined curl pattern on your ends, twirl the ends of your braids or use perm rods to wrap braids.
Dry Your Braids
The drying phase is the most underrated step in a braidout routine but it is very important. If you unravel your braids too soon without letting them dry properly, you’ll likely end up with a frizzy look. So, make sure your braids are fully dry before unravelling them. If you air dry your hair, this can take anywhere from a few hours to one day depending on how thick your hair is. However, you can speed up the drying time by sitting under a hooded dryer or using a diffuser.
Unravel And Fluff Your Braids
Once your braids are dry, apply a few drops of our Hair & Scalp Oil to your fingers and unravel each section. Then, gently separate the curl clumps to create more volume and bounce. It is very important to avoid over-fluffing your curls while doing this to avoid messing up the curl definition you worked so hard to create. Instead of over-fluffing your curls to create volume, you can use a comb or afro pick to gently comb the roots of your hair to create a more lifted and voluminous look at the top of your braid out.
Pro Tip: if you have type 4 hair that shrinks a lot and want to show off more of your length while wearing a braid out, grab a blow dryer on medium heat and gently tug at your hair while hovering the blow dryer a few inches away from your hair. This will help to lightly stretch out your curls and give you a more elongated look. However, Be sure to this this in sections and be very gentle when tugging on the hair so you don’t mess up your curl definition.
How To Maintain A Braid Out
● Protect Your Hair At Night: Protecting your braid at night is key for helping them long. So, before going to bed, put your hair up in a pineapple updo and cover it with a satin or silk scarf to keep the curls from being flattened or getting frizzy while you sleep.
● Shake And Fluff In The Mornings: To keep your braid out looking bouncy and encourage more volume as the days go by, shake and fluff your braid out in the mornings once you take it out of the pineapple updo.
● Refresh With A Hair Mousse: If you notice your braid out is starting to look a looking frizzy after one or two days, you can refresh your curls with a little bit of our Everyday Curl Refresh Spray. For more definition, apply a little of Sofn’free’s Curling Mousse to the ends of your hair and twirl the hair with your finger.
So there you have it curlfriends, a complete guide on how to create the perfect braid out on your natural hair. One of the many perks of this hairstyle is that it works on any length of hair so whether you have short or long curls, carefully follow the steps we’ve highlighted in this article and you are sure to end up with a flawless braid out.