As a salon stylist with over a decade behind the chair, I’ve curated 24 braid looks that span casual to elegant and cover protective-styling staples. These braid hairstyles for women work on a range of lengths and textures — from short bobs with mini braids to long, voluminous fishtails and polished crown braids. In this post Ill break down which braids suit fine, thick, curly and straight hair, offer quick step-by-step tips, and recommend salon-grade products and tools to get the best results. Whether you want a low-maintenance protective style, a runway-ready updo, or a weekend boho look, the gallery of 24 images gives clear visual templates you can recreate at home or bring to your appointment. I also share time-saving styling techniques, how to extend braid longevity, and simple finishing touches for a clean, professional finish.
Loose Textured Dutch Braid — Voluminous Boho Braid for Long, Wavy Hair
This loose, textured Dutch braid works best on medium-to-long hair (shoulder length and longer) with medium to thick density and straight-to-wavy texture. Fine hair can also wear the look with light texturizing products or clip-in extensions. Styling technique: Start on dry, textured hair. Apply a volumizing mousse at roots and a salt/texturizing spray through lengths. Begin a Dutch (inside-out) three-strand braid at the crown, adding sections as you move down. Keep sections slightly larger than usual and pancake each braid segment by gently pulling outer loops to create the chunky, lived-in volume. Secure with a small elastic and softly tug sections to shape. Pull a few face-framing pieces loose for softness. Tools needed: tail comb, hair clips, elastic, bobby pins, and optional curling iron to pre-texture. Products required: volumizing mousse, sea salt or texture spray, dry shampoo for grip, light-hold hairspray, and a small smoothing serum for flyaways; heat protectant if using hot tools. Difficulty: Intermediate — expect 10–25 minutes with practice. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo, retighten anchor points, re-pancake if it loosens, sleep on a silk pillowcase or in a loose braid, and trim ends regularly to avoid fray.
Cornrows Into Chunky Textured Rope Braid — Protective Style for Curly Hair
This look combines neat feed-in cornrows at the crown with a large, textured rope/bubble braid down the side — ideal as a protective, statement style. Best suited for medium to coarse curly and coily hair (3A–4C) or anyone wanting added volume via pre-stretched extensions (Marley/Kanekalon). Technique: create clean, parallel cornrow sections and feed extensions in for length; gather into a two-strand rope or three-strand braid, then gently pancake and tease segments to build the chunky, textured effect. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, rattail/edge brush, small clear elastics, crochet/latch hook (for added wefts), wide-tooth comb and blow-dryer with diffuser if prepping. Products required: leave-in conditioner, light styling gel or braiding cream for grip, edge control for hairline, texturizing spray or salt spray to add body, and a lightweight oil for the scalp. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 60–150 minutes depending on hair length and extensions. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk scarf/bonnet, oil the scalp weekly, refresh edges with light gel, avoid over-tightening to prevent traction, and remove or redo within 4–8 weeks followed by a deep conditioning treatment.
Voluminous Dutch-to-Fishtail Braided Mohawk for Long Hair
This textured Dutch-to-fishtail braided mohawk is ideal for long, medium-to-thick hair and works best on hair with a little natural wave or pre-textured with heat. Technique: blow-dry with a round brush for root lift, create a central mohawk section, and begin an inverted (Dutch) braid along the crown, adding hair from the sides. Transition at mid-length into a loose fishtail (two-strand) braid, then pancake the braid by gently pulling each loop outward for volume and softness. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a 1
Voluminous Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Soft Face-Framing Layers
This relaxed side fishtail braid suits medium to long hair and works well on straight, wavy, or naturally curly textures. Fine hair benefits from texturizing or mousse for body; medium and thick hair produce the most dramatic volume. Start by applying heat protectant, then add loose waves with a 1–1.25 curling wand to create grip. Lightly tease the crown for lift and begin a Dutch/French-style braid along the side, finishing into a loose fishtail toward the ends. Pancake (gently pull apart) each braid section to broaden and soften the silhouette, and pull a few face-framing pieces free for a lived-in look. Tools: curling wand, tail comb, sectioning clips, paddle brush, elastics, and bobby pins. Products: heat protectant, sea-salt or texturizing spray, small amount of smoothing serum for ends, and a light- to medium-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate (requires braid technique and section pulling) — allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo or texturizing spray, re-tighten pins as needed, and sleep with a silk scarf to preserve shape. For fine hair, use a volumizing mousse at the roots; for thick hair, braid smaller subsections for cleaner definition.
Boho Double Dutch Braids with Textured Fishtail Ends
This look works best on medium to long hair and suits straight to wavy textures; fine hair benefits from a texturizing spray or light extensions, while thick hair creates full, dramatic braids. Technique: section hair into two sides, Dutch-braid each side from the hairline down, adding hair as you go. Transition each braid midway into a loose fishtail or three-strand braid, then gently pancake (pull apart) the braids for width and a lived-in, boho finish. Tools needed: paddle brush, rat-tail comb for parting, small clear elastics, a few bobby pins, and sectioning clips. Products required: sea-salt or texturizing spray on dry hair, a light styling cream for flyaways, heat protectant if you pre-texture with a curling wand, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — requires comfort with Dutch braiding and clean sectioning; allow 25–45 minutes depending on length and density. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and spritz of texturizer, retighten elastics as needed, and avoid heavy oils that will weigh the texture down.
Textured Double Dutch Braided Low Bun — Braided Updo for Medium to Long Hair
This textured double Dutch braided low bun suits medium to long hair and works best on medium or thick densities; fine hair can achieve the look with light backcombing or a volumizing powder. Start on slightly dirty hair (1–2 days post-wash) for grip. Section two crown-to-nape panels and create Dutch/French braids down each side, then pancake (gently pull apart) the braids to widen and soften them. Wrap the ends together into a low twisted bun and secure with bobby pins, tucking loose ends for a relaxed finish. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a light curling iron for shaping face-framing pieces. Products: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray for hold and grip, lightweight smoothing serum for flyaways, and medium-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: moderate — suitable for stylists or confident DIYers; allow 30–45 minutes. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillow or use a loose silk wrap, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pin any loosened sections, and avoid heavy brushing to preserve the texture. Reapply light hairspray to tame frizz between touch-ups.
Textured Dutch Crown Braids with Loose Wavy Ends
This look pairs two deep Dutch/crown braids with one smaller sculpted cornrow and relaxed, wavy lengths — ideal for medium to thick hair and naturally wavy or curly textures. Fine hair can achieve similar volume with clip-in extensions or a texturizing mousse for grip; very short hair is not recommended. Technique: start on dry or slightly damp hair, create clean parting with a tail comb, and Dutch-braid close to the scalp, adding hair as you move toward the nape. Pancake each braid (gently pull edges) to widen and soften the braid lines, then secure with small clear elastics and pin any bulk near the crown. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a medium barrel curling iron (optional) to define ends before braiding. Products: sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or root powder for grip, heat protectant, light-hold hairspray, and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: Intermediate — requires competent braiding and even tension. Maintenance: sleep in a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or mist and scrunch, and re-tighten pins after 24–48 hours to keep shape.
Boho Textured Double Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
This romantic, boho-inspired style suits medium to thick hair with natural texture or light waves — fine hair will benefit from added product and pre-curling for grip. Start by prepping damp or second-day hair with a volumizing mousse and salt/texturizing spray; blow-dry or diffuse while lifting at the roots. Create a small crown Dutch or French braid across the hairline, then gather the sides into two loose three-strand (or rope) braids that feed into a low, slightly messy bun or tied together at the nape. Pancake each braid by gently pulling the outer loops to create volume and softness; leave a few face‑framing tendrils unpinned. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand (optional) and a wide-tooth comb. Products: heat protectant, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray, dry shampoo for grip. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on length. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, re-tug braids to maintain shape, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loose scarf, and retouch loose waves with a curling wand as needed.
Textured Dutch Crown into Loose Side Braid — Long Hair
Suitable for long, medium-to-thick hair (fine hair can work with texturizing or clip-in extensions), this look combines two Dutch crown braids that feed into a relaxed side braid for a boho-salon finish. Technique: start on dry, second-day hair. Create a clean center or slightly off-center part, then Dutch-braid from the hairline toward the back on each side, adding hair as you go. Join the two braids at the nape and continue into a loose three-strand or fishtail braid. Gently pancake each braid section for width and softness and pull a few face-framing pieces free. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a wide-tooth brush. Products required: heat protectant (if pre-texturing), sea-salt or texturizing spray, lightweight leave-in conditioner, and a medium-hold flexible hairspray; finishing oil for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — requires confident braiding and pancaking technique. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or a light mist of water + texturizer, and tighten or re-pancake braid on days 2–3. Avoid heavy creams that weigh the braid down.
Textured Romantic Side Fishtail Braid for Wavy to Curly Hair
This loose, pancaked side fishtail/rope braid works best on medium-long, thick or naturally wavy to curly hair; straight hair can be pre-textured with a curling wand. Start by prepping damp or second-day hair with a lightweight mousse and a sea-salt or texturizing spray, then rough-dry with a diffuser to boost natural body. Section the hair from the crown and begin a loose fishtail (or rope) braid down the side, pulling small pieces free as you go to create a lived-in, voluminous look; pancake the braid by gently stretching each section for softness. Tools: wide-tooth comb, rat-tail comb, small elastic bands, bobby pins, curling wand (optional), and a diffuser. Products: heat protectant, mousse or curl cream, texturizing spray, light-hold hairspray and an anti-frizz serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — requires basic braiding skills and patience when pancaking. Maintenance: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo or salt spray, and re-pancake or re-tighten the braid each morning to maintain shape without stripping natural movement.
Textured Dutch Crown into Loose Fishtail Side Braid — Boho Braided Style
This look suits fine to medium hair with light-to-moderate density; long layers work best, but extensions can add length and fullness. Start on dry, second-day hair: mist with texturizing or sea-salt spray and work a small amount of smoothing cream through the lengths. Create a Dutch (inside-out) Dutch braid along the hairline to form a crown, then gather remaining hair to the side and finish with a loose fishtail braid. Gently pancake each braid for volume and pull a few face-framing pieces free for softness. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb. Products: texturizing spray or dry shampoo, light styling cream or pomade for flyaways, anti-frizz serum, and light-hold hairspray. Difficulty: moderate — requires basic braiding skills and about 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap the braid loosely with a silk scarf to reduce frizz, refresh with dry shampoo and a spritz of texturizer, and retighten the crown or replace elastics as needed. Schedule deep-conditioning treatments if you wear braids regularly to prevent breakage.
Textured Dutch Crown to Low Chunky Braid
An elevated, textured Dutch crown braided into a low, chunky braid — ideal for medium to long hair that needs structure and volume. Suitable for straight, wavy, and slightly curly hair; fine hair benefits from texturizing products and light teasing, while very thick or coily hair may require detangling and smoothing before braiding. Technique: create a deep part, pick up a top section and Dutch-braid (braid under) along the crown, adding hair as you move toward the nape; once at the nape, switch to a three-strand chunky braid and pancake each stitch for fullness. Tools: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, brush, small elastic and bobby pins. Products: salt/texturizing spray, lightweight mousse or root-lift for hold, a smoothing serum for ends, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — needs comfort with Dutch braids and pancaking. Maintenance tips: refresh with dry shampoo and a little texture spray, re-pancake loose sections to restore volume, wrap a small strand around the elastic to hide it, and sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely pin the braid to prolong shape for 1–3 days.
Double Dutch Jumbo Braids with Defined Scalp Parting
Suitable for medium to thick hair and natural curl patterns (type 2–4); straight hair also works when pre-texturized. Technique: start with clean, detangled hair and a precise center part. Create small Dutch cornrows along the scalp on each side, then feed hair into two large three‑strand or rope braids. Braid tightly at the root for control, then gently pancake (pull) sections to create the chunky, voluminous finish. Secure ends with small elastics and finish by wrapping a strand to conceal bands if desired. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, detangling brush, small clear elastics, tail comb and a spray bottle; optional blow dryer or flat iron for smoothing prior to braiding. Products required: leave-in conditioner, texturizing or braid spray for grip, light-hold gel or edge control for clean parts, lightweight oil or scalp serum, and a flexible-hold hairspray to set. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 45–90 minutes; assistance recommended for neat scalp work. Maintenance tips: sleep on a satin bonnet or pillowcase, refresh edges sparingly, oil the scalp 2–3 times weekly, avoid over-tightening to prevent tension, and retouch the cornrows after 1–2 weeks. With care the style can last 2–4 weeks.
Chunky Double Dutch Braids with Soft Face‑Framing Tendrils
Suitable for medium to long hair and particularly flattering on thick or textured hair, this chunky double Dutch braid look can be achieved on finer hair by adding light clip‑in extensions or extra texturizing product. Start with second‑day or slightly dirty hair for grip: section down the middle, apply a light mousse or texturizing spray, then create two Dutch braids from the hairline to the nape. Use the tail of a rat‑tail comb for clean parting, secure ends with small clear elastics, and ‘pancake’ the braids by gently pulling at the outer loops to widen and soften the structure. Leave front face‑framing tendrils loose and smooth them with a tiny amount of lightweight serum. Tools: rat‑tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, paddle brush and optional extension clips. Products: texturizing spray, flexible hold hairspray, light mousse, heat protectant (if heat is used), and anti‑frizz serum. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–35 minutes in the salon. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillow or wrap in a scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and texture spray, retighten elastics as needed, and avoid heavy oils near the roots to keep volume intact.
Voluminous Side Pull-Through Braid with Romantic Loose Waves
This textured side pull-through braid suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick densities; fine hair benefits from extensions or light teasing for the same chunky effect, while very curly hair should be smoothed slightly so the braid reads clearly. Start on dry hair with a bit of natural wave: apply heat protectant and a volumizing mousse, rough-dry, then create a deep side part. Section the top and begin a Dutch or French braid along the crown, converting into pull-through sections down the side and securing each segment with small clear elastics. Pancake each braid loop to widen it, then gather the remaining hair into loosely pinned loops at the nape to form the soft bun/side tail seen here. Tools: 1
Dutch Cornrows with Pancaked Rope Braid — Voluminous Braided Style
This multi-braid style pairs tight Dutch cornrows at the scalp with a large pancaked rope/three-strand braid for a structured, voluminous finish. Best suited to medium-to-long hair and medium to thick textures; fine hair can wear this look with light padding or clip-in extensions, and curly hair works beautifully either smoothed first or embraced for texture. Technique: section the hair into clean panels, create two or three Dutch cornrows along the scalp, add small accent braids, then gather remaining lengths into a chunky rope or three-strand braid, gently pancake (pull apart) each segment to widen and soften the braid. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, fine-tooth comb, and optional flat iron. Products required: smoothing balm or cream, heat protectant (if using heat), light texturizing spray for grip, strong-hold hairspray, and a finishing shine serum. Difficulty level: advanced — expect 45–75 minutes in a salon setting. Maintenance tips: sleep with a silk scarf or pillowcase, refresh edges with a light edge control, re-pin loose sections, and use dry shampoo at the roots to extend wear.
Voluminous Side Dutch Braid with Pancaked Twists
Best suited for medium-to-long hair with medium to thick density; straight to wavy textures work best. Fine hair will benefit from pre-texturizing spray or light mousse for grip, while very curly hair should be lightly stretched or smoothed for a cleaner Dutch braid. Technique: create a deep side part and start a Dutch (reverse French) braid from the front hairline, adding sections as you move across the crown. After passing the ear transition into a loose three-strand or rope braid, secure with a small elastic and pancake (gently pull) each braid section for the voluminous, romantic effect. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics and bobby pins. Products: texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight mousse or root-lift, smoothing cream for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray to finish. Difficulty: intermediate — requires braiding and pancaking practice; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, refresh with dry shampoo and re-pancake sections the next day, retighten pins as needed, and avoid heavy oils that flatten the texture. Deep-condition regularly if wearing braided styles often.
Boho Multi-Braids with Twisted Crown — Textured Braided Hairstyle
This look suits medium to long hair and works best on straight to wavy textures; fine hair can achieve the same fullness with texturizing products and light backcombing, while thick hair creates extra volume and presence. Start on dry, slightly dirty hair: apply a texturizing spray or dry shampoo, detangle, then use a tail comb to create a center part and section a narrow strip along each hairline for the twisted crown. French-twist or small three-strand braid those front sections toward the back, then create multiple three-strand or loose fishtail braids down each side. Gently pancake each braid for width and softness and secure with small elastics and optional decorative beads. Tools: tail comb, sectioning clips, small elastics, bobby pins, and a fine-tooth comb; optional curling iron to add wave before braiding. Products: texturizer/dry shampoo, lightweight leave-in or cream for flyaways, flexible-hold hairspray, and a shine serum for ends. Difficulty: intermediate — about 30–60 minutes. Maintenance: sleep with a silk scarf, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re-pancake or tighten braids as needed, and avoid heavy oils that weigh the braid down.
Romantic Chunky Dutch Braid with Soft Face-Framing Tendrils
Suitability: Ideal for medium to long hair with medium to thick density; fine hair will benefit from added texture or clip‑in pieces. Wavy and curly hair hold this style best, while straight hair needs more prep. Styling technique: Create a deep side part and begin a Dutch (inverted) braid along the crown, adding sections as you move toward the nape. Transition the braid into a loose, chunky three‑strand/rope braid, securing the end with a small elastic. Pancake (gently pull) the braid sections to widen and soften the shape, and pull a few face‑framing tendrils. Tools needed: rat‑tail comb, wide‑tooth comb, sectioning clips, 1–1.25 curling iron (for tendrils), elastic bands, and bobby pins. Products required: heat protectant, root‑lift mousse or texturizing spray for grip, dry shampoo for added texture, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible hold hairspray. Difficulty level: Intermediate — approachable with practice; allow 20–35 minutes. Maintenance tips: Sleep on a silk pillow or loose braid, refresh texture with dry shampoo, re‑pancake and pin areas that loosen, and lightly reheat tendrils to revive shape.
Textured Romantic Pancaked French Braid with Crown Twist
This loose, romantic pancaked French braid with crown twists suits medium-to-long hair best and works particularly well on medium to thick density or naturally wavy hair. Fine hair can still achieve the look when prepped with texturizing products or lightweight clip-in extensions. Technique: create two loose twists or shallow French/Dutch sections from each temple toward the nape, gather them into a central three-strand braid (or fishtail if preferred), secure with an elastic, then gently pancake the braid by pulling outer loops for soft volume. Leave a few face-framing pieces for a relaxed finish and conceal the elastic with a small wrapped section pinned underneath. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, hair elastic, bobby pins, and an optional curling iron for added wave. Products required: heat protectant, volumizing mousse or root-lift spray, texturizing spray or powder, light-hold hairspray and a smoothing serum for flyaways. Difficulty: intermediate — about 20–35 minutes in-salon, longer for novices. Maintenance: refresh with dry shampoo and texturizer, re-pancake loose sections as needed, sleep on silk, and avoid heavy conditioners right before styling to preserve texture.
Textured Double Fishtail Braids with Braided Crown — Boho Long-Hair Style
Suitability: Best for medium to long hair and works particularly well on naturally wavy or lightly layered hair; fine hair benefits from root texturizing, while thick/coarse hair may need additional smoothing before braiding. Styling technique: Create a loose braided crown at the top by French-braiding or Dutch-braiding along the hairline, then divide remaining hair into two sections and construct two relaxed fishtail braids. Pancake each braid (gently pull outer loops) for width and softness. Finish by tugging small face-framing pieces and loosening at the nape for an undone boho effect. Tools needed: tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, curling wand or flat iron (for pre-texture), and a wide-tooth comb. Products required: heat protectant, texturizing or sea-salt spray, lightweight mousse or root-lift for hold, flexible-hold hairspray, and a finishing serum for ends. Difficulty level: Intermediate — expect 25–45 minutes depending on hair density and your braiding speed. Maintenance tips: Refresh with dry shampoo and re-tug braid sections, sleep on a silk pillowcase or loosely wrap with a silk scarf, and touch up loose tendrils with a small curling iron as needed.
Dutch Crown Into Loose Fishtail Braids — Textured Boho Braided Hairstyle
This textured Dutch crown flowing into two loose fishtail braids suits medium to long hair and works best on medium to thick or naturally wavy hair; fine hair can still achieve the look with added texture spray or light backcombing. Start on dry, detangled hair: section a front crown band and create a Dutch (reverse French) braid along the hairline, adding hair as you move toward the nape. When you reach the neck, switch each side into a loose fishtail (or three-strand) braid and secure with small elastics. Tools: fine-tooth comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, bobby pins, and a tail comb. Products: salt or texturizing spray, light hold mousse or styling cream, dry shampoo for grip, smoothing serum for flyaways, and a flexible-hold hairspray. Difficulty: intermediate — expect 20–40 minutes depending on practice and hair length. Maintenance tips: pancake the braids gently to widen them, pull a few face-framing pieces loose for softness, refresh grip with dry shampoo between washes, sleep on silk and re-tighten or repancake in the morning. Salon tip: slightly damp hair with product gives better hold than freshly washed, slippery hair.
Textured Boho Half-Up Braids with Microbraid Accents
This textured boho half-up braid works best on medium to long hair with natural wave or texture; medium-thick to thick hair will give the fullest result. Fine or very straight hair can still achieve the look with texturizing powder, sea-salt spray, or lightweight clip-in extensions for volume. Technique: section a crescent at the crown, backcomb lightly for lift, then create loose Dutch/French braids along the hairline and incorporate several small three-strand and microbraids through the lengths. Pancake the braids by gently pulling edges to widen them and leave the mid-lengths and ends soft and tousled for that undone finish. Tools needed: rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, small clear elastics, 1
Textured Side Fishtail Braid with Face‑Framing Pieces
This relaxed side fishtail braid works best on medium-to-long hair with natural texture — fine, medium or thick hair that’s layered will hold the shape well. Start on second-day hair or prep freshly washed hair with a lightweight texturizing spray and a blow-dry using a diffuser or rough-dry with fingers to build grip. Create a loose deep side part, add soft waves with a 1
As a stylist I recommend choosing braid styles that match your hair density and lifestyle — looser boho braids for fine hair, tighter Dutch or boxer braids for active days, and protective box braids or cornrows when you need low-maintenance longevity. Prep is everything: detangle gently, use a light leave-in conditioner, and add a touch of styling balm where needed to reduce flyaways. Invest in good tools — a rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, quality elastics and a flexible holding spray. To protect your hair, sleep on a silk pillowcase and refresh styles with a mist of water and lightweight oil between washes. When trying complex styles from the 24-image gallery, practice on a mannequin or ask a friend, or book a salon appointment if you want a polished finish. Bring reference images — I always find that a photo helps get the look right. With the right prep and care, braids can be beautiful, versatile, and healthy for your hair.