Top 10 Hair Braiding Hacks Every Girl Should Know
Braiding your hair can be a fun and creative way to switch up your look, but it can also be frustrating if you don’t know the right tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or a braiding pro, these top 10 hair braiding hacks will save you time, reduce frustration, and help you achieve flawless styles every time. From securing stubborn flyaways to adding volume effortlessly, these tips will transform your braiding game!
1. Prep Your Hair for Easier Braiding
One of the biggest mistakes people make is trying to braid hair that’s too clean or too tangled. For the best results, braid your hair when it’s slightly dirty or use a texturizing spray to add grip. If your hair is freshly washed, apply a light styling mousse or dry shampoo to create texture.
Pro Tip: Spritz a little water or leave-in conditioner on stubborn sections to make them more manageable.
2. Use Clear Elastic Bands for a Polished Finish
Regular hair ties can look bulky and ruin the sleekness of your braid. Instead, opt for clear elastic bands to secure the ends. They blend seamlessly into your hair, giving a more polished and professional look.
Bonus Hack: If you don’t have clear elastics, wrap a small section of hair around a regular hair tie and secure it with a bobby pin for a hidden finish.
3. Create Instant Volume with a Simple Trick
Want fuller-looking braids? Gently pull apart the sections of your braid after securing it to add volume. This technique, known as “pancaking,” makes even thin hair appear thicker and more voluminous.
Warning: Be gentle to avoid pulling out too much hair or creating frizz.
4. Secure Flyaways with a Toothbrush and Hairspray
Flyaways can ruin even the most perfect braid. Instead of fighting with them, spray a clean toothbrush with hairspray and lightly brush them into place. This hack keeps baby hairs smooth without making your hair look stiff.
5. Braid on Second-Day Hair for Better Hold
Second-day hair is perfect for braiding because natural oils and slight texture help hold the style better. If your hair is too clean, it may slip out, so don’t wash it right before braiding.
6. Use Bobby Pins Strategically for Extra Hold
If your braid keeps unraveling, insert bobby pins vertically instead of horizontally. This provides a stronger hold and keeps the braid in place all day. For an invisible finish, criss-cross the pins under the braid.
7. Try the “Topsy Tail” Trick for a Quick Upgrade
For a chic twist, pull the tail of your braid through the base using a topsy tail tool (or a pen cap in a pinch). This instantly elevates a basic braid into a stylish, polished look.
8. Extend Your Braid with Ribbon or Thread
If your hair is too short for certain styles, weave a ribbon or piece of thread into your braid to create the illusion of length. Choose a color that matches your hair for a seamless blend.
9. Use Hair Wax for a Sleek, Frizz-Free Finish
For ultra-smooth braids, rub a small amount of hair wax or pomade between your fingers and lightly smooth it over the surface of your braid. This tames frizz and gives a glossy finish.
10. Practice Makes Perfect – Start Simple!
If you’re new to braiding, start with simple three-strand braids before moving on to more complex styles like fishtails or Dutch braids. The more you practice, the easier it becomes!
Final Tip: Watch YouTube tutorials in slow motion to master tricky techniques.
Final Thoughts
Braiding doesn’t have to be difficult—with these 10 genius hacks, you can create stunning styles with ease. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just want a cute everyday look, these tips will help you braid like a pro. Which hack are you excited to try first?
