Braids are a great way to style and protect your hair. They’re easy to do and ever so stylish. Here are ten tips to ensure that you’re braids look great without damaging your hair.

1. Don’t plait your hair all the way to the end. Your ends are the most fragile and elastic bands can cause damage. Always leave a tail of at least 3-4cms.

2.Braids work best on ‘dirty’ or second day hair. If you have layers and your hair is freshly blown out or pin straight the braids might become undone or the ends will poke out.

3.If you have poker straight hair, curl it or user a texturiser before braiding as curly hair holds braids better.

4.For easy overnight natural hair waves, sleep with your hair in double dutch or French braids. If you have poker straight make your hair slightly damp (not wet or it won’t be properly dry when you wake up) or use a curl activating styling product.

5.Thin braids? Gently tug at the sides of your braid to make it appear thicker. Pulling your braids too tight also causes damage and even headaches.

6.If you want your hair to be smooth, instead of pulling your braid tightly, use a smoothing hair serum on your length only.

7.If you have short hair make one or two smaller braids instead one big braid as it’s more flattering.

8.If you don’t have time to deep treat your hair, rub a tiny amount of olive or coconut oil to your hair and braid your hair into pigtails (if you’re not into pigtails you can pin them up into a stylish bun). This works great if you’re going to be in the sun. This way you get to treat your hair and have a cute hair style.

9.It’s best to start off your newly braided hair without a hair tie as too much stress can cause breakage.

10.Always ensure that your hair is tangle free before braiding. Ripping a tangle apart while braiding damages your hair so make sure that they’re all out before you start.

The possibilities with braids are endless and with these tips you’ll keep your braids looking stylish and healthy.

Article by Odette