3 Badass Braids You’ll Want to Recreate Stat | All & About

You’re about to have the dopest hair out.

Need some braid inspo? Here are three badass braids that are coming back with a fresh twist:

1. Fierce Fishtail Pony

Ruben Chamorro

Section off a middle part, and begin braiding. Using a fine rattail comb, create a 1 ½-inch thick section down the center of your head, starting at your hairline and stopping at your crown. Begin braiding the center section, adding the extensions for body.
Grab a tiny section of hair on each side of the large middle braid and create a micro braid.
Grab the same width-size section down the back of your head from the nape of your neck to your crown. Take a 1 ½-inch thick section down the back center of your head. Then, take a ¼-inch section, split it into two pieces, and tie or knot it (like you would when you’re about to tie your shoelaces) at the base of your neck. Repeat this technique until you reach the crown.
Pull the loose end into a ponytail. Use AmPro Shine ‘n Jam Conditioning Gel Silk Edges for a smooth finish and a scrunchie to secure the ponytail.
Section the ends of your ponytail into two, and place the extensions in the middle of the two sections. Try Harlem125 Kim’s Volum braid 60’’.
Begin fishtail braiding. Starting on the right side, take a small section of the hair from the back using your index finger, and carry it over to the left section. Then, take a section from the back of the left section using your index finger to the right section. Repeat until you reach the end and secure it with a rubberband.
To finish, take a small piece of the extensions, and wrap it around the hair tie for a more finished look.

2. Braided Pony With Wavy Parts

Ruben Chamorro

Create an “S”-shape patterned braid. Starting mid-ear, create an “S”-shape part toward the crown of your head. Part out a micro braid in the “S”-shape, and braid it in that pattern.
Part out a larger section, also in an “S”-shape, and braid it straight to the crown. Add the micro braid in toward the end of the cornbraid.
Repeat steps one and two around your entire head until the braids are complete.
Clip excess pieces of hair (from your extensions only) that are sticking out of the braid. Then, dip the ends of your braids in boiling water, which seals the ends, preventing them from unbraiding, while also making the braids more flexible (versus stiff). Then, use a hair tie to gather all the braids into a high ponytail, and take one of the ends and wrap it around the hair tie to add structure.
Apply mousse on your entire head followed by black wrapping paper. Then, to help dry the mousse, use a hair dryer to apply heat for three to five minutes.

3. Rubber Band Method Stitch Braids

Ruben Chamorro

Section your hair down the middle in two equal sections with a rattail comb. Secure one side with a rubber band while you begin working on the opposite side.
Create your first sub-section 1 ½-inches away from your hairline, and give it a loose twist.
Start creating a starburst effect mid-ear. To do so, create seven triangle-like sections along the side you’re working on.
Apply edge control to each section. Comb it through each sub-section, and secure it with a rubber band. After securing the first two sections, create four right-angle braids. Try Creme of Nature Argan Oil Perfect Edges Extra Hold. Repeat on the other side.
Begin braiding your natural hair, and gradually start adding small pieces of extensions. Continue adding small pieces until you reach your desired size and length. Repeat on the other side.
Add mousse to the braids, and cover them with a du-rag. Try Vigorol Olive Oil Mega Moisture Mousse. This technique will lay down the untamed hair. Using a blow dryer, apply heat for three to five minutes or until dry.
Clip away any excess hair (extensions only) that might be sticking out of the braid. Then, dip the ends of the braids into boiling water, which, again, seals the ends and prevents them from unbraiding, and also makes the braids more flexible.