Hello, hair enthusiasts! Are you on the hunt for a casual yet stylish hairstyle that's perfect for any sporty activity? Look no further than the humble braid, a timeless classic that's both functional and trendy. Today, we're going to walk you through how to create easy sporty braids step by step, so you can amp up your style game while keeping your hair secure and out of your face.
Braids are not only practical but also a fantastic way to showcase your personal style. They're versatile, easy to maintain, and can be dressed up or down, making them ideal for everything from a quick trip to the gym to a music festival. So, let's dive straight in and learn how to create three stunning sporty braids that are perfect for any active lifestyle.
Classy Box Braids
The humble box braid is a longstanding favorite for a reason. It's easy to create, stays in place perfectly, and looks stunning. Plus, you can make it as big or as small as you like, depending on the look you're going for.
Box braids are perfect for high-intensity activities as they keep your hair completely secure and away from your face. They're also incredibly low maintenance, which is a godsend for those busy mornings when you're rushing out the door.
Preparation is Key
Before you start, it's crucial to prepare your hair properly. This involves washing your hair the day before (avoid using conditioner on the roots to prevent your braids from losing their hold) and detangling thoroughly using a wide-tooth comb.
You'll also need to gather some essential supplies: braiding hair, a rat-tail comb, a fine-tooth comb, bobby pins, and some hair elastics.
Creating the Braids
Start by sectioning your hair into four quadrants. Take a small section from one quadrant and create a regular three-strand braid about an inch from your scalp. Secure with a hair elastic.
Next, take a piece of braiding hair, about the same width as your hair section, and attach it to your initial braid. To do this, overlap the ends of the braiding hair with the first section of your natural hair, then braid it all together as you normally would. Continue braiding down the length of your hair, adding more braiding hair as needed.
Chic Fishtail Braids
If you're looking for something a little more intricate and stylish, a fishtail braid might be just the ticket. It's a bit more challenging than a traditional braid, but once you get the hang of it, it's surprisingly quick and easy.
Fishtail braids are perfect for moderate-intensity activities. They're secure enough to stay put during a yoga class or a long cycling session but not so tight that they'll leave a headache-inducing dent in your scalp after a few hours.
The Basic Technique
Start by dividing your hair into two equal sections. Now here's where it gets a bit different from your regular three-strand braid. Instead of dividing each section into three, you're going to divide each section into two.
Take a small piece from the outer edge of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Then, take a small piece from the outer edge of the right section and cross it over to the left section. Continue this pattern, pulling tight as you go along, until you reach the end of your hair.
Add a Little Flare
For a sporty twist, why not try creating a pair of fishtail braids? Instead of creating one braid down the middle of your head, divide your hair into two equal sections and create a fishtail braid on each side.
You could also try adding a pop of color by incorporating some colored extensions into your fishtail braids. This looks fantastic and adds a fun, sporty edge to your hairstyle.
Casual One-Strand Waves
If you're looking for something a bit more laid-back, the one-strand wave is a fantastic option. It's incredibly easy to create and looks effortlessly chic, perfect for low-intensity activities like a leisurely bike ride or a relaxing picnic in the park.
One-strand waves are also a great option if you want to protect your hair from damage. By braiding your hair, you're reducing the friction that can occur when your hair rubs against your clothing, leading to breakage and split ends.
Creating the Wave
The one-strand wave is a bit of a cheat's braid. Instead of weaving your hair in and out, you're simply twisting one section behind your head, creating the illusion of a braid.
Start by separating your hair into two sections. Take a small section from one side and twist it all the way down to the ends. Then, wrap this twisted section around the base of your head, tucking the ends underneath to secure it.
Repeat this process on the other side, then join the two twisted sections together at the back of your head. Tie them together with a hair elastic and trim any excess hair if needed.
The Art of Unraveling
The best thing about one-strand waves is that when you unravel them, you're left with beautiful, beachy waves. For a more sporty look, try creating one-strand waves over the weekend, then unravel them on Monday morning for luscious, effortless waves that last all week.
You could also experiment with different sizes and placements of your one-strand waves. Try creating larger waves for a more relaxed vibe, or place them closer together for a more structured look.
And there you have it, folks! Three stunning sporty braids that are perfect for every active lifestyle. Now get out there and show the world your newfound braiding skills! Don't forget to tag us in your sporty braid selfies – we'd love to see them!