Braids for Long Hair

Many women consider braids to be boring and school girl like. But when done right and styled well, braid hairstyles can look fresh and elegant. If you have long hair, then you are in luck, because there are many styles and types of braids for long hair. Be it a trendy fishtail braid or the classic French braid, there is a braid hairstyle that is suitable for you. Even mature women can wear a braid hairstyle as it gives a classy and laid back look.

Classic Braid with Side Part
One of the best braids for long hair is the classic thick braid. To make this type of braid hairstyle look edgy and modern, you need to style it differently. First shampoo and condition your hair with a volumizing shampoo and a shine enhancing conditioner. Blow dry hair straight and create a deep side parting to your left. Now gather your hair to the right at the nape of your hair and tie it into a low ponytail. Next section of the ponytail into three equal sections and start braiding your hair. When you reach the end of the hair, secure the braid with an elastic band. With a fine toothed comb, remove a few tendrils of hair from the braid to give it a slightly messy and undone look. Spritz with hairspray and your hairstyle with braids is done.

Messy Side Braid
If you are looking for cool braids, then a messy side braid is your best bet. To create this hairstyle, you need to shampoo and condition your hair. When you have air dried your hair, apply a coin sized amount of mousse to the crown of your head. Create a side parting that is not too severe and brush your hair to remove any knots and tangles. If you have bangs, then blow dry your bangs to the side. Gather your hair to the right side and make a fishtail braid or herringbone braid. You need not be too perfect with the braiding as the whole idea is to make it look cool and casual. Secure the fishtail braid style with an elastic band. The remaining hair at the sides of your face has to be curled with a wide barreled curling iron to create loose curls. Give a spritz of hairspray to the braided hair style to set in place.

French Braid Updo
This French braided updo is so elegant and classy that it is worthy of a red carpet event. To create this look, first you need to shampoo and condition your hair with an anti fizz shampoo and conditioner. While the hair is still damp, apply a bit of volumizing mousse through your hair stands. Now use a wide toothed comb to remove and knots and tangles from your hair. Make a side part to your hair. Create two French braids that start from the front hairline and goes all the way to the back of your head. Secure both the French braids with elastic bands. Now bring the braids towards the nape of your beck and twist them together to form a chignon, secure the chignon with bobby pins or hair clips. You can also use a bejeweled comb to make the style more glamorous.

Braided Headband
An easy braid hairstyle for long hair is the braided headband. To create this style first blow dry hair straight with a blow dryer and paddle brush. Next create a side part and make two inch wide braids starting from the crown of your hair on either side of the hair part. Secure both the braids with elastic bands and pull them towards the back of your head. Twist the braids together and secure them with a hair clip or bobby pins. Mist your hair with hairspray to set the style.

These braids are not too difficult to create and all you need are the right styling products. Braid hairstyles can be a lot of fun and you should definitely try these hairstyles.