Braiding hair can be challenging, especially when you have layers! If you’ve ever tried to braid your layers only to end up with a lumpy mess at the end, no need to worry – this blog post has got you covered.
I’m going to share some helpful tips on how to braid when you have layers, so your layered strands don’t make your braids look a mess. So, keep on reading to find out how to achieve a braided hairstyle, when you have hair layered…
What Are The Benefits Of Layers In Your Hair?
Having layers in your hair can offer numerous benefits to enhance your individual style and suit your hair type.
Whether you have short, medium-length, or long hair, layers can add dimension and movement.
For those with natural hair or curly hair, layers can help reduce the weight, allowing the curls to bounce and flourish.
When you have lots of layers, you can give your hair the extra volume it may need, making it easier to manage and style.
If you have a straighter hair texture, layers can help create body and the appearance of thickness, preventing your hair from looking flat.
Considering different hair colors, layers can actually help showcase those beautiful highlights or color transitions more prominently.
The dimension added by layers gives depth to your hair, thus making the colors stand out even more.
No matter the length of your hair, layers are versatile and can work well to enhance your look. If you have long hair, layers can add movement and make the hair less heavy, preventing possible breakage.
For medium-length hair, layers provide balanced volume and structure, as well as the desired shaping around the face.
Lastly, if you have short hair, the shortest layer can help give the illusion of fullness and extra texture.
How Do You Style Your Hair with A Layered Haircut?
Braiding with layered hair can be tricky, but it shouldn’t stop you from trying out different styles. Here are some helpful tips to help you get started with your layered hair.
First, prep your hair before you start braiding. This means gently brushing it to remove any tangles and, if necessary, applying a bit of dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give it some grip.
If you have straighter hair, consider using a flat iron to create subtle waves for more texture.
When you’re ready to braid, don’t forget to section your hair. Depending on the look you’re going for, divide your hair into sections.
For a fishtail or ponytail braid, create two sections of your hair from your crown or gather your hair into a ponytail.
As you braid, secure loose layers with bobby pins or hair ties. Opt for smaller hair ties or clear elastics as they help maintain a neat appearance.
If you’re doing an updo, bobby pins will come in handy to discreetly keep your hair in place.
Be mindful of the end of your hair as you braid. Layered hair can cause uneven lengths in the braid, so take extra care while braiding so that you don’t have layers sticking out. You can use hairspray to keep flyaways in check.
To curl or wave the loose hair for an added touch, use a curling iron or flat iron once you’re done styling. This makes your hairdo look more polished and put together.
Take advantage of protective styles that work well with layers, such as fishtail braids or twist-outs.
These can help keep your hair in place and prevent damage. As an alternative, you can recreate your favorite ponytail and focus on hair from the sides – that way, loose layers remain unnoticed.
Lastly, maintain your style by using hairspray to ensure it doesn’t unravel as the day goes on. Don’t forget to use a hair tie at the end of your braid to secure it in place.
Can You Braid Your Hair if You Have Layers?
Yes, you can braid your hair even if you have layers! Braids with layers may seem a bit challenging at first, but with some simple tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create beautiful updos and braids that suit your layered hair.
Embrace the messy look: Braids on layered hair tend to have a more relaxed and casual vibe, so don’t be afraid to let some pieces of hair stick out to create a messy braid.
This will give your style more texture and volume, as well as making it look more natural and effortless. Spritz some texturizing spray on your hair before braiding to enhance this effect.
Start from the top: To use as many layers as possible, start your braids at the top of your head or the sides of your head.
This will ensure that the end of the shorter layers is included in the plait, and they are less likely to fall out. Crown braids and fauxhawk ponytails are excellent options for this technique.
Use product to secure layers: You may need a little extra help to keep the ends of your layers in place.
Apply some pomade or hairspray along the length of your hair, focusing on the shorter layers, to help them stay put during braiding. This also makes your hair easier to manage and provides a smoother appearance.
Choose styles that accommodate layers: Some braid hairstyles are more forgiving for layered hair than others.
Milkmaid braids, pigtail braids, and half-up braids are all great examples of styles that can work well with layered hair. Feel free to experiment and find the types of braid that suit your hair best.
Work with the texture of your hair: If you have curly or wavy hair, use the natural texture to your advantage when braiding layered hair.
Curled ends and waves can add interest and dimension to your braids, and they’ll help disguise any uneven layers. If your hair is straight, try adding some dry shampoo or texturizing spray to give it more grip.
How To Braid When You Have Layers
Braiding hair with layers can be a bit challenging, but with a few tricks and techniques, you’ll be able to create beautiful braids that include your layers.
Start with textured hair: Before braiding, make sure your hair has some grip. Second-day hair works best, as it has more texture and hold.
If your hair is freshly washed, use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add some grip and make it easier to work with.
Divide your hair into manageable sections: When braiding layered hair, divide your hair into sections.
This will help you work with the different layers and ensure a neater result. Begin by parting your hair, and then create smaller sections as needed.
Work layer by layer: Instead of trying to include all the layers at once, braid each layer separately.
Start with the top layer and work your way down. This method will make it easier to manage your layers and will also result in a more intricate braided look.
Use hairpins and elastics: To keep the layers in place, use hairpins and mini elastic bands throughout the process.
These tools will help your braided layers stay intact and prevent them from slipping out of place. Use them as needed to secure loose strands or ends.
Loosen the braid slightly: Once you’ve finished braiding, gently pull on each strand to loosen the braid slightly.
This will help blend the layers and give your braid a fuller appearance. Be careful not to pull too hard, as it can cause the layers to fall out of the braid.
Apply hairspray to finish: To ensure your braided hairstyle stays in place, apply a light hold hairspray all over your hair.
This will help maintain the texture and keep your layers in place throughout the day.
Best Braided Hairstyles For Layered Hair
Finding the perfect braided hairstyle for layered hair can be a bit tricky, but don’t worry. There are many options out there that will not only show off your beautiful layers but also keep your hair looking stylish and put-together.
Here are a few braided hairstyles that work great with layered hair:
The Fishtail Braid: This braid works beautifully with layered hair, as it is more forgiving with loose strands. To create a fishtail braid, divide your hair into two sections.
Take a small piece from the outer edge of one section, cross it over, and combine it with the inner part of the other section. Continue alternating until you reach the end of your hair, and secure it with an elastic.
The Waterfall Braid: This elegant braid can create the illusion of more volume and showcase your layers.
To make a waterfall braid, start by taking a small section of hair at the front of your head and divide it into three sections.
Begin a regular braid by crossing the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
Next, instead of crossing the right strand again, let it fall and pick up a new piece of hair from the right to cross over the middle strand. Repeat this process, allowing strands to fall like a waterfall.
The Dutch Braid: Similar to a French braid, a Dutch braid works well with layered hair, as it tucks layers securely into the braid.
To start, take a section of hair at the top of your head and split it into three parts. Begin braiding, but instead of crossing strands over each other, cross them under.
Add hair from the sides as you continue down, making sure each added strand includes some layered pieces to give the braid a neat appearance.
The Crown Braid: This regal look is perfect for special occasions or simply when you want to feel like royalty.
To create a crown braid, first, choose either a Dutch or French braid. Start at one side of your head and braid around your head, adding hair as you go.
Once you reach the opposite side, continue braiding the remaining hair without adding any more. Secure the end and gently pull on the edges of your braid to create more fullness.
Wrap the braid around your head and pin it in place.
Tips and Tricks for Hiding Shorter Layers in French Braids
When you’re looking to braid your layered hair, you’ll want some simple tips and tricks to help hide those shorter layers.
Braiding layered hair can be a bit more challenging than a single length of hair, but with some practice and creativity, it’s possible to achieve the type of braid you desire.
Firstly, consider the type of braid you want to create. A waterfall braid, for example, can help to conceal the ends of the shorter layers while keeping them in place.
Since the shorter layers will stick out more in a tighter braid, choosing a looser, more relaxed braid like a messy braid can be a great option as well.
Plus, when it comes to braids, messy braids often have a casual, carefree charm.
To get started, it’s best to braid your hair when it’s slightly dirty or has some texture to it.
Dirty hair has more grip, which makes it easier to braid, and will better keep the shorter layers in place.
If your hair is too clean, consider using dry shampoo or a texturizing spray to give it some grip. When braiding, make sure to keep the tension moderate, so the shorter layers don’t escape.
If you’re attending an event and want a more polished look, choose styles that work best with layered hair.
Half-up ponytails or single ponytail braids can keep shorter layers secure. For a smoother, flatter braid, you can choose a single braid or protective styles like cornrows.
With cornrows, the remaining strands can be woven into the braid, making it easier to keep the layers under control.
When dividing your hair into three sections for braiding, try to grab the shorter layers and blend them into the main sections.
This technique helps to keep loose hair from poking out of the braid. As you braid, make sure to keep the sections as even as possible, and don’t be afraid to gently tuck in any stray pieces as you go.
Simple Tips On How to Secure Layered Hairstyles
1. Begin with the right foundation: Before you start braiding, make sure your hair is clean, dry, and detangled. If you have flyaways or static, apply a small amount of hair serum or leave-in conditioner to smooth it out.
2. Use proper technique: When you braid, use a consistent tension throughout the entire hairstyle. This will help your layers to stay in place and prevent any loose strands from sticking out.
3. Turn to hair products: A little bit of hair spray can go a long way when securing layers in a braid. Lightly mist your hair before braiding and after completing the braid to hold the layers in place. You can also use hair wax or pomade to add grip and prevent slipping.
4. Choose the right type of braid: Some braids work better with layered hair than others. For example, a fishtail braid or a Dutch braid can help contain and control layers more effectively than a simple three-strand braid. Experiment with different styles to find the best one for your hair type and length.
5. Take your time: When braiding layered hair, it pays to be patient. Take your time when blending shorter layers in your braid, adjusting the strand width as needed to keep things even and prevent pieces from slipping out.
6. Use strategic pins: You can use bobby pins or hairpins to secure loose layers throughout your braid. For a seamless look, try to use pins that match your hair color and slide them in diagonally to follow the natural shape of the braid.
Styling Products Can Help With Hiding Layers In Your Braids
When braiding layered hair, styling products can be a lifesaver for keeping layers tucked in and smoothing out any unevenness.
Applying a small amount of hair serum or a lightweight gel to your hair before braiding can help you achieve a polished and neat look.
This is also helpful for taming flyaways and keeping layers hidden throughout the day within a side braid.
Another great product to consider is a texturizing spray or powder. These can add grip to your hair, making it easier to manage and braid.
They also help hold layers together within the braid, preventing slippage and uneven strands. Simply mist or dust your hair with the product before you start braiding for better control and a smoother final result.
Be gentle when handling your layered hair while braiding. Pulling too hard can cause layers to slip out and create a messy appearance.
Instead, try to hold the hair firmly but gently as you work through your braids. This will allow you to maintain control over your hair while minimizing the risk of layers coming loose.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to use bobby pins or hair ties to secure any stubborn layers. If you notice a piece of hair starting to come loose, simply tuck it back into the braid and use a bobby pin or small hair tie to keep it in place.
It’s a quick and easy solution that can help maintain the sleek and tidy appearance of your braids throughout the day.
Summary
Braiding hair with layers can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
If you keep these tips in mind and use the right products to help you along the way, you’ll be able to style your layered hair into beautiful braids.
Whether you’re looking for a simple style or something more complex, it’s possible to achieve a polished look with layered hair. Start experimenting and find out what works best for you!
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