How To Use Braids To Comb Hair

MeridianScout Updated: 2025-06-22

It's time to show off your best protective look as summer approaches. Because they can be worn at both formal dinners and weekend festivals, braids are a great option.
Start by braiding both sides of your head into a traditional braid. Then, use clear elastic to join the ends together.

1. Braided boxes

Box braids are a very popular protective hairstyle that comes in a variety of styles. To avoid frizz and knots, it is essential to moisturize box braids.
To make sure all your hair is knot-free before you start braiding, detangle it with a brush or wide-tooth comb. This will facilitate a much faster and smoother braiding procedure.
Next, taking a bundle of pre-stretched kanekalon (the best type for box braids), cut one strip into two halves that are slightly thinner than each other. After that, start braiding your natural hair by tying the thin strand in the middle.

2. Amputated hair

Ponytails can be dressed up or down, although they are generally associated with casual looks. For example, you can hide the elastic and add texture to your look by creating a braid that goes around the base of the scrunchie.
For an extra touch of color and shine, you can also adorn your braids with beads or other eye-catching accessories. For an even more festive look, the ladies of HBO's The Defiant Ones accessorized their buns with scarves and diamond hair clips.
Making a fishtail is an additional way to style a ponytail. For those who want something very special but don't want to commit to an intricate looking braid, this is the perfect solution.

3. Braided scarves

The ideal accessory to give an elegant touch to your hair is a bandana. They are adorable, but also look great with a variety of braids and hairstyles. Plus, you don't have to wash your hair every day to achieve these sleek styles—they still look great on second or third day hair!
Add some shine to your simple box braids by tying a beautiful, vibrant scarf around them. For women and girls of all ages who want to flaunt that chic, retro look, this style is fantastic.

4. A braided ponytail

This braided ponytail will enhance your look for a special occasion. It will also elevate your style game. Two exquisite braids come together in the middle of your head to form a high ponytail in this elegant style.
Try embellishing your ponytail with beads or other embellishments to enhance the glam factor of this look. There are a wide variety of colors, materials and bead thicknesses available, so you can choose the ideal ones to complement your style.
Use a light styling gel to keep your braids from feeling heavy. For a look that lasts all day or all night, bi-coastal stylist Cherin Johnson suggests using R&Co's Wall Street Strong Hold Gel.