This type of braid is chosen over other braided hairstyles, like box braids or twists, because they take less time to install. Additionally, since the ends of the hair are left out, you also have the flexibility to style the length of your hair as you please. Read on as we explain the process and show you a few different ways to wear the look:
How tree braids are created Ways to wear tree braid styles How to care for hair with tree braids
Everything You Need to Know About Tree Braids
From learning how to create this style to caring for your braided look, learn everything below!
How Tree Braids are Created
To create the style, you can use any kind of human hair you want. The popular options are straight hair or wet and wavy hair. When beginning the style, the stylist parts the hair, then installs the hair extension using the cornrow braiding technique, weaving new pieces of hair while working their way down. The pieces of hair that are being weaved into the braid, are not braided in. They’re left outside of the braid so it looks like strands of hair. Once the braid reaches half-way or shorter, the stylist creates a knot to prevent the braid from unraveling. This method is continued all around the head then sprayed with oil sheen at the end for shine.
Ways to Wear Tree Braid Styles
As mentioned above, there are a number of different ways you can wear tree braids depending on the type of hair you get. Below are a few of our favorite styles done with the box braid technique.
Tree Braid Looks
Whether you want straight hair or an ombré look, check out these tree braid styles to try.
Straight Tree Braids
Go bone straight or go for a slight wave for body. Human hair tends to have a finer and thinner look. To avoid the stringy, thread-like effect and create a fuller look like this, it’s best to use two packs of hair instead of one.
Curly Tree Braid Bob with Ombré
If you want color on your tree braid style, you can simply buy a pack of colored hair. The options are endless! You can find hair that has one color all over, streaks, ombré or even balayage. For length, you can go two ways: either have your stylist cut the hair to your desired length, or buy the hair at the length you want.
Asymmetrical Lob
Get a little trendy with your tree braid style and go for a look everyone is after, like the lob. Wear it straight, curly or wavy. If you happen to buy extensions that have a tighter curl but you want a wave, dampen the hair and braid the ends into 4-6 chunky braids and allow it dry. This will help stretch the curl and create a wavier look.
How to Care for Hair With Tree Braids
Hair care is extremely important, especially when you’re wearing a protective style and want it to last long. Find out how to care for this protective style below.
How to Care for Hair With Tree Braids
Like many other protective styles, you can wash your hair with the tree braids in. When washing, be sure to focus on your scalp as over time there may be build up between the cornrow braids. We highly recommend Dove Dermacare Scalp Soothing Moisture Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner for a gentle yet effective wash. After drying your hair, spritz with hairspray that offers shine and a light hold. Our current fave is Bed Head by TIGI Masterpiece Shine Hairspray. You want your extensions to be shiny, but not stiff. Are you thinking about getting tree braids? Be sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!