hair

BRAIDS FOR BRUNETTES + REDHEADS

PHOTOS/POST/GRAPHIC DESIGN: KRISTIN ESS

Sometimes when I’m cruising the ol’ www, I get a major case of texture envy when I see these beautiful blondes with so many swirly colors wearing these braids that look so dimensional. My own hair is solid red and to be honest, I love it and I have no interest in changing it by adding highlights or lowlights. I do, however, want to see more texture when I braid my hair. I’ve tested this method a few times now and I’m so hooked on it and I wanted to share. I’ve been using tape extensions, sometimes called “skin wefts” to get color variation without adding another color permanently.We’ve talked about tape extensions before right HERE. I use them in a temporary way which last about 1-5 days depending on how oily your scalp is. I’ve tried getting color variation with clip-ins, which works, but it’s just not the same. Clip-in extensions can make the hair look bulky and sometimes you can’t get the braid the way you want it because a clip-in is in the way. To find tape extensions, you’ll have to visit your local hair extension store or order online. I always send people to The Hair Shop which you can shop online if you don’t have a store near you.

Okay, so below you see a photo of some tape extensions in-hand. See how they’re all slightly different colors? Pick 2-3 colors and get 4-6 pieces total. They don’t need to match the color of your hair because that’s the whole point! If your hair is warm, go with lighter warm colors. If your hair is neutral or ashy, go with something lighter but stay in that family. To apply them, peel the adhesive off and stick them to the root, I always say: “like a post it”. You’ll still have to work around the place where you stick them, but they’re nowhere near as hard to deal with as clip-ins. I often plan out my braid first and then apply them in a way that works with the braid. For example, I laid them horizontally in the image below to do the fishtail braid. Then when I did the crown braid I laid them vertically so they would be going the same direction as the braid.

To remove them you don’t need the hard core remover that you need when you’re wearing these in a permanent way. I just spray THIS leave in conditioner or THIS one, let it set for 3 min and then they peel right out.

Below I’ve created 2 examples of braids without tape extensions and 2 with tape extensions. And for the record, I still think the ones without extension are beautiful. The extra color just adds so much texture and makes the braid look a bit more fun. If you try it out, I’d love to see a photo! Tag @thebeautydept on your instagram pictures!