Creating a crown braid on short hair is achievable with the right technique. Here's a step-by-step guide incorporating tips for a neat, flattering look, based on insights from the reference:
Step-by-Step Guide to a Crown Braid for Short Hair
While a full, traditional crown braid might be challenging on very short hair, you can create a beautiful halo braid effect using a modified technique.
-
Preparation:
- Start with clean, dry hair. Slightly textured hair will hold the braid better, so consider using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo.
- Decide where you want your braid to sit – either directly on your hairline, or slightly back. A position slightly back can better accommodate shorter layers.
- Part your hair where it naturally falls.
-
Starting the Braid:
- Select a starting point near the front of your face on one side of your part.
- Take a small section of hair (about one inch wide) near your hairline, and divide it into three strands just like you would start any basic braid.
- Begin a standard three-strand braid.
-
Incorporating New Hair:
- Now, instead of continuing a basic braid, each time you bring the outside strand over the middle, incorporate a new small section of hair (as you would with a French braid). This is a crucial part in maintaining the braided circle.
- Keep the braid nice and tight around your ear area to avoid any bulging and to ensure a flattering look, like the reference mentioned at [0:20] and [2:40].
- Continue braiding along the hairline or your chosen position, adding new sections of hair with each pass.
-
Finishing the Braid:
- Continue braiding around your head, until you reach the point where you began.
- When you reach the initial section, you can either:
- Continue braiding the end as a normal braid and then pin the braid underneath the start of the braid using bobby pins, or tuck the end into the braid itself to hide it.
- Gently loosen the final section of the braid and tuck the end piece into the base of the braid, securing with bobby pins.
-
Securing and Styling:
- Secure the end of the braid with bobby pins.
- Gently tug at the loops of the braid to make it appear a little fuller and more relaxed if desired, and to help hide any gaps if they exist.
- You can use a light hold hairspray to keep your crown braid in place and ensure the style lasts.
Tips for Short Hair:
- Texture is key: Using texture spray or dry shampoo gives short hair more grip, making it easier to braid.
- Tightness: Keep your braid tight around your ear to avoid bulging and achieve that flattering look the reference mentioned.
- Practice: It might take a couple of tries to get the hang of incorporating new hair and keeping the braid tight, especially with shorter hair.
- Use pins effectively: Use bobby pins to secure loose pieces and the ends of the braid
| Step | Action | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | Clean, dry hair; slight texture; decide braid position. | Texturizing spray is helpful; consider your natural part |
| 2. Start Braid | Take a 1-inch section, divide into 3 strands, start regular braid. | Start close to the face near your part |
| 3. Add Hair | Add hair section to each over-strand move. | Keep the braid tight, especially around the ears, for a nice and flattering look as mentioned. |
| 4. Finish Braid | When meeting start point, either braid to end and secure under the start, or tuck the end into the base of the braid. | Use bobby pins to secure |
| 5. Secure/Style | Use pins to secure. Light hairspray for hold | Gently loosen loops if needed. |
By following these steps, you can achieve a lovely halo braid, or crown braid effect even with shorter hair.
