The starry protective style on this week's episode of The Braid Up is an absolute head-turner folks. The dazzling mini buns and epic, star-shaped centerpiece are the handiwork of stylist Tiffany Anderson and we are fully obsessed. Watch the whole thing come to life in the video above—and don't forget to check out the four pro tips, below, if you want to give this style (or any protective style, TBH) a spin for yourself.
1. Use a pre-poo on your wash day. Doing so will prevent breakage and tangles while you wash. Plus, pre-poos have conditioning properties, so your hair will be seriously softer and shinier too.
2. Play with color. This style is just begging for a two-toned vibe. Even if you're not into the bright shades, like the purple in today's episode, adding in honey brown or platinum blond braiding hair will give this look a little something extra.
3. Finishing sheen is your friend. When you've hit that two-week mark and notice that your style is starting to lose its glimmer, grab a finishing sheen to restore its original shine. Just make sure the one you choose is alcohol-free so that you're not drying out your hair.
4. Try this look with straight braids. Rather than wrapping the braids up into the buns, you can seal them with hot water for an equally cool vibe.
Isoken Enofe Juju Satin-Lined Bonnet
Stay-On Satin-Edge Sleep Bonnet
Hair: In collaboration with Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio
Makeup: Ashley Johnson
Videographer: Rob Mroczko
Production Assistant: Jay Aguirre
Director of Digital Series: Tara O’Connell
Annabel Iwegbue is a culture editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers pop culture, lifestyle, relationships, and digital trends. She previously wrote for Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
