We absolutely *love* our stitch braids over here at The Braid Up. I mean, not only does this protective style have staying power (stitch braids will last you anywhere from four to six weeks, FYI) and encourage hair growth, but it also comes in a bunch of cute varieties, like the stunning look on this week’s Braid Up episode. The heart designs nestled between the braids and the cute mini buns are a whole vibe. New Jersey–based stylist Sasha Griffin is an expert in creating styles with heart-shaped designs, so it’s no surprise that her work on today’s episode is freaking flawless.
Ready to try this style for yourself? Amaze. Just keep these four tips, below, in mind.
1. Blow-dry with caution. Blow-drying your hair is a necessary prep step for braided looks, but before you whip out that dryer, make sure your hair is protected. After you wash and condition, apply a leave-in with heat protection benefits. It’ll help shield your hair from high temps and prevent breakage and split ends.
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2. Invest in some natural oils. It’s no secret that the braiding process can be a bit rough on the scalp. To ease any tension or irritation, gently rub a few drops of a lightweight, all-natural oil (like argan oil or jojoba oil) into your scalp before styling.
3. Protect your style while you sleep. Want your braids to look as good as new when you wake up in the morning? Spritz them with some mousse and then wrap them in a silk scarf or head wrap before bed.
4. Don’t forget about dry shampoo. To clean these braids without completely immersing them in water, add some dry shampoo to a microfiber cloth and then dab it over your hair to freshen them up.
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.
