If there's one thing that's certain in this wild and unpredictable world, it's that the protective styles that allow for a dramatic hair flip are the ones that come out on top. I'm sorry but if you don't feel like a badass and go full Beyoncé on tour whenever your hair is braided past your shoulders, we are simply not built the same. The "Infinity Braid" by stylist Sha-Raya Hutchkins on today's episode of The Braid Up is bringing that superstar energy and I'm obsessed. The length is gorge and very flippable, but don't worry—it's not too tense on your natural hair and will keep it protected as we approach these harsh winter months. You just can't lose with this style.
Ready to give this epic braided pony a shot? Here are four key tips for maintaining its glory.
1. Make sure to mousse. Flyaways aren't welcome here, so if and when you notice your pony getting a bit fuzzy, just pat a few dollops of setting mousse over the braid to give it some added hold and smoothness.
4 top-rated mousses for 4c hair
Eden Body Works Citrus Fusion Styling Mousse
Design Essentials Curl-Enhancing Mousse
Aphogee Style and Wrap Mousse
2. Protect your style while you sleep. Wearing a silk bonnet, cap, or scarf to bed is a must for preventing friction on your hair as you sleep. I personally prefer silk caps—they have a tighter hold so they won't slip off when you move around.
3. Give your ends some bounce. To DIY without burning your extension hair, roll the ends of your pony with mini rollers and let them set for 15 minutes. After your take them out of the rollers, quickly dip them in hot water and then dab dry with a microfiber towel.
4. Spruce things up with accessories. For a little something ~extra~ try wrapping the base of your pony in a mini silk scrunchie or adding some hair rings on the braids.
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.
