How to Make a Headband Braid in 9 Easy Steps
Looking to create a headband braid? Then scroll down to discover our easy-to-follow hair tutorial and get the look now!
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A headband braid is a type of braid hairstyle that is usually French plaited and sits where a headband hair accessory would, hence its name. As you probably know, headbands are back in fashion, with some of our favourite designers exhibiting this classic style on the runway.
But let us ask you: why wear a headband when you can create one out of your own hair? A headband braid is a perfect way to channel a boho vibe for your next festival, party or brunch – plus it can hide your grown-out fringe.
And the great news is, whether you have short or long locks, you can totally pull off this look. Want to learn how to make a braided headband? Keep on reading below to find out and get ready to meet your new go-to hairstyle!
How to do a braided headband: Step-by-step guide
Whether you want to update your everyday look or try a new hairstyle for an upcoming special occasion, all you need to do is follow our easy hair tutorial to learn how to get a braided headband look at home. We’ve also included the products you’ll need to get the perfect headband plait — bonus!
Apply a heat defence spray.
Start out with freshly washed tresses and spritz them with the VO5 Heat Protect Spray, to help safegaurd your strands when using heated styling tools later on.
Once your mane is fully prepped, blowdry until your hair is completely dry.
Section your hair.
To create your headband braid, you’ll need to section a large piece of your hair with a tail comb.
This section should be approximately 3 inches-wide and should start from your deep side part and finish just behind your ear on the opposite side.
Get ready for braiding.
Ready to learn how to make a braided headband? Then take a 1-2 inch-wide portion of hair from the section that you created in step 2 and divide this section of hair into 3 equal parts.
Now cross the left section over the middle section, before crossing the right section over the new middle section.
French braid your hair.
Once you’ve completed this process twice, continue braiding along the hairline, but this time make sure to pick up a small pieces of hair as you weave, just as you would do a French plait.
Pancake your braid.
Once you reach the opposite ear, you can stop picking up strands of hair to interweave into your braid, and simply continue plaiting your hair until you reach the end.
Once you’ve braided your hair all the way down to the tail, secure your plait with an elastic band. Then pancake it to make it appear thicker and fuller. To do this, use your thumb and index finger to lightly tug at your braid.
Secure your braided hair.
Pull the tail of your plait around your head, so that it lies flat against the nape of your neck.
Secure it to the underneath bit of your hair with some bobby pins every few inches to ensure it stays hidden under the rest of your mane.
Curl your remaining hair.
Now that you’ve completed your headband braid, it’s time to focus on the rest of your mane.
Working on 1-2 inch sections of hair at a time, use your curling iron to make loose waves. Only hold the curling iron in place for a few seconds, as you don’t want to make ringlets, here!
Set with hairspray.
Once you’ve curled all of your hair, gently run your fingers through your mane to loosen the curls and give your ‘do an undone feel.
Then it’s time to set the whole look in place. We always put our trust in the VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray to ensure our style is sealed in all day long!
Final look.
And there you have it: a boho-inspired headband braid that will impress all who gaze upon it!
How to Braid your Hair like a Headband with Short Hair
Think that short hair can’t be braided? Well, think again, because the good news is that the headband braid can be done on short tresses too. Yes, you heard us correctly. This is because the headband braid is a flat plait and doesn’t require lots of length. Neat, eh?
So, want to know how to braid your hair like a headband on short tresses? Easy! Just follow these steps, below.
Step 1. Start with second-day hair and use dry shampoo, like the Love Beauty and Planet Volume & Bounty Dry shampoo, to give your strands some grip.
Step 2. Section hair from ear to ear, pull the back section away and secure it with a clip.
Step 3. Starting from behind one ear, divide a section of hair into three equal strands. Begin to French braid your hair.
Step 4. Continue to plait, adding in strands along the way to create your braided headband.
Step 5. Keep plaiting all the way to the end, then use a bobby pin to discreetly secure your braid behind your ear, like our model above.
Step 6. Pancake your braid and set the final look with hairspray.
Headband Braid Video Tutorial
Shop the article:
- Rattail comb
- Black hair clip
- Curling wand
- VO5 Heat Protect Spray
- VO5 Invisible Ultimate Hold Hairspray
- Cool earrings
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