Micro braids are a trendy and versatile hairstyle that involves creating small, intricate braids throughout the hair. They are particularly popular among individuals with natural hair, providing a stylish and protective option for managing and styling curly or textured hair. In this article, we will explore what micro braids are, their suitability for different hair types, how to prepare your hair for micro braids, their durability, maintenance tips, popular micro braid hairstyles, and the cost of getting micro braids.
What Are Micro Braids?
Micro braids are tiny braids created by sectioning off small portions of hair and tightly weaving them into individual braids. These braids are typically very thin and can be created using synthetic hair extensions or solely with natural hair. Micro braids offer a range of styling options and can be worn loose, pulled back into an updo, or adorned with various accessories.
Are Micro Braids Suitable for All Hair Types?
Micro braids are generally suitable for most hair types, including straight, wavy, and curly hair. However, they are particularly beneficial for individuals with natural hair. Micro braids provide excellent protection for curly and textured hair, minimizing damage and breakage caused by everyday styling and manipulation. They also help retain moisture, promote hair growth, and reduce excessive heat styling.
How Should I Prepare My Hair for Micro Braids?
To prepare your hair for micro braids, follow these steps:
- Start with clean, moisturized hair: Wash and condition your hair using products suitable for your hair type. Deep conditioning is recommended to ensure your hair is well-nourished and hydrated.
- Detangle your hair: Gently comb through your hair to remove any knots or tangles. This step is crucial to ensure a smooth and even braiding process.
- Trim split ends: Trim any split ends or damaged hair before getting micro braids. It will help maintain the overall health of your hair.
- Moisturize your scalp: Apply a light oil or moisturizer to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness or itching.
- Stretch your hair (optional): If you have tightly coiled or shrinkage-prone hair, consider stretching it using methods like blow-drying with a diffuser or African threading. This step can make the braiding process more manageable.
How Long Will Micro Braids Last?
The longevity of micro braids depends on various factors, such as your hair’s growth rate and how well you care for them. On average, micro braids can last anywhere from six to twelve weeks. However, it is essential to maintain regular upkeep to ensure they stay intact and in good condition for the duration.
How Do I Care for Micro Braids?
Here are some essential tips for caring for your micro braids:
- Keep your scalp clean: Wash your scalp regularly with a gentle shampoo. Dilute the shampoo with water and apply it directly to your scalp, then rinse thoroughly. Avoid using heavy or greasy products that can cause buildup.
- Moisturize your hair and scalp: Apply a lightweight moisturizer or oil to your scalp and braids to prevent dryness. Please focus on the ends of your braids, as they are more prone to dryness.
- Avoid excessive tension or pulling: Be gentle when styling or manipulating your micro braids. Pulling or tugging too forcefully can cause breakage and damage your natural hair.
- Protect your braids at night: Cover your braids with a satin or silk bonnet or use a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent friction and preserve the braids while you sleep.
- Limit heat styling: Excessive heat can weaken your braids and cause them to unravel. If you must use heat, use a heat protectant spray and keep the temperature low.
What Are Some Popular and Stylish Micro Braid Hairstyles?
Micro braids offer numerous styling options. Here are a few popular and stylish micro braid hairstyles:
Tree Braids
Tree Braids are a micro braiding style with extensions attached to your natural hair using a specialized cornrowing technique. It creates a seamless blend between your natural hair and the added extensions, giving the illusion of naturally long and voluminous braids.
Micro Cornrows
“Micro Cornrows,” also known as “invisible braids,” is achieved when you tightly braid small sections of hair close to the scalp. You can do the braids in a straight or curved pattern to mimic the appearance of cornrows but on a smaller scale. These braids offer incredible versatility and different style options, providing a sleek, polished look that lasts several weeks.
Micro Braid Locs
To create Micro Braid Locs, you braid the hair into small, thin sections, then leave each braid to form a lot over time. This technique creates a unique mix of micro braids and locs, creating a distinctive and textured look.
Micro Box Braids
When you want Micro Box Braids, you divide the hair into small sections and then braid from the roots to the ends using extensions. This style is a miniature version of traditional box braids, known for their neat and precise appearance. You can style these braids in various lengths and thicknesses to match your preferences.
Micro Mini Braids
Micro Mini Braids are ultra-thin and delicate, bringing a unique texture and dimension to your hair. To achieve this hairstyles, divide your hair into extremely small sections and braid them close to the scalp. You can do Micro Mini Braids with or without extensions and often style them in intricate patterns or leave them loose for a soft and feminine look.
Red Micro Braids
When creating Red Micro Braids, you use red-colored hair extensions to weave small braids close to the scalp. This style creates a vibrant and stunning look, with the red color adding a bold and eye-catching element. You can style Red Micro Braids in various lengths and patterns to express your unique style.
Micro Bob Braids
Micro Bob Braids are created by cutting micro braids into a bob hairstyles. These braids are typically shorter, with the ends resting around the chin or slightly above the shoulders. Combining the intricacy of micro braids with the classic bob haircut gives a trendy look. This versatile style allows customization with different partings, colors, or accessories to match your taste.
Thin Micro Braids
Thin Micro Braids involve creating micro braids with a smaller diameter. The individual braids are finer and more delicate in appearance, giving the hairstyle a more intricate and detailed look. Thin Micro Braids are versatile and can be styled in various lengths and patterns, providing a graceful and refined aesthetic. Whether worn loosely or styled into updos or ponytails, thin micro braids offer a sophisticated and elegant hairstyle.
Long Micro Braids
Long Micro Braids are braids that extend to a length beyond the shoulders. This Braids offer a dramatic and captivating look, allowing for versatility in styling options. You can wear them loose for a flowy and romantic appearance or experiment with different updos and ponytails to create various looks. This hairstyle are a timeless and versatile for those who desire a striking and attention-grabbing hairstyle.
Curly Micro Braids
Curly Micro Braids combine the technique of micro braiding with the addition of curly or wavy extensions. This style creates a unique blend of micro braids and curls, adding texture and volume to your hairstyles. Curly Micro Braids offer a playful and lively look, allowing you to embrace your natural curls or experiment with a different texture.
Wavy Micro Braids
Wavy Micro Braids combine the technique of micro braiding with the addition of wavy or loosely curled extensions. This style creates a beautiful blend of tiny braids with a gentle wave pattern, resulting in a romantic and textured look. Whether worn loose or styled into updos or half-up hairstyles, wavy micro braids add a touch of elegance and grace to your overall look.
Senegalese Twists
Senegalese Twists are a protective hairstyle involving long, sleek twists using synthetic or natural hair extensions. These twists are larger than micro braids but still offer a refined and polished appearance.
Micro Braids Updo
Micro Braids Updo is styling micro braids into an elegant and sophisticated updo hairstyle. This versatile option lets you gather your micro braids into a bun, chignon, or other updo style. Micro Braids Updo offers a timeless and elegant hairstyle that keeps the hair off the face while showcasing the intricate details of the micro braids.
Blonde Micro Braids
Blonde Micro Braids involve using blonde-colored hair extensions to create micro braids. The blonde color adds a vibrant and sun-kissed touch to the hairstyle, creating a striking contrast against your natural hair color. This style offers a bold and eye-catching appearance, making a statement with bright and radiant hues.
African Micro Braids
African Micro Braids are a traditional braiding technique that originated in Africa and involved creating small, intricate braids close to the scalp. You can style African Micro Braids in various patterns and lengths, often incorporating cultural and symbolic elements. This hairstyle is popular for its durability and low-maintenance nature, making it an excellent choice for individuals desiring a long-lasting and authentic African-inspired look.
Ombre Micro Braids
Combining the technique of micro braiding with the popular ombre hair color trend, Ombre Micro Braids create a beautiful gradient effect by using extensions with different shades. This style adds depth and dimension to your hairstyle, allowing various color combinations. Whether you prefer subtle and natural transitions or bold and vibrant hues, Ombre Micro Braids offer a unique and eye-catching look.
Jumbo Micro Braids
Jumbo micro braids offer a dramatic and eye-catching twist. Instead of small braids, this style features larger and thicker braids. The jumbo size adds a statement-making effect, giving the hairstyle a bold and attention-grabbing appearance.
Brandy Micro Braids
The signature hairstyle of the singer and actress Brandy Norwood inspires Brandy Micro Braids. This style features micro braids using either natural hair or extensions, resembling the iconic braided look Brandy popularized. Brandy Micro Braids offer a chic and fashionable appearance, allowing you to channel the confidence and style of the renowned artist.
Natural Micro Braids
Natural Micro Braids refer to micro braids using only your natural hair, without extensions. This style celebrates and embraces the natural texture and length of your hair. This hairstyle requires careful braiding techniques to ensure the braids are small and close to the scalp. Natural Micro Braids offer a low-maintenance and protective hairstyle that showcases the beauty of your natural hair.
Layered Micro Braids
Layered Micro Braids involve creating micro braids with varying lengths throughout the hairstyle. This technique adds dimension and movement to the braids, creating a textured and layered look. Layered Micro Braids offer a trendy and modern style, giving a fresh twist to the traditional micro braiding technique. This hairstyle allows for versatility in styling and adds a dynamic and voluminous effect to your overall look.
Colored Micro Braids
You create Colored Micro Braids by using vibrant or unconventional hair colors for a bold and expressive look. You dye the extensions used in micro braiding or choose pre-colored ones in various shades, allowing you to experiment with a wide color palette. Whether you choose vibrant hues like blue, purple, or pink or stick to more natural tones like burgundy or caramel, you can create unique and personalized hairstyles with colored micro braids. This style lets you make a statement and showcase your individuality through color.
Micro Braid With Weave
When crafting Micro Braids With Weave, you combine the technique of micro braiding with adding a weave or hair extensions. You create micro braids using your natural hair while adding the weave or extensions to boost the hairstyle’s length, volume, and versatility. This combination creates a seamless blend of natural hair and added weave, culminating in a stunning and full-bodied look. Micro Braids With Weave provide endless styling possibilities, enabling you to experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors.
Micro Braids With Curls
To create a hairstyle that combines micro braids with curls, you weave micro braids throughout the head and style the loose hair into soft, bouncy curls. This blend adds depth and volume, creating a stunning and feminine look.
Micro Braids With Beads
For Micro Braids With Beads, you incorporate decorative beads into the micro braids. You can use beads made from various materials, such as plastic, wood, or metal, and thread them onto the braids, adding a touch of flair and personalization to the hairstyle. Micro Braids With Beads offer a playful and vibrant look, enabling you to express your creativity and individuality. You can place the beads strategically throughout the braids or concentrate them at the ends for a unique and eye-catching effect.
Deep Wave Micro Braids
You create Deep Wave Micro Braids by combining micro braiding with deep wave hair extensions to achieve a textured and voluminous look. The tight and defined S-shaped curls of deep wave hair result in a glamorous and beachy appearance, resembling natural waves. Deep Wave Micro Braids give you a stunning hairstyle that exudes sophistication and style.
Micro Braids With Twists
To make a hairstyle that combines micro braids with twists, you tightly weave micro braids throughout the head and then twist sections of the braids together. This combination creates a blend of braids and twists. This style provides various styling options and a stylish, dynamic look.
Straight Hair Micro Braids
For Straight Hair Micro Braids, you create micro braids using straight hair extensions. This style gives you a sleek, polished look with smooth, uniform micro braids. You can customize Straight Hair Micro Braids with various lengths and thicknesses to suit your preferences.
Micro Braids With Side Part
Micro braids with a side part are a great choice for a sleek and sophisticated look. This style creates a defined and asymmetrical appearance that beautifully frames the face by weaving micro braids throughout the head and styling the hair with a deep side part. Micro braids with a side part are a versatile option that adds elegance to any outfit.
Micro Braids With Highlights
Adding highlights to micro braids enhances the hairstyle by incorporating contrasting colors. Lighter or darker strands are woven into the micro braids, adding pops of color and depth. This technique creates a personalized and unique look.
Micro Braids With a Top Knot
Adding precision and texture, micro braids with a Dutch braid create an intricate and visually interesting hairstyle. The micro braids are woven throughout the head, and a Dutch braid is created by weaving strands under one another. This technique adds dimension and depth to the hairstyle, creating a unique and stylish look.
Shoulder-length Micro Braids
Shoulder-length Micro Braids refer to a cut to a length that falls around or just below the shoulders. This style offers a medium-length option that is both versatile and manageable. Shoulder-length Micro Braids can be achieved using extensions to add length and volume to your natural hair. This length allows easy styling and maintenance, allowing you to experiment with different updos, half-up hairstyles, or loose braids for a casual and chic look.
Micro Braids With Extensions
Micro braids with extensions add length and volume to the hair. Extensions made from synthetic or human hair are incorporated into the micro braids, allowing for more versatility in styling. It creates a dramatic and eye-catching effect.
Micro Braids With Halo Braids
Micro braids with a halo braid offer a delicate and whimsical hairstyle. By intricately weaving micro braids throughout the head and braiding the hair in a circular motion to create a halo-like braid around the crown, this style frames the face beautifully and adds a romantic touch.
Micro Braids With a Twist Out
Micro braids with a twist-out combine the intricate detail of micro braids with the natural texture and volume of a twist-out hairstyle. The micro braids are carefully woven throughout the head, creating a neat and precise base. Once the braids are in place, they are unraveled to reveal beautifully defined twists. This technique adds texture, volume, and bounce to the hair, creating a stylish and versatile look.
Micro Braids With Bantu Knots
To achieve a bold and trendy hairstyle, consider micro braids with Bantu knots. The micro braids are finely woven throughout the head, and sections of the braids are twisted into small, coiled knots known as Bantu knots. This style adds a playful and unique element to the look, showcasing creativity and individuality.
Micro Braids With Dutch Braids
Adding precision and texture, micro braids with Dutch braids create a gorgeous hairstyle. Micro braids are intricately woven throughout the head, while Dutch braids are created by weaving strands under one another. This combination adds dimension and visual interest, creating a stylish and versatile look suitable for various occasions.
Micro Braids With a Zigzag Part
Stylists offer a playful and edgy twist to the classic micro braids with a zigzag part. Instead of using a straight and traditional part, they divide the hair into sections using a zigzag pattern, creating a dynamic and visually interesting look. They meticulously weave micro braids throughout the head, accentuating the zigzag part and adding texture and depth to the hairstyles.
Micro Braids With a Pompadour
For a stylish and retro-inspired hairstyle that adds height and volume to the front of the head, stylists create micro braids with a pompadour. They tightly weave micro braids throughout the head to provide a sturdy foundation for the pompadour. Then, they lift and style the hair at the front upwards, creating a voluminous and slightly rolled effect. This style is perfect for making a statement and exuding confidence, offering a bold and glamorous look suitable for special occasions or when seeking to stand out.
Micro Braids With Crown Braids
Combining micro braids with a crown braid adds a touch of elegance and regality to the hairstyles. The micro braids are tightly woven throughout the head, and the hair is gathered at the top to create a circular braided crown. This style is perfect for special occasions and gives a sophisticated twist to traditional micro braids.
Micro Braids With a Rope Braids
For a visually striking hairstyle, try micro braids with rope braids. Micro braids are woven throughout the head, and sections of the braids are twisted together to form thicker rope braids. This style contrasts the tight micro braids, showcasing creativity and offering a unique twist to your overall look.
Micro Braids With Shaved Sides
Micro Braids With Shaved Sides combine the intricacy of micro braids with a bold and edgy element by shaving one or both sides of the head. This style creates a striking contrast between the intricate braids and the shaved sections, resulting in a unique and avant-garde look.
Micro Braids With French Braids
Stylists combine micro braids with French braids, incorporating the intricate detail of micro braids with the classic French braiding technique. They tightly weave micro braids throughout the head to provide a neat and precise base. Then, they create French braids by incorporating small sections of hair into the braids as they progress down the head. This technique results in raised braids that appear elevated from the scalp, adding a sophisticated touch to the micro braids.
Micro Braids With a Tapered Cut
Micro braids paired with a tapered cut create a trendy and edgy look. The hair is tightly braided into micro braids, and the style is completed with a shorter, tapered haircut. This combination offers a modern and bold appearance that is fashionable and low-maintenance.
Micro Braids With Fishtail Braids
Opt for micro braids with fishtail braids to add intricacy and elegance to the hairstyles. Stylists tightly weave micro braids throughout the head and divide the hair into two sections. They then cross small strands from each section over one another in a weaving pattern, creating a beautiful fishtail braid. This style enhances the beauty of micro braids and adds a touch of sophistication to the overall appearance.
Micro Braids With a Low Ponytail
Micro braids with a low ponytail provide a relaxed and casual hairstyles. The micro braids are intricately woven throughout the head and gathered at the nape of the neck to form a low ponytail. It creates an effortless and elegant look.
Micro Braids With a High Ponytail
Micro braids with a high ponytail offer a sleek and stylish way to gather the braided hair. The micro braids are tightly woven throughout the head and gathered at the crown to form a high ponytail. This style keeps the hair off the face and adds a chic and polished appearance.
Micro Braids With Milkmaid Braids
Micro braids with milkmaid braids create a charming and romantic hairstyles reminiscent of a fairy tale. Stylists intricately weave micro braids throughout the head, providing a textured and detailed base. Then, they create two braids on either side of the head, typically starting from the temples or behind the ears. They bring these braids up and over the top of the head, crossing them over one another and securing them to create a crown-like effect.
Micro Braids With a Braided Crown
For a sophisticated and feminine hairstyle that is elegant and eye-catching, stylists create micro braids with a braided crown. They skillfully weave micro braids throughout the head, creating a tight and precise base. Then, they take sections of the braids from either side of the head and braid them towards the back, forming a braided crown. This style beautifully frames the face and adds a regal touch to the micro braids.
Micro Braids With a Goddess Braids
Opt for micro braids with goddess braids to achieve a regal and ethereal hairstyles that exudes beauty and grace. Stylists carefully weave micro braids throughout the head, providing a foundation for the goddess braids. They gather all the micro braids into larger braids, usually positioned at the back of the head. These braids are typically thick and voluminous, resembling a crown or halo.
Micro Braids With Messy Side Braids
Choose micro braids with messy side braids for a relaxed and effortless hairstyles with bohemian charm. Stylists intricately weave micro braids throughout the head, providing a textured and detailed foundation. Then, they create side braids by gathering them and weaving them together loosely and undone. This intentionally messy and carefree look adds a touch of casual elegance. Micro braids with messy side braids are perfect for everyday wear or casual outings, giving a chic and relaxed vibe.
How Much Do Micro Braids Cost?
The cost of getting micro braids can vary depending on several factors, such as the location, the salon or stylist you choose, and the complexity of the style. On average, micro braids can range from $150 to $300 or more. It’s best to consult with a professional stylist for an accurate price estimate based on your specific requirements.
Conclusion
Micro braids are a versatile and stylish option for individuals with natural hair. They provide protective benefits, allow for various styling options, and can last several weeks with proper care. Whether you opt for a simple and elegant updo or experiment with colorful extensions and accessories, micro braids offer endless possibilities for expressing your style. Remember to prepare your hair adequately, follow a maintenance routine, and consult a professional stylist for the best results. Enjoy the beauty and versatility of micro braids on your natural hair!
