Braids can look different on certain clients depending on the hair type. That’s why it’s important for salons to prepare for whatever client might walk through their door. To be prepared, stylists must also have a full understanding of different braid styles as well as the necessary products to use. When stylists utilize the best braiding techniques for certain hair types and apply the appropriate products, clients get the results they want. This keeps business running smoothly and keeps clients returning to maintain a sleek and flawless hairstyle.

Unless a client has a specific request, stylists typically fall back onto three basic braids. The French braid, the Dutch braid, and the rope braid. The Dutch braid and the French braid are the reverse of each other; the Dutch braid sits on top of the hair while the French braid is tucked against the scalp and underneath the hair. The rope braid is a little different, it gets its signature looping style from the stylist twisting each section of hair and braiding them together. This type of braid is also more open to creative liberty, as the outcome of the rope braid depends on how the stylist goes about twisting the sections. It’s also helpful to know that the original purpose of braids was to protect the wearers from sun damage while also keeping their hair out of their face.

Hair Type #1: Active Lifestyle

That means that if a client comes in asking for a style that they can jump around in, they probably want a tighter, more compact braid for durability. To keep a client’s braid looking clean and locked in place, finish the look with a weightless hairspray that offers a surprisingly strong hold. DESIGN MINERAL HAIRSPRAY by Keune offers enough strength to keep the look in place all day while taming flyaways. Your clients will leave feeling secure, well-cared for, and in love with their new braid.

Hair Type #2: Fine and Flat

If a client has thinner hair with more shine and slip, they’re most likely focused getting a braid with lots of body and volume. Consider providing your stylists with a texturizing dry shampoo like STYLE STORIES TEXTURIZING DRY SHAMPOO by Alfaparf Milano. This dry shampoo gives the wearer’s look a boost and keeps braid segments from slipping out of place. Stylists and clients alike will find that texturized hair is much easier to braid due to the grip this product gives. If a stylist is concerned about the light color of dry shampoo not matching their client’s shade, MOROCCANOIL has a dry shampoo available for darker tones. This way, the product blends seamlessly in with darker hues of hair. The Texturizing Dry Shampoo also gives many braids the popular matte finish that is seen and sought-after so often on Instagram.

Hair Type #3: Voluminous and Curly

However, thin, straight hair is not the only type of hair that stylists are working with. If a stylist comes across a hair type that is voluminous and curly, a more moisturizing product like the STYLING COLLECTION MIRACLE STYLING SERUM by It’s a 10 might be useful. When braiding, stylists put this product on the ends of the hair to tame frizz and seal the cuticle layer of the hair. This smooths out even the unruliest of stray hairs into a neat, lasting braid. Additionally, if the client has even larger amounts of volume and texture, a thick glossy gel such as such as the FIRM HOLD GEL by LOMA might be the braid’s saving grace. This FIRM HOLD GEL also has a bonus of being made with aromatherapy ingredients. Both the stylist and client can enjoy the scents of tangerine, orange, and grapefruit. Apply this gel to wet or dry hair for clients to achieve a flawless look while enjoying these invigorating scents all day.

With a few braiding and product suggestions, we know our stylists are set up for success. Log in or register at Premier Beauty to shop all our products.