STYLE

Braiding can be tough—seriously! Your arms get tired, you inevitably lose strands along the way and there's *no* way you can see the back of your head without a mirror—and that's just a normal braid. There's also toughies like Dutch braids, French braids, fishtail braids...this list could go on.

Iris Araújo, Instagram beauty guru shows us that braiding can be easy—you just have to change your perspective on braids. After watching her viral braiding vid (below!), we had a sudden "ah, ha!" moment. Who would've thought of braiding your hair in front of your face and then flipping it over your head?! Iris, apparently. The braid is super easy and quick, just the way we like our beauty routines. 

It takes more than just skill to make a precise plait, though. You'll need to use the right products, too, to ensure your braid will look bomb all day long. Check out our faves below.

Oyin Handmade’s Burnt Sugar Pomade, $13.99

Any long lasting look starts with a good primer—even a hairstyle. Applying this waxy pomade before starting gives your braid grip and a gorg shine. To boot: It smells absolutely amazing, too!

Bumble and Bumble Bb-Texture Hair (un)Dressing Crème, $31.00

This will be your perfect excuse to make a trip to Sephora—but not for makeup. Natural looking braids are definitely goals, but they can be hard to maintain without a little help. This crème will give your hair some volume and texture without getting that glued-together feeling. Instead, you'll be left with a stylish, messy look.

TRESemmé Tres Two Freeze Hold Hair Spray, $5.99

Hairspray obviously does wonders, but this quick-drying, water resistant product freezes your braids in place all day. It’s humidity resistant and keeps your frizz from getting all over the place, too!

Smith’s Rosebud Salve, $6.00

Who would've thought that an everyday lip product could work miracles to your hair? Any lip salve will work, but we absolutely *love* this tried and true brand. When baby hairs or frizz crop up, smooth them over with a touch of this on your fingers. 

Cantu Tea Tree & Jojoba Hair & Scalp Oil, $5.49

Protect your roots with this fab local drugstore find. Hair oil comes in clutch when we want braids to shine, but putting this on your scalp will really do the trick. It locks in moisture and will give your hair elasticity if your braid is just a bit too tight.

Every braid needs the perf products to stay put. What are some of your go-to hair products? Let us know in the comments below!

Photo credit: Trend Style, Amazon

by Yasmeena Fakhouri | 11/1/2016