Braided Hairstyles for Medium Length Hair: 13+ Charming Ideas
Add a touch of magic to your medium-length hair with fishtail braids, waterfall braids, or a playful bun. Let these stylish hairstyles inspire you and discover how you can create them yourself.
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French Braid
Imagine you want to create a dreamy, girlish, yet sophisticated look for a special occasion or just because. The French braid is perfect for you! It is ideal for medium-length hair and is a timeless classic that combines charm and style. Afraid of complicated braiding techniques? No worries! With a bit of practice and the right tricks, you can easily braid this enchanting hairstyle yourself. The braid stays in place all day, making it perfect for longer events. For a French braid, first detangle your hair with a brush and use a tail comb and hair tie to brush it smoothly back. With some practice, this braid will become your secret hair styling trick, allowing you to shine on any occasion!
Waterfall Braid
Dive into the world of the waterfall braid, the perfect blend of elegance and casual chic for medium-length hair. This skillfully woven masterpiece combines the ease of loose hair with the sophistication of a braid. To begin, ensure silky smooth hair, ideally treated with a smoothing serum or brush, so the strands glide effortlessly through your fingers. A waterfall braid starts like a French braid, but here you let one strand fall to achieve the signature waterfall effect. You repeat this rhythmically along your head, always making sure to gently incorporate the new strands for a harmonious flow of your hair's beauty. Simple maneuvers create pure magic here – and the result? A look that makes hearts skip a beat.
Braided Bun
A braided bun is not only elegant but also super practical and a real eye-catcher! With shoulder-length hair, you can whip up this cool twist in no time. Start by giving your hair some grip with a bit of volumizing powder - this will give your hairstyle that special something later. Then braid two equal-sized braids and wrap them around a previously set hair tie to form a bun. Skillfully hide the ends with bobby pins. Voilà! Your braided bun is ready to master any occasion, from glamorous galas to the colorful hustle and bustle of Oktoberfest, with flying colors.
Tips for Preparing Your Hair for Braided Hairstyles
Let’s start with preparation, as a good foundation is essential for stunning braided hairstyles. To optimally prepare your medium-length hair for braiding, make sure it’s clean and free of product residue. A mild shampoo and a nourishing conditioner can work wonders, making your hair smooth and easy to comb.
Combing is another important step. Gently detangle your hair with a brush or a wide-tooth comb to remove any knots. If your hair is too slippery, which can make braiding difficult, apply a bit of dry shampoo at the roots for more texture and grip. If frizz is an issue for you, a touch of anti-frizz serum can help calm your hair and make it smoother.
Last but not least: practice, practice, practice! Braided hairstyles require patience and dexterity, so take your time to practice before the actual styling day.
No-Heat Braided Hairstyle Tutorials
For those who want to style their hair without heat, there are fantastic braided hairstyles that are easy to achieve and give your hair a break from styling tools. Air-Dried Beach Waves Braid: Wash your hair and let it air dry. When your hair is still slightly damp, loosely braid it into plaits (e.g., two side plaits). Let the braids dry and then undo them to get natural beach waves. Twisted Crown: Part your hair in the middle and tightly twist a section from each side of the head towards the back. Secure them at the back with bobby pins to create a 'Twisted Crown' look that uses no heat at all. Dutch Braid Bun: Start with a 'Dutch Braid' (reverse French braid) at the front hairline and braid towards the back. Once you reach the nape, tie the remaining hair into a ponytail and form a loose bun. Secure the bun with hairpins for an enchanting, heat-free updo look.
Care Tips for Braided Medium-Length Hair
After creating a beautiful braided hairstyle, it's important to care for your hair accordingly. First, try not to tie your braided hair too tightly to avoid hair breakage or tension on the scalp. Make sure to undo the braids in the evening to give your hair a break and not disturb its natural shape. For care, you can use light oils that you massage into the ends to protect them from drying out. It is also advisable to incorporate regular deep conditioning masks to ensure your hair gets enough moisture and nutrients and stays healthy and shiny. If you're using rubber bands, choose ones without a metal clasp to prevent hair breakage. When undoing the braided hairstyle, proceed gently and use a detangler spray to help ease out knots smoothly. Follow these tips, and you can enjoy healthy-looking, medium-length hair that looks stunning in any braided style!