7 Styles of Braids for Kids

Hey there, fabulous folks of the family clan and daring masters of hair fashion! Ever found yourself tangled up in the question, “How to navigate the maze of creating trendy yet manageable braids for kids?” If so, you’ve hitched your wagon to the right post.

As a hands-on dad and hairstyling enthusiast of my adorable daughters, I’ve battled my way through a whirlwind of knots, endured the occasional hair-pull-induced tears, and made my way through a minefield of various hair products. Believe me when I say, this journey has been twistier than the most elaborate braid you can imagine. But isn’t that the spice of parenting – a hearty dose of laughter, a sprinkle of challenge, and a bucketful of love?

In the cozy confines of our home, crafting braids for kids has evolved into something akin to an art form – a medium of self-expression, and, dare I say, a unique bonding ritual that involves equal parts patience and creativity. So, let’s unravel the instructions to some trendy braid styles that will undoubtedly make your little one the talk of the playground.

The “Braid”-sics

Before we navigate the twisty turns of braids for kids, let’s detangle the “braid”-sics. Why do I, an introverted dad armed with a comb and a love for creativity, vouch for braids for kids? Well, there are a handful of reasons:

• Versatility: One of the most captivating qualities of braids is their adaptability. From the schoolyard to a festive occasion, braids effortlessly ride the waves of various events. Want your kid to look sporty for the soccer game? A tight French braid it is. Aiming for a princess look for her birthday party? Crown braid coming right up. The options are as endless as your kiddo’s energy levels.

• Practicality: Ever faced the task of maintaining your child’s hair while they’re off exploring the wilderness of the backyard or getting lost in the world of make-believe? Believe me, it’s like wrestling with a giggly, squirming octopus. Braids to the rescue! They’re excellent at keeping hair tangle-free and out of their eyes, letting your kids be kids without any hair hindrance. When it comes to braiding supplies, I always keep the essentials on hand. A good detangling brush is crucial for smooth, knot-free braiding – I like using this Soft Bristle Detangler Brush from Lily England. It’s gentle yet thoroughly detangles my daughter’s thick hair.

• Creativity and Fun: Now, here’s where it gets exciting. Braiding is an art – a playground for your imagination. You’re not just managing your child’s hair; you’re creating. Each twist, each turn is a stroke of your masterpiece. And guess what? Your kid is your co-artist. It’s a team effort filled with laughter, occasional frowns of concentration, and a shared sense of accomplishment. When first learning braids, having a mannequin head to practice on is helpful. This adjustable Braiding Training Head lets you tweak it to your child’s size and comes with hair pre-attached to practice any braid. In all honesty though, I just practice on my kids.

• Bonding Time: In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often find ourselves chasing the clock. Amidst this rush, moments of calm togetherness can be rare. Braiding your child’s hair offers just that – a precious pocket of shared time. It’s you and your child, engaged in a routine task that’s transformed into a nurturing ritual. These moments are the threads that weave stronger connections.

So, why choose braids for kids? Because they’re more than just a hairstyle. They’re moments of shared laughter, expressions of creativity, symbols of practicality, and bonds woven with love.

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7 Brilliant Braids for Kids

Now that we’ve got a grasp on the ‘braid’-sics, it’s time for the real fun to begin. Buckle up, fellow dads and moms, as we hop on the braid train, where each stop unveils a new style for your kiddo’s beautiful locks.

Remember, we’re not just creating braids; we’re crafting stories, memories, and maybe a few hilarious hair disasters (because let’s face it, not every braid will be a Pinterest perfect masterpiece, and that’s okay!). And as we journey through these 7 braid styles, remember to embrace the joy, keep the creativity flowing, and maybe sneak in a few dad jokes along the way. So, comb in hand, let’s get braiding!

1. Classic French Braid

Ah, the trustworthy French braid. Here’s how to bring this classic to life:

• Start by gathering a big section of hair at the top center of the head. Divide this section into three equal strands.
• Begin a traditional braid. Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
• Now, start adding more hair into the braid. Each time you cross over, gather a small section of hair from the side you’re crossing and include it in your cross-over strand.
• Continue this process, keeping the braid tight, until you reach the nape of the neck.
• Finish off with a regular braid down to the end of the hair, and secure with a hair tie.

2. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail braid, as mystical as it sounds, is quite straightforward:

• Begin by dividing the hair into two large sections.
• Take a small piece of hair from the outside of one section, cross it over, and add it to the inside of the other section.
• Repeat the process on the other side.
• Continue this pattern all the way down the hair length.
• Finally, secure it with a hair tie, and voila! A mesmerizing fishtail braid.

3. Dutch Braids

Dutch braids, the ‘inside-out’ French braid, are created as follows:

• Start with a section at the top of the head, split into three equal parts.
• Rather than crossing strands over, cross them under the middle strand.
• As you cross, add more hair from the side you’re crossing.
• Continue the pattern till you reach the nape of the neck.
• End it with a traditional braid down to the hair tips, and secure it with a hair tie.

4. Crown Braid

Here’s how to make your little one feel like royalty with a crown braid:

• Start with a side parting.
• Begin a Dutch braid on the heavier side of the parting, braiding around the head.
• Continue adding hair to the braid until you reach the start point.
• Braid the remaining hair down to the end, wrap it around the head, and tuck it beneath the crown braid. Secure with hairpins.

5. Braided Ponytail

The braided ponytail, simple yet effective, is created this way:

• Begin with a high ponytail and secure it with a hair tie.
• Braid the ponytail in a traditional three-strand style, or for a twist, try a French or fishtail braid.
• Secure the braid at the end with a hair tie.

6. Box Braids

Box braids require a bit more time and expertise, but they’re worth it:

• Part the hair into square or triangular sections. The size of the sections will dictate the size of the braids.
• Take one section and split the hair into three strands.
• Braid the hair all the way down, and secure it with a hair tie.
• Repeat this process for all the sections until the entire head is braided.

7. Braided Updo

For a braided updo, here’s your game plan:

• Start with two Dutch braids on either side of the head.
• Once both braids are completed, secure the ends with hair ties.
• Roll the ends of the braids into buns, securing them with hairpins.
• And there you have it – a beautifully elegant braided updo!

The Tangled End of Our Braid Journey

There you have it, folks – a journey from the classic French braid to the regal braided updo. We’ve had our share of tangles, twists, and turns, yet here we are, better equipped and ready to take on the hairstyling world, one braid at a time.

Each braid has its charm, its magic. A hairstyle might seem trivial in the grand scheme of things, but in reality, it’s a means of self-expression, a mark of identity. And when we braid our kids’ hair, we’re not just making them look good; we’re also imparting a part of their personality, a sprinkle of their individuality.

Moreover, let’s not forget the significant fringe benefits that come along. Those quiet moments of concentration, the intermittent burst of giggles, the content smiles as they admire their reflections – these are the moments that matter. These are the moments when memories are woven into the threads of hair.

And hey, isn’t it kind of magical how a few simple strands of hair can intertwine to form something so beautiful and complex? Just like our lives as parents – woven from simple, everyday moments into a rich tapestry of shared memories and experiences. In the end, braids aren’t just about keeping hair out of our kids’ eyes; they’re also about seeing the beauty in small things, appreciating the complexity in simplicity, and, most importantly, celebrating the bond we share with our kids.

Now, it’s your turn to share. Which of these 7 braid styles are you most excited to try out with your little ones? How has your journey with braids for kids been so far? Remember, every hair journey is unique, and every step, no matter how small, counts. Let’s get this conversation started and keep the braid brigade going. After all, every day is a good hair day when you’re sharing it with your kids!

In the end, it’s not just about mastering braids for kids; it’s about embracing the joy, the challenges, and the rewarding journey of parenthood, one braid at a time. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and keep braiding, my fellow adventurers. The world of braids awaits you!

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