Beginners Guide to Lemonade Braids

lemonade braid diy

A flexible, fashionable, and simple hairdo is the lemonade braid. Whatever name you choose, these braids—also referred to as Beyonce braids, side-swept box braids, and lemonade feed-in braids—are sure to draw attention. We’ll talk about the history of the lemonade braid and how to do it yourself in this article. To keep the style for several weeks at a time, we’ll also discuss how to care for these braids. You’ll have all the knowledge required to make your very own lovely lemonade braids.

What are Lemonade Braids?

Lemonade braids
Instagram / @braids_by_erica

Lemonade braids are a type of cornrow braid that originated in Africa. The hairstyle is created by braiding hair to one side in a spiral pattern, creating a unique and attractive look. Girls and women of all ages love lemonade braids, sometimes referred to as side braids. On each side of the head, they have a row of brief, tidy braids. The braids are normally three to five inches long, and sometimes small covert rubber bands are used to hold them in place.

The popularity of lemonade braids has grown over the years, with celebrities and influencers sporting the look on red carpets and on social media. The style is versatile, as it can be dressed up or down, and can be worn for weeks with proper maintenance. 

The lemonade braid trend continues to be popular today and is a staple in African-American hair culture. Lemonade braids are a quick and fashionable way to keep your hair out of your face and a terrific way to give your outfit a distinctive flair. They are ideal for wearing on a casual day out or to the beach or the gym. If you want to keep your hair out of the weather, they can serve as a protective style.

Lemonade braids are wonderful since they are simple to make and flatter all hair types. They can be carried out with extensions, synthetic or human hair, or even both. You can experiment with various colors and hairstyles to get one-of-a-kind looks.

Lemonade braids are perfect for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish hairstyle that looks good on any occasion. 

How to do lemonade braids

Lemonade braids are a type of hairstyle that is inspired by the iconic look of Beyonce at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. If you’re curious about how to achieve this look, here’s an overview of the steps you’ll need to take.

Before creating any braided hairstyle, it is essential to wash your hair with a moisturizing or sulfate-free shampoo that contains kinder surfactants. Next, use a hydrating conditioner before continuing with the rest of your hair care regimen. Beyond the beauty of a hairstyle, you should have a great awareness of hair protection.

First, you’ll need to section off the hair into four equal parts. Start by creating a horizontal part at the nape of the neck and then create a vertical one that starts in the middle of your forehead and goes all the way down to the back of your neck.

Using a rat-tailed comb, create a curved part of your preferred hair size at the back section and start braiding, using a French braid technique–divide the front part of your hair into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section.

Pick up a small section of hair from the right side and add it to the right section before crossing it over the middle section. Repeat the same process on the left side, adding hair from the left side to the left section before crossing it over to the middle section.

Continue braiding, adding small sections of hair to each side and crossing them over the middle section.

For feed-in lemonade braids, attach the braiding hair extensions in small pieces intermittently as you braid to the end of one section of your hair. Repeat on each section of your hair. Braid each section in the same direction, working from one side of your head to the other. You can braid each section tightly or loosely, depending on your preference.

Repeat the braiding process until all of your hair has been braided. You can braid your hair in a straight line, or you can alternate braids from one side to the other to create a lemonade braid pattern.

The lemonade braids style can be customized to fit any hair length or texture. Whether you have long or short hair, straight or curly, you can create this look with some patience and practice. For those with longer hair, using extensions can create a fuller look and make the braids easier to manage.

However, Lemonade braids can take several hours to complete, so be prepared for a time commitment. Also, braids can put stress on the hair and scalp, so be sure to keep them moisturized and take breaks from braiding as needed.

How long does It take to Install Lemonade Braids?

Lemonade braids
Instagram / @hawlee_creation

The length and thickness of the hair, the size of the braids, and the level of experience of the braider are some of the variables that affect how long it takes to install lemonade braids. The installation procedure can take anywhere from 3-6 hours on average, or even longer

Additionally, if you opt for a more intricate design, such as multiple braids in a variety of sizes, the installation process may take even longer. It’s best to consult with your braider and set aside a full day for the installation process to ensure that the braids are properly installed and that you have enough time to relax and take care of yourself during the process.

Prepping for lemonade braids

Before going to the stylist for lemonade braids, it is important to properly prepare your hair. To start, wash and condition your hair, making sure it is free of any product build-up or excess oils. After washing, let your hair air dry or blow dry it to remove any remaining moisture. Next, comb through your hair to remove any tangles and knots. If your hair is naturally curly, you may want to straighten it to make it easier for the stylist to braid. Finally, it is recommended to wear your hair in its natural state, without any braids or extensions, to the appointment. This will ensure that the stylist has a clear view of your hair and can properly assess its length, thickness, and texture.

You also need to purchase the hair ahead of your appointment with a stylist. For feed-in lemonade braids, you’ll require three to six packs of braiding hair extensions, depending on the size and length of your braids. However, it’s preferable to speak with your stylist in advance about this before making a purchase. For the installation of lemonade braids, take into account the reasonably priced braided hair extensions from Kanekalon and Xpression hair.

How to maintain lemonade braids 

  • Moisturize regularly: Lemonade braids require regular moisturizing to maintain their shine and luster. Use a light oil, such as coconut oil, to moisturize the braids and prevent them from drying out. Massaging the oils to your scalp promotes healthy hair growth as it facilities the circulation of blood to the hair follicles.
  • Avoid harsh products: Avoid using harsh shampoos and conditioners on your lemonade braids as they can cause damage to the hair. Instead, opt for gentle, sulfate-free products.
  • Protect the braids while sleeping: When sleeping, wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf to prevent tangling and damage to the hair.
  • Avoid excessive pulling: Avoid excessive pulling or tugging on your lemonade braids, as this can cause breakage and damage.
  • Touch-ups: You may need to have touch-ups done every 4-6 weeks to maintain the shape of the braids and prevent any unraveling.
  • Use a satin pillowcase: A satin pillowcase will prevent friction between your hair and the pillowcase, reducing the chances of tangling and damage.
  • Regular maintenance: Regularly check for loose braids and any unraveling, and have them tightened as needed. This will help keep your lemonade braids looking neat and tidy.

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