Faux Braid Hairstyles For The Girl Who Can’t Braid
These faux braid hairstyles are cute and simple for beginner braiders and avid hairstylists. If you want to have Instagram-worthy hairstyles but have no idea where to start, we are here to help! Braiding your own hair can be a workout by itself, but these hairstyles put an end to tired shoulders and fingers. These faux braids only take a few minutes and create an effortlessly trendy look.
1. Supplies
Before we look at these hairstyles, we have to gather a few supplies. You will need hair ties, mini rubber bands, a few bobby pins, a comb, and (depending on the cleanliness of your hair) a can of dry shampoo. You may also want a flat iron or curling wand to add a few loose curls or tame your unruly locks. Now you’re ready to show off your braiding skills!
2. Rope Braid
This faux braid hairstyle is perfect for the days between washes. By puffing up the strands of the braid, you can create the illusion of clean, voluminous hair. If you do this braid with damp hair before bed, you can wake up to effortless, heatless curls!
Start by spraying your roots with dry shampoo to help the strands of your braid lock into each other. Brush through your hair with a comb and part it down the middle. Grab an approximately 1-inch thick piece of hair at your scalp, divide the section into two parts, and twist the front piece over the top of the back piece. Add another small section of hair into the back piece, and continue twisting and adding in hair until you have reached the nape of your neck. Once all the hair is added into a braid, take the two pieces, twist them in the same direction, and place the front piece over the back piece. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your hair, and secure your braid with a mini rubber band.
3. Faux Fishtail
The beautiful thing about this braid is that it can be worn in a variety of ways! You can wear it as pigtail braids, a single braid, or as a way to spice up a ponytail. For this faux braid hairstyle, you will need several mini rubber bands. Make sure the rubber bands match the color of your hair so that they blend in!
Gather up the hair at the base of your neck and secure it with an elastic. Wrap another elastic band around your hair about an inch below the first one. Make a hole in the hair between the two elastics, and flip the hair below the second elastic into the hole. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your hair. Gently loosen the braid so that the elastics are covered. You just created a beautiful fishtail braid in half the time it would take for the real thing!
4. Bubble Braids
Not only do these braids have a fun name, but they also add a creative flair to any outfit. You can go for a slicked-back, professional-looking ponytail, or a casual, lazy day look with these braids. Try wearing them under a beanie or hat if you are styling dirty hair!
For pigtail braids, part your hair down the middle and make two side ponytails. Use mini elastics that match the color of your hair. Continue adding elastics about an inch apart from each other (depending on the length of your hair). When you reach the end, pull each section of the braid until you reach the desired amount of volume. Use these same steps to create a ponytail or half-up hairstyle. Pop a hat on your head, and you’re set for the day!
5. Crown Twist
This faux braid hairstyle is perfect for busy mornings and second-day curls. It is also a trendy style for boho-themed weddings! All you need is a stretchy headband and some dry shampoo. If you do it on wet hair, this hairstyle also doubles as a heatless solution to curls!
Place the headband around your head and position it in the middle of your forehead. Pick up a 1-inch thick section of hair and wrap it around the headband. Add another chunk of hair and continue adding and wrapping your hair around the headband until you reach the middle of your head. When you reach the middle, stop and repeat this process on the other side of your head. If you have short hair, you might want to wrap all your hair up in the headband. For long hair, you can wrap it all up, or choose a half-up hairstyle to show off your loose curls.
6. Putting It All Together
The beautiful thing about these faux braid hairstyles is that they can be worn in a variety of ways! You can choose to wear them as pigtail braids, a single braid, or a half-up style! Use the same steps detailed in the braid descriptions to alter the hairstyles based on what you need.
You can also combine the different types of braids to create a totally unique look. The bubble braid and faux fishtail braid are a great combination. You can also braid mini sections of hair before creating the crown twist for an even more boho look. We recommend playing around with all of these hairstyles to discover which ones fit your personality the best!
For further inspiration, search Pinterest or YouTube for short video tutorials. Happy braiding!
7. Mastery
Once you have mastered the faux braids, try learning the three-strand braid! This braid is a simple step up from the hairstyles we have mentioned. We recommend starting with a side braid so that you can see what your fingers are doing.
Start by separating your hair into three sections. Cross the right section over the middle section, and add it to your opposite hand. Now that strand is your middle strand! Cross the left strand over the new middle section, and add it to your other hand. Repeat that process all the way to the end of your hair. Once you have mastered all these braids, you will be wowing your friends with your hairstyling talent!
