Outside of being an iconic hairstyle, there are practical and hair healthy reasons why a side braid is a go-to winter hairstyle for medium and long hair lengths.
If you’re looking to change it up for a bit, want a hairstyle that is low maintenance and holds comfy, and can be a good choice if your hair frizzes or breaks more in the winter, a side braid is for you.
5. It Works Under a Beanie Hat and Doesn’t Get Tousled
If you’re heading to dinner, a party, or to ski, a side braid keeps your hair in place and lets you wear a beanie cap without having to adjust or fix your hair once you take it off. The side braid keeps your hair in place so you can relax and enjoy the winter activities, and it looks great with winter hats.
4. Reduced Knots and Tangles for Hair That is Prone to Breakage
When your hair is kept in a braid it is held in place preventing it from getting knots and tangles. By not having to brush or comb these out, you can let your strands relax vs. adding friction when you remove them.
The added friction can cause extra breakage. If your hair becomes brittle and dries out more often in winter from a dry scalp, that’s one extra reason to brush less often.
3. It’s Fast and Fashion Forward
If you’re in a rush to get to school, a holiday party, or work, a side braid only takes a minute. The style is casual enough for class, bold enough for brunching, and professional for the workplace. Side braids can be styled up and made sleek, or have accents like hair pins and scrunchies for pops of fabric and color.
2. Reduced Damage While Sleeping
If you toss and turn at night, wearing your hair in a braid can help reduce it from additional friction and pulling. Switching to a silk pillowcase and using silk scrunchies may also help with protecting your hair.
1. Create Loose Heatless Waves to Avoid Heated Tools
Heated tools and winter go hand-in-hand. From blow drying your hair before you go into the cold to bouncy curls for winter holidays.
You don’t have to sacrifice waves because your hair is a little dryer than normal. A braid can create loose waves without heat. Try symmetric side braids for this one vs. a single side braid.
- Dampen your hair
- Run a mousse through it with your fingers
- Braid your hair and let it hold for at least 8 hours
- Release the braid and carefully shape the waves with your fingers
- Spritz the waves with a hairspray to help them keep their shape