Butterfly braids have taken the hairstyling world by storm, becoming one of the most sought-after protective styles. Known for their unique appeal that mimics the butterfly's wings and slightly messy look, butterfly braids blend the structure of traditional braids with a carefree, bohemian vibe. This style is perfect for anyone looking to make a bold fashion statement while keeping their hair protected and healthy.
In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about butterfly braids, from understanding what they are and their benefits, to a step-by-step guide on how to create them. We’ll also provide 34 butterfly braids hairstyles for inspiration and tips to ensure your butterfly braids look flawless and last longer.
What Are Butterfly Braids?
Butterfly braids are a distinctive and stylish protective hairstyle in which the braid is loosened and puffed up to mimic a butterfly's wings. They are characterized by a slightly messy, textured appearance, which gives the braids a "butterfly" effect as if the braids are gently fluttering or have wings.
Key Characteristics of Butterfly Braids
- Volume and Texture: Unlike traditional box braids or cornrows, butterfly braids are created with a loose grip, allowing for more volume and a slightly undone look. This creates a textured appearance that adds dimension to the hairstyle.
- Messy Finish: The braids are intentionally styled to appear somewhat imperfect or messy, giving them a natural and carefree look. This effect is achieved by pulling out small sections of hair from the braids to create a fluffy, wing-like effect.
- Protective Style: Like other braiding styles, butterfly braids protect natural hair by tucking it away and reducing manipulation, which helps to prevent breakage and promote hair growth.
- Low Maintenance: Once installed, butterfly braids require minimal daily upkeep, making them a convenient option for those with busy lifestyles.
How To Make Butterfly Braids?
Creating butterfly braids involves a few simple steps and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this beautiful style.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Butterfly Braids
Step 1: Preparation:
Start with clean, detangled hair. Wash and condition your hair to ensure it’s free of any product buildup. Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light oil to keep the hair moisturized and manageable.
Separate your braiding hair into small sections and set them near your hands for easy access during the braiding process.
Step 2: Sectioning:
Similar to the traditional box braid technique, divide your hair into sections (box parts or triangle parts are both suitable) with a rat-tail comb, based on the desired size of the braids. Butterfly braids can be created with either thick or thin sections, depending on the look you want to achieve. Optionally, apply edge control or Shine 'n Jam to the edges to ensure clean parts.
Step 3: Braiding:
Start with a section at the back of your neck. Take a small section of braiding hair, fold it in the middle, and wrap it around your natural hair bulk, blending it with your natural hair. Begin to braid, making 2-3 passes before pulling out small pieces of hair from the braids to create a textured, fluffy look, mimicking the appearance of a butterfly's wing. Repeat this process, pulling out hair evenly and ensuring the braid is tight and clean. Continue braiding each section, maintaining a balance between a voluminous effect and ensuring the braids are secure enough not to unravel.
Step 4: Securing the Ends:
Once you reach the end of each braid, secure it with a small elastic band.
Step 5: Styling:
After all the braids are complete, you can style them in various ways. You might choose to gather them into a high bun, leave them down, or create a half-up, half-down style. Add accessories like beads, shells, or colorful strings for extra flair.
Tips for Achieving the Best Results
- Use Quality Hair Extensions: Invest in high-quality hair extensions to ensure your braids look their best and last longer.
- Moisturize Before You Braid: Keep your hair and scalp moisturized before the braiding process to ensure a cleaner, neater look.
- Evenly Braid: Pull out small pieces of hair every 2-3 passes while braiding to mimic the appearance of a butterfly's wing, staggering them left and right.
- Maintain a Tight Braid: Ensure a slightly undone look while keeping the braids tight enough to prevent unraveling, ensuring they last longer.
By following these steps and tips, you can create stunning butterfly braids that are sure to turn heads and elevate your overall look.
34 Butterfly Braids Hairstyles To Elevate Your Charm
1. Classic Butterfly Braids
This timeless style combines elements of box braids and butterfly wings with a unique, lovely twist. Classic butterfly braids offer a textured look, adding a carefree flair to the look.
2. Butterfly Locs
Butterfly locs combine the textured look of butterfly wings with the structure and longevity of locs. These braids are slightly distressed to create a natural, lived-in look that is both stylish and low-maintenance.
3. Butterfly Braided Ponytail
Gather all your hair into a high ponytail for a sleek and stylish look. Braid the ponytail into the three-strand braid, slightly pull out the braids, loosen the braid, to mimic the appearance of butterfly's wing. This hairstyle is versatile and works well for both everyday wear and special events.
4. Butterfly Braids with Face-Framing Braids
Leave two smaller braids loose in front of the face to soften the overall look. These face-framing braids add a delicate and feminine touch, enhancing the overall charm of the hairstyle.
5. Straight Back Chunky Butterfly Braids
Create large, chunky butterfly braids styled straight back from the hairline. This bold and eye-catching hairstyle provides a clean, sleek look with plenty of volume and texture.
6. Half-Up Bun, Half-Down Butterfly Braids
Combine the elegance of a bun with the casual feel of carefree butterfly braids, Achieve this style by sectioning your butterfly braids horizontally, pulling the top half into a bun, and leaving the rest down. This style is perfect for showcasing the texture of butterfly braids while keeping hair out of your face.
7. Extra Long Butterfly Locs
Long, flowing butterfly locs that extend past the butt. This dramatic hairstyle showcases the intricate butterfly braid technique and adds a statement-making touch to your look.
8. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Braids
A practical yet stylish length that falls just below the shoulders. This manageable length is perfect for those who want the look of butterfly braids without the extra weight.
9. Butterfly Braids High Ponytail
A high ponytail made with butterfly braids creates a chic and polished look that lifts the face. This style is ideal for both active and elegant settings.
10. Purple Butterfly Braids
Incorporate vibrant purple extensions into your butterfly braids for a fun and adventurous hairstyle. The bold color adds a unique and eye-catching element to the classic braids.
11. Butterfly Dutch Braids
Combine the volume of Dutch braids with the elegance of butterfly braids. This style creates a raised, three-dimensional effect. With cuff accessories adorned, adding a tribal vibe to the whole look, ideal for those who desire a voluminous and vintage look.
12. Mohawk Butterfly Braid with Cornrows
Create a bold mohawk look by combining cornrows on the sides with voluminous butterfly braids in the center. This edgy style is perfect for making a strong fashion statement.
13. Butterfly Braids with Shells
Accessorize your butterfly braids with decorative shells for a beachy, bohemian vibe. This adds a touch of nature and cultural heritage to your hairstyle.
14. Contrast-toned Jumbo Butterfly Braids
Use extensions in contrasting colors: pink and black, to create a striking and dynamic jumbo hairstyle. This two-tone look adds depth and visual interest to your butterfly braids.
15. Ginger Butterfly Braids
Opt for warm, ginger-colored extensions to add a touch of autumnal charm to your look. This rich color is perfect for adding warmth and vibrancy to your hairstyle.
16. Butterfly Stitch Braids
Incorporate the neatness of stitch braids with the voluminous texture of two large butterfly braid pigtails. This style features sleek slide-down baby hair with the signature butterfly braid texture into two pigtails, resulting in a playful and cute look
17. Side-Part Butterfly Braids
Part your long butterfly braids to the side for a modern and stylish asymmetrical look. A side part is great for those with square and diamond-shaped faces, softening the face angle and features. This style adds a touch of sophistication and elegance to your appearance.
18. Blonde Butterfly Locs
Lighten up your look with blonde butterfly locs that add brightness and a sunny feel to your hairstyle. This color is perfect for summer or for brightening up your overall look, ideal for those who desire to make a statement with their hair.
19. Chocolate Brown Butterfly Braids
Classic chocolate brown extensions give a rich, natural look that complements any skin tone. This timeless color adds depth and sophistication to your butterfly braids.
20. Jumbo Butterfly Braids
Go big with jumbo-sized butterfly braids that are sure to turn heads. These large braids create a bold and dramatic look that is perfect for making a statement.
21. Honey Blonde Loose Butterfly Braids
Loose, airy braids in honey blonde create a soft and ethereal appearance. The combination of large braids and loose curly hair around the face, add a carefree touch to the look. This style is perfect for those who want a lighter, more romantic look.
22. Two-toned large Butterfly Braids
Use two different colors of extensions: black and blonde, to create a beautiful, highlight effect in your butterfly braids. This style adds a unique touch to your hairstyle, enhanced by the bright blonde hair shade and large braids, which sure to turn heads.
23. Blue Butterfly Braids Space Buns
Add a playful touch with blue butterfly braids styled into large space buns. This fun and youthful look is perfect for festivals and other occasions if you want to stand out.
24. Ombre Brown Butterfly Braids Bob
A short and chic bob with an ombre effect, transitioning from dark to light brown. This stylish look is perfect for those who want to add a subtle pop of color to a practical and trendy hairstyle.
25. Burgundy Jumbo Butterfly Braids
Deep, rich burgundy extensions add a luxurious and bold touch to your jumbo butterfly braids. This combination of striking color and large braid is perfect for making a statement.
26. Side-Swept Butterfly Braids with Decorations
Sweep your butterfly braids to one side and adorn them with beads or cuffs for a personalized touch, adding a tribal vibe to the look. This elegant style is perfect for special occasions, such as weddings, parties, etc
27. Butterfly Braids with Highlights
Add eye-catching ginger highlights to your butterfly braids for a multi-dimensional and sun-kissed look. This style is perfect for adding depth and brightness to your braids.
28. Peekaboo Butterfly Braids
Incorporate hidden streaks of green braids under the natural black butterfly braids for a surprise pop of vibrancy. This fun and playful style is perfect for those who want to experiment with color.
29. Butterfly Locs with Strings
Wrap colorful strings around your butterfly locs for an added element of fun and creativity. This chic style is perfect for festivals and artistic events.
30. Butterfly Braids Space Buns
Create a playful and youthful look by styling your butterfly braids into high space buns. The middle-length design makes it a low-maintenance and practical hairstyle. This fun and energetic style is perfect for casual outings and parties.
31. Shoulder-Length Butterfly Locs with Blonde Highlights
Shoulder-length locs with blonde highlights add a fresh and practical touch to your hairstyle. This style is perfect for adding brightness and dimension to your look.
32. Passion Red Butterfly Locs
Vibrant red extensions add a fiery and passionate touch to your butterfly locs. This bold color is perfect for making a strong and confident statement. And the short length also enhances the practicality of the look, making it ideal for those who desire a low-maintain hairstyle.
33. Pastel Blue Butterfly Braids
Soft pastel blue extensions create a dreamy and whimsical appearance in your butterfly braids. This light and airy style is perfect for those who love pastel colors and want to stand out from the crowd.
34. Large Butterfly Braids with Butterfly Adornments
Enhance the classic butterfly braids with butterfly adornments for a playful touch. This style adds a cultural and decorative element to your butterfly braids.
By exploring these diverse and beautiful styles, you can find the perfect butterfly braid look to elevate your charm and express your individuality.
Tips For Butterfly Braids Maintenance
Tip 1: Moisturize Regularly
Keep your scalp and braids moisturized by applying a light leave-in conditioner or braid spray. This helps to prevent dryness and flakiness while maintaining the shine and flexibility of your braids.
Tip 2: Clean Your Scalp
Gently clean your scalp every 1-2 weeks using a diluted shampoo or a dry shampoo specifically designed for braids. Use a spray bottle to apply the shampoo mixture directly to your scalp, then gently massage and rinse thoroughly. Avoid getting the braids too wet to prevent frizz.
Tip 3: Protect Your Braids at Night
Wear a silk or satin bonnet or scarf to bed to protect your braids from friction and prevent them from drying out. You can also use a silk or satin pillowcase for added protection.
Tip 4: Avoid Heavy Products
Refrain from using heavy oils, creams, or gels on your braids, as these can cause buildup and make your braids look greasy and weighed down. Stick to light, water-based products to keep your braids looking fresh.
Tip 5: Reapply Edge Control as Needed
Use a light edge control gel to keep your edges smooth and neat. Reapply as needed to maintain a polished look, but avoid overusing to prevent buildup.
Tip 6: Minimize Frizz
To keep frizz at bay, avoid excessive manipulation of your braids. If you notice any stray hairs, gently tuck them back into the braid using a small amount of gel or mousse.
Tip 7: Refresh Your Braids
Every few weeks, refresh your braids by redoing the edges and any braids that have become loose or frizzy. This helps to extend the lifespan of your butterfly braids and keeps them looking neat.
Tip 8: Protect Your Braids from Water
If you plan to swim or expose your braids to water, wear a swim cap to protect them from chlorine or saltwater, which can cause dryness and frizz. After swimming, rinse your braids with clean water and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Tip 9: Style with Care
When styling your butterfly braids, avoid using excessive tension or tight hairstyles that can cause breakage and damage to your natural hair. Opt for looser styles that are gentle on your scalp.
Tip 10: Monitor Your Scalp Health
Pay attention to your scalp health and address any issues such as itching, dryness, or irritation promptly. Use soothing scalp treatments or consult a professional if needed.
By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your butterfly braids looking fresh and beautiful for an extended period, ensuring that you enjoy this stylish and unique hairstyle to its fullest.
Conclusion
Butterfly braids are a versatile, protective hairstyle that offers endless possibilities for creativity and self-expression.
We encourage you to explore and experiment with different butterfly braid styles to find the perfect look that elevates your charm and highlights your individuality. With so many options available, there's a butterfly braid style for everyone.
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Visit mybraidedwig.com today to explore our collection and find the perfect braided wig to enhance your style. Embrace the beauty and versatility of butterfly braids and experience the luxury of our premium quality braided wigs.
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