Braids come in all different shapes and sizes, from red-carpet glam to workout casual, but no matter how you style this versatile go-to, it can be a serious struggle to make it last. One shake of your head without any prior hair prepping, and your braid can go from fab to drab instantly. So, to help you with your braiding burdens, we’ve gathered together an array of products that will surely help your plaits reach their full potential.
Oscar Blandi Pronto Braid Paste
A great way help your braid thrive is by giving it a fuller appearance, and this paste does just that. It tames flyaways and defines your braid’s shape, making it pop. $25, ulta.com
Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un)Dressing Crème
All-natural looks are in, but sometimes, braids can be hard to naturally maintain without a little help. Luckily, Bumble and bumble made this gel-crème to give your hair some body without making it feel stiff, resulting in a stylishly messy look. $30, sephora.com
Redken Fashion Collection Braid Aid 03
Whether used on damp or dry hair, this lotion is designed to define. It enhances the natural texture of braids and twists, and even gives hair an easy grip for styling. $25, ulta.com
Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter
As a hydrator and holder, this butter will perfect your plait. It moisturizes your hair to give it a soft texture, yet it's firm enough to gently keep your braids in place. $18, sephora.com
L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Strand-Smoother Serum Spray
Sleek braids are constantly seen on runways, but now, you can easily style them on yourself. With the power of a serum and the convenience of a spray, this product provides all-day shine while eliminating frizz, leaving your braid smooth and glossy. $5, lorealparisussa.com
Pravana Nevo Model Behavior Styling Crème
Vegan and gluten-free, it’s no wonder this styling crème is so beneficial for your braid. It’s lightweight and defines hair shape, giving your braid’s texture a boost. $19, ulta.com
R+Co Mannequin Styling Paste
Struggling to find the line between purposefully messy and bedhead? This product is your guide! It gives your hair some hold, but keeps its body loose and bouncy—a foolproof recipe for a sexy, messy plait. $28, randco.com
Sachajuan Hair After the Sun
There’s no better time than summer to protect your hair from the heat! This leave-in styling lotion has hydrating properties and gives a light hold, making it an essential for beachside braiding. $32, beautybar.com
Better Braids Hair and Scalp Oil
By featuring olive, jojoba and other essential oils, this product blends some of our favorite ingredients to nourish even the driest of braids. It hydrates and strengthens your locks, promoting a pretty plait. $6, keystone-labs.com
TRESemmé Tres Two Freeze Hold Hair Spray
On your mark, get set, hold! With this hairspray, your tresses aren’t going to budge. It’s quick-drying and weather-resistant, perfect for freezing your braids in place all day. $5, drugstore.com
Ecru New York Silk Texturizing Balm
From layered locks to straighter strands, this texturizing balm is made for all hair types and textures. It’s lightweight and nourishing and will secure your braid in place without any added grease or stiffness. $33, beautybar.com
Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray
Oribe knows that a little texture in your braids can give them the makeover you’ve been looking for. This product works to bump up your hair’s body, as well as enhance its texture, resulting in luscious, voluminous plaits. $42, oribe.com
