Ideas and Tips for Making Lemonade Braids with Hearts
The latest trend in braids is catching the eye and the hearts of women everywhere, combining the practical with the decorative in a new version of the ever-popular Lemonade braids.
Since Beyoncé popularized them in 2016 in the video for her hit song "Lemonade," Lemonade braids have been a go-to for stylish, easy-care hair. Every woman wanted to look like Queen Bey, but the style wasn't just gorgeous. It was long-lasting and practical.
The latest trend in Lemonade braids involves working a heart shape into the braids, adding a touch of romance to the look. We must admit that Lemonade braids with hearts are the perfect way to heat your cool.
The hairstyle Beyoncé flaunted on "Lemonade" was a derivation of traditional cornrows, ending in long braids. The difference was that Beyoncé's braids were side-swept, adding a flirty asymmetrical charm to the style.
What makes Lemonade braids so popular is that the style can be done with a woman's natural hair or woven-in extensions and, with proper care, can last up to four weeks. The style can go from casual to glam at the twist of a braid, and the variations depend on each person's imagination.
From your basic Lemonade Heart Braids, you can create a series of dazzling looks.
The versatile braids are popular with women and children, and even some men have surrendered to the practicality of Lemonade braids. To keep things exciting, stylists have been dreaming up ways to jazz up Lemonade braids, and the hottest current trend is known as Heart Braids.
What Are Heart Braids?
Lemonade Heart Braids are created by braiding the hair close to the scalp forming a heart shape. The cornrows created by the heart shape fall into braids that can be left to swing free or twisted into even more fanciful shapes.
Women need not restrict themselves to just one heart braid; several can be created in the same hairdo. Big or small, just one or half a dozen, it all depends on the creator's talent and imagination. The hair is the only limit. Of course, the more elaborate the style, the longer it takes to create.
Hairstylist Kiyah Wright calculates that Lemonade Heart Braids can take up to three hours to create or longer, depending on the complexity of the pattern. She explained:
“It depends on how many braids you get surrounding the heart pattern.”
Tips for Making Heart Lemonade Braids Look Absolutely Gorgeous
How good your braids will look will depend as much on how well-kept your hair is as on the talent of your stylist. Monique Williams has some
for getting those Lemonade Heart Braids you've been dreaming of.
1. Blow dry and untangle. Make sure your hair is smooth and tangle-free, but before you reach for the brush and blow-drier, make generous use of a good heat protectant. Nothing kills Lemonade braids like heat-fried frizz.
2. Start from the heart. Williams advises deciding on the placement and size of the heart first. This will direct the rest of the braiding and help you achieve the desired effect. She also recommends the use of a metal rat tail for precise partings.
3. Thread adds definition. Williams suggests using thread to secure the braids that cross over from the heart. This will give more definition to the shape and a neater finish.
Ideas for Braids with Hearts
Now that you have those Lemonade Heart Braids, make sure they last. Sleep with your hair covered with a silk scarf to prevent the braids from fuzzing up. Using a foaming mousse to smooth away frizz is excellent for maintenance.
From your basic Lemonade Heart Braids, you can create a series of dazzling looks; for example, sweep up the braids in an elegant top knot that shows off the hearts to perfection and is perfect for a sophisticated evening out.
For the more discreet, a double heart-shaped part adds style and texture to the Lemonade braids and leaves plenty of scope for creative hairdos. Those material girls out there might want to balance out the heart with a dollar sign for extra pizazz.
For those adventurous enough to try those Lemonade Heart Braids for yourself, there are plenty of tutorials on how to get that perfect look. All it takes is time, patience, and plenty of heart.