How To Create a Halo Braid on Natural Hair
Just follow these five simple steps.
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Are you looking for a hairstyle that's easy to do, looks great on natural hair, and will be everywhere this summer? Say hello to the halo braid! At first glance, a halo braid may look difficult to achieve on natural hair, but Jada Jenkins, a Sam Villa ambassador, Mizani artist, and owner of L'amour de Rose Salon, explains that anyone can do it in just five simple steps. Read on to discover how to create your next go-to style.
Related: 8 Cornrow Styles for Anyone With Natural Hair
Get Your Halo Braid Supplies Ready
Before you get started on braiding your hair, you'll need to gather your supplies. You'll need:
Shampoo and conditioner
Leave-in conditioner
Rat tail comb
Wide-toothed comb
Edge control
Braiding hair (if you have short hair)
Hair bands
Bobby pins
Finishing spray
Step 1: Cleanse Your Hair
If there's one rule you need to follow about doing a halo braid, it's that your hair should be clean. Start off by cleansing your hair with a product like Mizani Moisture Fusion Gentle Clarifying Shampoo. “This step is important because you want to ensure the hair has no product build up,” says Jenkins. “You’ll be using an edge control to smooth your hair and most edge controls don’t do well when mixed with a bunch of other products.” Make sure to thoroughly massage the shampoo in the scalp to get rid of all build up and dirt.
Step 2: Hydrate and Condition
After you’ve cleansed your hair, follow with a conditioner of your choice. If your hair is super coarse or thick, you can follow a conditioner up with a deep conditioning treatment. While your hair is saturated with product, use your wide-toothed comb to detangle and distribute the conditioner to your ends and rinse clean. Next, apply a leave-in conditioner to the hair. This helps to detangle and protect the hair against heat.
Step 3: Blow Dry and Straighten
Blow dry your hair straight to help stretch it. “I like to use the Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer,” says Jenkins. “Depending on your hair texture, you can use a flat iron to lightly press the hair out. The higher the texture, the more reason to sleek it out.”
Step 4: Part and Braid
Part your hair at the crown of the head and comb it down with a tail comb. “Imagine placing a bowl on top of someone’s head and leaving the hair to hang out,” says the stylist. “This is a visual of how you should comb your hair down.” Apply Mizani Edge Taming Hair Gel around the hairline if needed or desired. This will help sleek down any stray hairs and give the braid a clean finish.
Next, slightly part the hair behind the right ear and begin to braid it in a circle to the left. “Picking up hair as you go along will allow the hair to be attached to the scalp. You can also add braiding hair while doing this process to make the braid fuller,” says Jenkins.
Step 5: Tuck in the Tail of the Halo Braid
Once you finish braiding your halo, tuck in the tail of the braid to hide it — this can be done with a hair pin. To finish, add embellishments like gold clips, or fun bobby pins and set the style with holding spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a halo braid?
As the name suggests, a halo braid consists of a single braid or multiple braids circling the head like a halo. It is different from a crown braid, which is when two braids circle the crown of the head instead of one like a halo braid.
How long can I wear a halo braid?
A halo braid is a great protective style that for natural hair that can last between seven to 10 days.
How long does your hair need to be to do a halo braid?
The great thing about a halo braid is that it can be done on all hair lengths. If your hair is on the shorter side, you can simply add extensions.
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