How-To: Festival Season Hair Braids

Festival hairstyles are a fabulous way to accessorize a festival outfit, but most importantly they are exceptionally comfortable when attending a music event. Braids are a fun way to play with colors, patterns and lengths that will make your client feel amazing when dancing all day. With festival season fast-approaching, we asked SUTRA BEAUTY Brand Ambassador Stefania Glamour (@stefaniaglamour) to share her favorite festival styles she’s created and process for bringing these fun, vibrant looks to life!

When braiding it is important to gather as much Information as you can during the consultation. This will allow you to prepare for a fun creative process and start off the process in a relaxed and fun environment. I always ask these five open ended questions:

1. How long is the festival?
2. What outfits are you considering?
3. Have you ever had your hair braided?
4. What is comfort level?
5. How long are you hoping for the braids to last? 

Asking these five questions will help you provide a customizable experience, and your client will be happy knowing their style will last through the festival.

What do you need?

• Clean work area
• Combs
• Clips
• Braiding gel
• Elastics
• Glitter
• Unicorn charms
• Colorful braiding hair

"I absolutely love @haileekayhair and @halfsweetstudios for my braiding hair," Glamour says. "Its stunning glittery colors are even better in the dark, so when the sun sets, the braids give an element of surprise with different lighting." 

1. Start with clean, detangled hair. You may need to add a small amount of gel to the scalp to give your hair some grip. Especially if it's very silky and tends to slip.
2. Begin mapping out your pattern. Whether two simple Dutch braids or a fish tail with added hair, you want to ensure you have enough hair to achieve the height and length of your style.
3. Anywhere from 2-4 packs of hair can be used for a fluffier, lengthier look. For example, If I’m working with someone who wants a medium sized braid, I’m going to prepare (5) 1” pieces and I’m adding each piece of braiding hair as I stitch back to back.
4. With the hair secured, work in clean organized sections. This will create essential symmetry and balance in your braids. 
5. I like to use shine and jam gel for braiders, specifically the red can. It gives me enough control at the base to add the braiding hair while I’m able to comb the product down and integrate new pieces.
6. When adding hair, anything above the crown will give the braid height compared to adding hair below the nape for a lengthier look. 
7. Now, here's where the Dutch braid technique comes in. As you continue braiding, each time you cross a section under the middle, pick up a small amount of hair from the side closest to your face (the side where your braid is originating) and add it to that section before crossing it under the middle.
8. Once you've incorporated all the hair from the sides into your braid, continue braiding normally without adding any more hair. Braid to the very end and secure the braid with an elastic.

"Feel free to customize the braid by adjusting the thickness of the sections you add in or by incorporating different braiding techniques," Glamour shares. "Have fun with it! Braiding is a versatile style, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. In the world of festivals, anything goes! Add as many colors and combinations that will comfortably last through an entire weekend of dancing fun!" 

For more festival braids from Stefania Glamour, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June digital magazine.