How to get wavy hair with braids

As I've mentioned before, I'm super lazy when it comes to doing my hair. So of course, I'm always down to try hacks, especially ones that help me get wavy hair overnight. One that I've been using since before I could even do my own hair (thanks, mom) is sleeping in a braid. I have naturally straight hair, so, because the grass is always greener, I've always coveted wavy and curly types. But now that I'm a little older and a little wiser than that six year old who went to bed with six braids for optimal crimpage, I realized that those other braids I sometimes wear (when I remember I should try doing something other than just air dry) can also be slept in to the same purpose. And because I was curious just how differently various braids would turn out, I put four to the test.

Before braiding each of these styles, I washed my hair and let it completely air-dry. Only prior to hopping into bed did I actually braid my hair to give each style the same eight hours to set. The next morning all I did was run my fingers through the braid to loosen up the waves. (Optional: set with hairspray.) And the best part is, even with the most time-consuming style, I still only spent about five minutes max consciously attending to my hair. So if you're feeling particularly lazy, you might want to try one (or more!) of these braids. Just keep in mind that even though there's no heat involved with these curls, constantly braiding hair (especially when wet) can cause damage. So make sure to give your hair a break every once in a while so it doesn't, well, break. Happy braiding!

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1. Fishtail Braid

The fishtail, although it takes longer than the other braids here to do, had beautiful results. This braid provided the exact wave effect I was searching for all those years sleeping in a traditional braid. It creates curves instead of dents, and even gives the hair a piece-y look that I rather enjoy.

Final verdict: This braid takes the longest to complete but will produce chic waves. Recommend.

2. Four-Strand Braid

I was pretty surprised by how poorly this one turned out. I sometimes think a regular three-strand braid can have an appearance that reads more crimped than waved, so I was hoping that by adding another strand to the mix, I could get more of a classic wave look. But because working with four strands means that one or two will usually run shorter than the others, so the braid cannot be as long as other types. And because the braid is only commenced at the nape of the neck rather than further up on the head, there is only a small section of waves between two otherwise straight sections of hair.

Final verdict: This braid takes longer to complete and is better for wearing as-is than sleeping in. Do not recommend.

3. Rope Braid

The rope braid somehow managed to turn out beachy waves. Where the fishtail produced uniform waves, this one produced a few different sized waves to make the hair appear to have more volume. And as far as time? The rope braid can be completed in about one minute.

Final verdict: This braid is quick and easy (with practice), and will produce beachy waves. Recommend.

4. French Braid

If I'm going to sleep in a traditional three-strand braid, I like to make it a French braid instead so the waves start further up than the nape of the neck. These waves come out more crimped than both the fishtail and rope braids, and are looser at the top and become tighter towards the bottom.

Final verdict: This braid is quick and easy (with practice), and will produce cute crimps. Recommend.

Images: Miki Hayes

How to get wavy hair with braids

I’ve been air-drying my hair my entire life, but it wasn’t until a few years ago that I made the decision to wear my hair this way almost 100% of the time (you can see my recent tutorial here). I save heat-styling for special occasions or for when I get my hair done. I prefer a messy, undone look. Plus, it’s super easy and quick, which is what I want in a hair routine.

For everyone, this routine will be tailored to your hair’s texture and style. I have naturally wavy hair, which makes this process pretty easy for me, but I do think that most people can achieve this look with a few tweaks that work for their particular hairstyle.

Even for me, air-drying hair can be very temperamental. One day it will look exactly how I want it; and the other it will look like a greasy, limp mess. We all have good and bad hair days, but what I like about this is it’s always with minimal effort.

How to get wavy hair with braids

The process will also differ depending on the style of wave you’re going for. In my past tutorials, I’ve aimed for a more surfer girl-style wave: a little gritty, frizzy and undone. This time, I am going for more of a fluffy wave (sounds scary, but I promise it’s not). I’ve noticed a trend of more natural, fluffy hair coming back over the past year or so. I’m totally down for it. I believe it embraces a more natural hairstyle that allows (at least for my hair) to require even less effort. Think of the women in the late ’70s and ’80s with their more coarse, fluffy waves. That’s what I’m going for, but in a modern, more relaxed style.

How to get wavy hair with braids

How To Get Soft, Post-Braid Waves

  1. After the shower, lightly towel-dry your hair. If you have a soft microfiber towel, that’s ideal.
  2. Brush your hair. In my previous air-dry routines, I don’t brush my hair at all. It takes away from my natural waves, but I’ve found for this style if I don’t brush it before braiding I end up with crumbs and crimps in the braid. This is by far my favorite brush. It’s expensive, but I’ve had it for years and it holds up amazingly.
  3. Spray hair with a leave-in conditioner. I like to spray a little on my hair pre-braid. It helps my curls and makes my hair feel soft. My current favorite is Sachajuan Leave-In Conditioner.
  4. Braid your hair. I’ve tried all kinds of braid for this. I started doing two French braids and liked the results, but I did find it was more temperamental. Sometimes my curls would be to tight and look crimped (although I do love crimped hair). I found that either two loose braids or simply one large, loose braid works best. I tend to do one most often since it’s so fast and easy. You can also rock some really cute braid styles while doing this, too. Sometimes, I just forget all about my waves and leave the braid in all day, which is a totally cute option! I love using bows, ribbons, stylish hair ties and hair clips for this.
  5. Leave braid in for 30 minutes to a couple hours. Depending on your hair type and how thick your hair is will determine the right amount of time for you. I have a lot of hair, but it’s fine. I’ve found that leaving my braids for about 45 minutes to an hour is ideal. I like to have my hair still be a bit wet when I take it out. If it’s too dry, it’s harder for me to style and I like to air-dry the wet parts. When I take out the braids, I will loosely tousle them around placing them where I would like them to fall. I then will add a bit of styling cream, wave spray and sometimes dry shampoo. This gives my hair more style and hold.

That’s it! It’s super easy and I’m usually really happy with it. Some routines call for sleeping with your braids. For me, I’ve found that it usually ends up looking really wacky when I do that. I’ve only had success a handful of times. So I prefer this method. It’s quick, easy and fun.

How to get wavy hair with braids

How to get wavy hair with braids

*images from collage all via Pinterest

You should also read 6 Brands That Are Shaping The World Of Inclusive Beauty, and These Are The Fall Beauty Must-Haves Our Team Can’t Live Without!

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How to get wavy hair with braids

Author: Taylor Sterling

Taylor Sterling is the founder and creative director of Glitter Guide. When she's not working on all things GG, she can be found reading and sometimes art directing photoshoots for @LolaJayne. She enjoys spending time with her family and eating french fries (not necessarily at the same time, although that's definitely the best combination). Follow her at @TaylorSterling

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How long does it take for hair to get wavy from braids?

Leave braid in for 30 minutes to a couple hours. Depending on your hair type and how thick your hair is will determine the right amount of time for you. I have a lot of hair, but it's fine. I've found that leaving my braids for about 45 minutes to an hour is ideal.