Make sure you have braids when life offers you lemons. Lemonade braids, also known as side braids, have long been popular in several cultures. However, in the film clip for her 2016 smash hit album Lemonade, Beyoncé rocked the cornrow hairdo in a huge way, bringing them back in a big way. This is where braids got their new moniker, as well as their new prominence as one of the most popular hairstyles. So, to assist you in announcing that you’re the Beyonce of the group, we’ve compiled a list of the greatest lemonade braids you should try.
Lemonade album is a visual masterpiece steeped in feminism, a celebration of Black women and African history, themes emphasized by Beyoncé’s magnificent hairstyles, particularly her waist-length braids. Kim Kimble, her longtime hairstylist, says “The entire video is a tribute to women’s culture.” In videos like “Formation” and “Sorry, I’m Sorry,” “Throughout her many scenes, Beyoncé can be seen wearing up to three different styles. Kimble explains to Elle, “We planned the hair for the entire production, not just for her,” she explained. “Every song had its own source of inspiration.”
Beyonce Lemonade Braids
Queen B wears incredibly long little lemonade braids with bits of gold throughout her locks, which are possibly the most iconic braids of all time.
Classic Lemonade Braids
It’s great to have some fun with your lemonade braids, but the traditional style is unbeatable. Traditional cornrows with lengthy locks brushed to one side are featured in these mini braids. This understated look won’t go out of style and will last season after season.
Pulled Back
This sultry pulled-back look is a wonderful way to draw attention to your best features. Pull your braids backwards instead of sweeping them to one side. Allow your hair to naturally fall down your back.
Small Lemonade Braids
These little lemonade braids are the prettiest summer trend whether you have thin hair or just want a more delicate look.
The Topknot
On hot days, a topknot is an easy and cute way to keep your hair out of your face. Leave a strand in front of your face and a few in back, then twist the remainder of your braids into a bun on top of your head. Use bobby pins to secure any stray strands.
Lemonade Braids to the Side
Lemonade braids are usually worn on one side. However, you have complete control over how far they are braided. The hair is braided completely to the opposite side of the head, with a gorgeous geometric patterned portion in the middle.
Center Part
Although lemonade braids are generally swept to one side, they can also be worn with a centre part. This style is ideal for women with round faces because it elongates the features and creates symmetry.
Medium Lemonade Braids
This look is perfect for those who have thin hair and want to make it look thicker. Add hair extensions to your hair to make it look fuller and more beautiful.
Jumbo Triangle Part
This edgy style is about as far from traditional as lemonade braids get. If you want to stand out, definitely give this triangle part with jumbo braids a try.
Jumbo Lemonade Braids
Your thick mane will be protected and tamed with jumbo lemonade braids. For girls with thick, curly hair, this statement-making style is a dream come true, keeping your locks in check while looking beautiful.
Big Lemonade Braids
If gigantic braids aren’t your thing but you still want to make a statement, try these large braids. They’re big enough to be noticeable but little enough to blend in. This is the ideal in-between and feminine look.
Large Lemonade Braids
Large lemonade braids with super-long locks are a great option. To soften the look, apply a styling product to the baby hairs around the face and shape the curls.
Lemonade Braids With Beads
Add a few beads to the ends of your braids for a boho look. Beads come in a variety of styles, from frilly to punk, boho to simple, so there’s something for everyone. Whatever design you want, make sure you select a size that will fit comfortably over your tresses.
Long Lemonade Braids
The length of lemonade braids is well-known. But don’t worry if you don’t have naturally long hair; you can always fake it. You may effortlessly add any weave or hair extensions into your lemonade braids.
Pink Lemonade Braids
On a hot summer day, this hot pink is more pleasant than a drink of pink lemonade. This cool colour can brighten up your style just in time for the warmer months.
Blonde Lemonade Braids
Lemonade braids with blonde hair go together like a dream. Braids protect the hair and help to recover the colour of bleached locks.
Ponytail Lemonade Braids
Make a high ponytail with your hair, leaving a small bit out. Wrap this part around your ponytail’s base and bobby pin it in place. To achieve this stylish laid-back appearance, leave a couple of your locks out around your face.
Half up Half Down
Lemonade braids can be styled half up, half down for a cute and easy change of pace. Simply pull the top half of your hair into a bun while leaving the braids on the bottom.
Lemonade Braids With Wraps
Add a few wraps to your lemonade braids to make them more interesting. You may play around with various designs and thicknesses. This outfit is ideal for festival season.
Swirl Lemonade Braids
This hypnotising swirl pattern will liven up your section. This is a terrific alternative to classic cornrows that is suitable for both children and adults. You can also wear this swirly look at a festival.
Zig Zag Lemonade Braids
You can go with a traditional cornrow style or have some fun with the hair parting. If you’re looking for a thrill, try this enthralling zig-zag section.
Two-Tone Lemonade Braids
Add a few highlights to your tresses to give them a new lease on life. Adding a few blonde strands to your lemonade braids will create a lovely contrast.
Lemonade Braids With Color
Can’t decide on a single color? Instead, attempt this unicorn-inspired style. Summer hair fantasies are built of these rainbow braids.
Nicki Minaj Lemonade Braids
Nicki Minaj is also responsible for the resurgence of lemonade braids. In a 2018 film promo for MotorSport, the rap singer had these fairy floss floor-length locks. If you want to copy her look, you’ll probably need a few addons.
Burgundy Lemonade Braids
This deep burgundy colour will give your boho aesthetic a boost. Add extensions in this colour for a bold look that will turn heads.
The Story Behind Beyoncé’s Lemonade Braids
Beyoncé enlisted the help of her longtime hairstylist, Kim Kimble, to create the visual album’s magnetic looks for Lemonade. “It was intentional to show off natural texture,” Kimble told the Cut. “It wasn’t about humidity or managing difficulty, but about historical time periods.”
“Braids are popular in this section.” Nefertiti, Egyptian culture, and royalty inspired this look. Braids are stacked on top of each other to form a crown. A woman’s crown is her hair. When it comes to music, business, being a woman, and being a mother, Beyoncé is royalty. She is the cream of the crop.” “This look highlights cornrows that have been braided back.” She began wearing cornrows years ago, and it was a popular style for a time.”
“As you can see from the video, the texture is very important right now.” We hadn’t done a lot of textured styles before and wanted to do more of them. The video has a lot of texture, from the woman in the background to her dancers — it’s all about celebrating texture. The entire video is a tribute to women’s culture.”
“Women of color did not press and relax their hair back in the day.” The hair reflects the passage of time. The inspiration came from the time period. It’s very antebellum and vintage, and you can see it in the clothing as well.”
FAQs
How long do lemonade braids take?
Lemonade braids can take anywhere from three to six hours to make. This is determined by the size of the braid and the length of your hair. Working with hair down to your waist may take a little longer to complete because the tips of the hair become quite fine.
Why are lemonade braids called lemonade braids?
Lemonade braids are named after Beyonce’s “Lemonade album,” in which she wore a side cornrow style frequently. They’re like a braid “combo-deal.” You’ve got a little cornrow, a little Fulani style, a little Goddess braids, and a lot of laid edges and feed-ins.
How many packs of hair do you need for lemonade braids?
You will need five to six-packs of hair to complete the lemonade braids look.
How do you freshen up lemonade braids?
Your lemonade braids can be washed in the shower. Use a clarifying shampoo that has been diluted with water and massaged into your scalp. Then, in the shower, rinse it out, allowing the shampoo to flow through to the ends. Apply the same technique to your conditioner. After your hair has air-dried, check to see if everything is neat and sleek. Begin by massaging a hair and scalp treatment into your scalp in between your braids.
Then, smooth down any flyaways with a moisturizing mousse and set it with a low heat blow dryer. After that, lay your edges with a styling gel and a toothbrush before finishing with an all-over shine spray. When you’re finished, you’ll look like you just stepped out of a salon.
Prep Your Hair
You’ll want to do some deep conditioning a day or two before this style to get the most out of it and protect your hair. Cleanse and purify your scalp with an apple cider vinegar rinse (she’ll become your best friend after the installation), a deep conditioning masque, and nourishing oil for hair and scalp.
Pro Tip: If you have sensitive skin or simply want to avoid itchy synthetic hair, soak it in an apple cider vinegar rinse (warm water and ACV) until a white film forms, then dump the water, rinse the hair, and let it air dry.
Moisturize Your Cornrows and Scalp
To keep your braids shiny and your scalp healthy, apply light butter or oil.
Pro Tip: Do you have an itchy scalp between washes? Before going to bed, spritz your scalp with witch hazel and water mixed with essential oil.
Stretch Your Hair
This will depend on what your stylist recommends based on your curl pattern, but most of the time you’ll want to make sure your coils are elongated after your hair has been thoroughly washed and moisturized. To stretch your curls, either pull your hair back in a bun or use a blow dryer on a low setting.
Get Creative
Now comes the exciting part. Don’t limit yourself to the basics when it comes to cornrow patterns and styles. We all adored Beyonce’s Lemonade Braids, so why not try a chunkier version?
What you Shouldn’t Do for your Lemonade Braids?
Don’t Forget the Night Scarf
Tie-down the edges with a silk or satin scarf to protect your scalp. If you have long braids, tuck them beneath a silk bonnet. Get a satin pillowcase to protect your braids as well.
Don’t Use Too Much Product on Your Edges
To reduce frizz, you should limit the number of times you wash your braids. Use a very small amount of product to lay down your edges (if that’s your thing).
Don’t Apply Heat
Most synthetic hair will not tolerate heat, so plan on letting your cornrows air dry.
Don’t Do Back to Back Cornrow/Braided Styles
Even though cornrows are a protective style, you should let your hair breathe and relax before braiding it back up.
As you can see, there are a plethora of options available for those looking to change up their cornrow style. Grab your favorite deep conditioner and prep any synthetic hair with ACV before going to your stylist or attempting a DIY. After you’re finished, make sure to tie up your edges and use as few styling products as possible to prevent buildup. Whatever style you choose, remember that with a little planning ahead of time and proper aftercare, you can keep your cornrows looking fresh and frizz-free for weeks.
How much do lemonade braids cost?
According to Ms. Hair and Humor, the length and thickness of the braids, as well as the skill and location of your stylist, can vary. The price ranges from $160 to more than $600, with long braids with less thickness being the most expensive.
Did Beyonce invent lemonade braids?
Lemonade braids are named after Beyonce’s iconic 2016 visual album Lemonade. This is the hairstyle Queen Bey wore in the film clips, which resurrected a trend. However, the braids themselves have been around for a long time and were previously referred to as side braids.
Who did Beyonce’s lemonade braids?
Designed by Kim Kimble, they are very long braids with a deep side part that makes them cascade over one shoulder.
What color are Beyonce lemonade braids?
Beyonce’s, braids have been dubbed pink lemonade braids.
What are lemonade braids really called?
Braids (also known as plaits) are a type of complex hairstyle that is created by interlacing three or more strands of hair. Braiding has been used for thousands of years in various cultures around the world to style and ornament human and animal hair.
How long will Lemonade braids last?
Lemonade braids are long side-swept cornrows that usually fall past your chest or waist. They’re low-maintenance, last a long time (usually up to 4 weeks), and can be done with either your natural hair or extensions.
Are lemonade braids bad for your hair?
Even though lemonade braids are considered a protective style, they can cause damage to your hair. If the braids are too loose, they will easily fall apart, but if they are too tight, you will be reaching for pain relievers to alleviate a throbbing headache.
Why are braids put in hot water?
The hot water is what holds those ends together. It melts the hair together, and the hot water is what seals the ends. In the end, some people like to use a small slip knot.
How to Maintain lemonade braids?
Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!
Even if your natural hair is in braids, you should keep it moisturized and healthy. You have a few options for moisturizing your braids to keep them looking neat and shiny. On wash days, you can opt for a hot oil treatment by gently massaging your scalp with the oil of your choice (we love olive or jojoba or a blend of many oils together). During the week, braid sprays are an excellent alternative for on-the-go moisture. Braid sprays, which are made with hydrating oils and conditioners, add lightweight moisture and shine to your braids.
Wash Day
To remove product buildup, wash your braids every three weeks (though you’ll need to wash them sooner and more frequently if you get them wet at the beach or pool). This will not only cleanse your scalp but will also remove any excess weight from products and dust on your strands.
Avoid Over-styling
One of the most appealing aspects of braids is their ability to be styled in an infinite number of ways. While it may be tempting to always pull your braids into a high ponytail or a stunning top knot, the end results are not worth the effort. Constant wear and tear can easily result in looser braids and a shorter takeout time. This stress can also harm your natural hair, causing shedding and hair loss if you pull too hard. While there’s nothing wrong with doing these styles every now and then, it’s best to keep your styles understated the majority of the time.
Practice Proper Night Care
Wrap your braids in a silk scarf or a bonnet before going to bed. This can help to reduce friction while sleeping, preserve your braids, and combat frizz. If bonnets and scarves aren’t your things, you can achieve the same effect with a silk or satin pillowcase.
Do a Braid Touch-Up
If everything else fails and your box braids become fuzzier than you’d like before the eight weeks are up, you can always get a hairline touch-up. Because most people only see the perimeter of your braids, having your hairline re-braided is a quick and easy way to achieve a salon-fresh look in record time.
Know when it’s time to take them out
You must remember that no matter how many tips and tricks you use to keep your braids looking good, they are not meant to last forever. These tips are intended to help your braids look their best for the first eight weeks, but after that, it’s best to remove them to give your hair a break from the extra weight (fragile strands, over time, can easily snap under all that pressure). Remember to let your natural hair breathe for one to two weeks before your next braid fix.
