Finding trendy and flattering hairstyles to try can be a challenge with thinning tresses, as many looks can inadvertently emphasize hair loss patches or bald spots. With that said, we reached out to professional hair stylists and experts for tips regarding styling a braid, as inspired by Selena Gomez‘s slicked-back, elegant and chic one worn to a Rare Beauty event in New York last month.
Vogue deemed Gomez’s long style from expert Orlando Pita to be a “power braid,” as it epically highlighted her bone structure, cheekbones and stunning facial features. For anyone struggling with thinning, this is often the goal, as well as drawing attention away from certain areas of the hair.
Read on for suggestions and insight from Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, and Amr Salem, scalp micropigmentation specialist and hair expert at INKredible Scalp.
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Tips For Styling Thin Hair Into A Braid Like Gomez:
Tip 1: Use An Oil Or Serum To Slick Hair Back
After washing your hair and drying it with a micro-fiber towel, Udoh recommends using a natural oil or serum to slick back the front of your hair before creating the braid. “Try using a serum or oil before you style your hair,” she advises, recommending several options.
“Coconut oil is a natural ingredient that is excellent for taming frizz and keeping hair hydrated,” she notes, adding that argan oil is “another great option” for keeping hair moisturized and combating frizz. “Avocado oil is another fantastic choice for hydrating and nourishing the hair,” she continues.
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2. Create Your Braid At The Back Of Your Head
Making a braid at the back of your head, Abdullah says, can help hair look thicker and fuller. While Gomez went for a ponytail braid in this instance, Abdullah also recommends a Dutch one to hide thinning. If you have thinning at the crown, you can play around with the oil to hide bald spots and move your hair to make it look more balanced.
“If you like to wear your hair in a braid, but your hair is thinning, try switching it up to wearing a Dutch braid instead,” she advises. “You can position a Dutch braid anywhere on your head, on the side, the back or around the head in order to disguise thinning and it will make you look super trendy.”
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Benefits Of Braids For Thinning Hair
Ultimately, braids are a great way to style your hair “without the need for hot styling tools,” Salem points out, as they can also create waves when taken out. “They are also a great way to make your hair look thicker and fuller by creating natural volume for anyone with thinner hair,” he says.
“Braids are tight enough to keep the scalp dry,” he adds, which prevents the follicles from being damaged. “They will also help you avoid breakage and split ends.” Udoh agrees, and adds that if you’re going to be outside in humid weather, “braiding your hair” can also always help “keep it from frizzing.” Good to know!
