Holiday Braiding Tips & Techniques

It is holiday hair season and we are HERE for it. Upgrade your client’s cut and color with a dope braided look to take her through December parties (and to have her prebooking ASAP). We are serving serious braid inspo from braid expert and BTC Team Member @antestradahair, aka Phoenix-based Antonio Estrada—keep reading for his braid ideas and braid tips!

Products Used

Styling

OSiS+® SESSION LABEL® MIRACLE 15

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Hairsprays

OSiS+® SESSION LABEL® Smooth Strong Hairspray

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Styling

OSiS+® Dust It

Schwarzkopf Professional®

1. Prep Hair For Lasting Braids

Prep hair for styling with Antonio’s flat iron curling technique. While curls cool, apply with Schwarzkopf Professional® OSiS+® SESSION LABEL® Miracle 15 for shine before brushing through the curls. “Pro tip: If the hair already has texture, add shine. If the hair is soft, add texture,” Antonio says.

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2. Learn The On-The-Scalp Infinity Braid

On-the-scalp infinity braids are a serious statement. Watch Antonio’s technique below and remember his pro tip: “Add hair to the weaving strand and push the weaving strand up after each rotation. This keeps the braid bold.”

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A post shared by ANTONIO ESTRADA (@antestradahair)

3. Keep Braid Strands Smooth And Frizz-Free

No matter how many strands in your braid, achieve a smooth end result with Antonio’s trick: Spray each section OSiS+® SESSION LABEL® Smooth Strong Hairspray. It’s fast-drying and moldable to keep braids sleek without crunch.

4. Learn How To Zipper Braid

Experiment with new braids—you get to practice on clients and they get to look like total babes, it’s a win-win. Try this zipper braid. Antonio’s pro tip: “At first it seems like nothing. Keep going, it gets good.”

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A post shared by ANTONIO ESTRADA (@antestradahair)

5. Try A Snatched Ponytail + Braids

Voluminous snatched ponies are EVERYTHING this season, plus they’re a quick style you’re your client will love. Braid sections of your choosing, then get sky-high texture with OSiS+® Dust It Mattifying Volume Powder.

6. Create Braids For Boho Clients Too

For clients who are more romantic than edgy, go for a boho look with an off-the-scalp infinity braid. Shake some OSiS+® Dust It at the crown for volume and hold, or use it to bulk up braids. “If the hair is fine or soft, DUST IT,” Antonio says. 

Now Click Here For Short-Hair Styling Tips!