5 Braiding Tips From Jenny Strebe

Braid and upstyle expert Jenny Strebe, aka @theconfessionsofahairstylist, invited BTC to her Scottsdale, Ariz. studio to share her best braiding tips. From prepping the hair for an all-night style to getting dimension on dark hair, we’ve got it all—keep reading!

Products Used

Styling

OSiS+® Grip Mousse

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Hairsprays

OSiS+® Session Label Texture Hairspray

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Styling

OSiS+® Dust It

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Hair

OSiS+ Sparkler Shine Spray

Schwarzkopf Professional®

Prep the hair for a long-lasting braided updo.

A solid foundation is crucial for a look that lasts. Jenny recommends Schwarzkopf Professional® OSiS+® Grip Ultra Strong Extreme Hold Mousse, applied roots to ends and then blow-dried in with a round brush, to give tons of volume and texture. Then, she curls with a 1-inch iron. “Anytime you’re doing any type of braid, you need a wave or curl so strands don’t pop out of the braid,” Jenny said.

Keep the pattern of the braid in your head as you work.

Complicated braided updos can be intimidating, but Jenny has this tip: “Remember that even the most intricate braided looks are really just a series of puzzle pieces that build on each other,” she said. And as you braid, don’t be afraid to say the pattern outloud as you work to keep yourself on track.

Use a ruching technique to build texture fast.

We love this trick Jenny showed us that takes a simple rope braid and pumps it up, allowing for a textured base that can be worn long or pinned into a coveted chignon. Here’s how she does it:

• Create a rope braid.
• Tap some Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Dust It into the rope braid and use your hands to expand the braid a bit.
• Grab a few hairs at the tail of the rope braid, then ruche up with your fingers.
• Finish with Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Session Label® Texture Hairspray, which adds grit while remaining buildable.

Click through the slideshow below to watch Jenny’s technique!

Dimension on dark hair is challenging—here are Jenny’s solutions.

It is really difficult to see dimension in updos on solid, dark hair. Jenny advises brides to be open to adding some dimension, either with balayage or extensions, to get tonal definition. If the client isn’t down for that, use a lot of Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Sparkler Shine Spray so light reflects off the braids.

Add an unexpected detail.

Whether you’re creating a bridal style or just want a cool pic for your Insta, adding a ribbon is a cool way to take a braid from sweet to edgy. Click through the slideshow below to see how Jenny threads a ribbon for a finished look!