Butterfly Braids

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to share my journey with butterfly braids – this style has become my absolute favorite, and I get so many compliments every time I wear them! If you've been wondering, 'what are butterfly braids?' or how to get that gorgeous, intricate look, you've come to the right place. They're essentially a stunning variation of cornrows, styled up from the scalp to create a puffed-up, 'butterfly wing' effect. I especially love the look of two thick, dark butterfly braids styled on the scalp – it’s such a bold and beautiful statement. When I first started, I was definitely a beginner, but with a little practice, anyone can learn how to do butterfly braids! I'm going to walk you through my personal process for achieving beautiful 2 butterfly braids. First, let's talk about prep. You'll need some braiding hair (Kanekalon or similar works great for long butterfly braids), a rat-tail comb, hair clips, and some edge control or braiding gel. I always start by washing and thoroughly detangling my hair, then sectioning it neatly. For two butterfly braids, I create a clean middle part from my forehead all the way to the nape of my neck. Then, I clip one side out of the way. Now for the fun part: the braiding! This is where the 'feed-in' technique comes in, especially for 2 feed in butterfly braids. Start your cornrow base: On one side, take a small section of hair at your hairline. Begin a regular cornrow, braiding it tightly to your scalp. Create the 'butterfly' effect: As you braid, you’ll pull out small loops of hair from the sides of your cornrow. Think of it like gently tugging on the edges of each braid segment to loosen it and create that fluffy, wing-like appearance. This is how you achieve that beautiful intricate braiding pattern. Feed-in technique: As you continue braiding down, add small sections of the extension hair into your natural hair. The trick is to only feed in hair to the middle strand of your three-strand braid, not the outer ones, to maintain that neat cornrow base while allowing the 'butterfly' loops to form. Keep feeding in hair until you reach your desired thickness and length. For my thick, dark butterfly braids, I usually feed in quite a bit! Repeat on the other side: Once one braid is done, secure the end with a small elastic. Then, repeat the entire process for the second braid, making sure to keep them symmetrical. A little tip for beginners: don't be afraid to experiment with how much you pull out for the 'butterfly' effect. It takes a few tries to get it just right, but that's part of the fun! If you want to add some extra flair, you can easily incorporate butterfly braids with beads at the ends – I often do this for a more playful look. Many people ask about the difference between butterfly cornrows and other styles. The main distinction is that unique, pulled-out texture that gives them their name, contrasting with the smooth, flat appearance of traditional cornrows. While this article focuses on the two braids, the technique can be adapted for more intricate designs. These braids aren't just beautiful; they're also a great protective style! I find they last a good two to three weeks with proper care. To maintain them, I usually spray them with a light moisturizer and tie them down with a silk scarf at night. I hope my personal guide inspires you to try out these stunning butterfly braids! They're truly a show-stopper and so worth the effort. Let me know if you try them!