Butterfly braids are such a cute hairtstyle with a distinctive airy and fluffy appearance. They are famous for their beautiful and intricate pattern, which mimics the butterfly pattern. If you are looking for a hairstyle that makes a bold statement, then you can try butterfly braids or consider installing butterly locs. I will cover what butterfly braids are, how many packs of hair you need for this hairstyle, how long they last, care tips, and popular styles that can inspire your next look.
What are Butterfly Braids?
Butterfly braids, as the name suggests, are an intricate protective hairstyle design that mimics the shape of the butterfly; the style appears like butterfly wings and has a flatter appearance. Butterfly braids are is great protective hairstyle because it sits loosely on the scalp, thus protecting your natural hair. Butterfly Braids are elegant, fun, and very cute.
How to do Butterfly Braids
Which Hairpiece is Best for Butterfly Braids?
Regular synthetic braiding extensions can work for butterfly braids. The secret in butterfly braids is not in the hair used but in the technique used in creating a butterfly effect. However, the choice of braiding hair all depends on the style that you want to achieve. For instance, human hair extensions can be used to achieve butterfly braids with curly ends.
If you want butterfly braids with curly ends, then you can use french curl braids.
How Many Packs of Hair do you Need for Butterfly Braids?
Depending on the style you want to achieve, whether cornrows, knotless, or box braids, you will need 4 to 8 packs of braiding hair extentions.
Supplies Needed for Butterfly Braids Styles
- 4 to 8 packs of Synthetic braiding hair or french curl braids (if you want the curly ends variation): Choose your preferred color and texture.
- Rat tail comb: For parting and sectioning hair.
- Edge control or styling gel: For achieving defined partitions and sleek edges.
- Hair clips or rubber bands: To secure hair ends (optional).
- Human hair curl extensions: for achieving boho butterfly braids (optional).
How to Do Butterfly Braids
Step 1: Start by deep conditioning, washing your hair, and blowdrying it.
Step 2: Section the hair using a rat tail comb into the number of sections you want. For instance, you can section the hair into four equal parts if you want four cornrows. Use styling gel to ensure you have well-defined partitions.
Step3: Start by doing the cornrows as you normally would until you are done braiding the entire head.
Step 4: This is the most exciting part because it entails creating the butterfly effect. To do so, pull the edges of the cornrows to create a voluminous and fuller appearance.
Step 5: Secure the ends -You can section the ends using hair braids or bands or braid them to the end and use hot water to prevent unravelling.
How Long do Butterfly Braids Last?
I’d be lying if I told you that butterfly braids last 8 weeks like other protective hairstyles, such as knotless or box braids. The truth is that butterfly braids have a shorter lifespan compared to other protective hairstyles. With proper care and maintenance, this hairstyle can last anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks.
Butterfly Braids Hairstyles
You can play around with various hairstyles, including Jumbo Butterfly Braids, Butterfly Braids with curly ends, and Colored Variations of the hairstyle.
Butterfly Braids with Curls
If you want an extra touch of glam, butterfly braids with curls will do it for you. This hairstyle incorporates loose curls to the braids.
You can also do butterfly braids with curly ends. You can curl the ends either using a curling iron (if you are using human hair extensions) or simply using Flexi rods and dipping the hair in hot water. Alternatively, you can use french curl braids.
Jumbo Butterfly Braids
I think this is the most ideal variation of butterfly braids. This is because the entire goal of butterfly braids is to create a voluminous butterfly effect. What better way to do so than by having large braids? If you want to make a bold statement, jumbo butterfly braids are the way to go.
Two Butterfly Braids Cornrows
This hairstyle is ideal for someone who wants a quick hairdo as you will spend fewer hours in the hair salon and it will also cost less.
4 Butterfly Cornrows
This is the most popular variation of this hairstyle. Not only is it appealing to the eye, but it is also easy to install and takes minimal time.
How to Maintain Butterfly Braids Hairstyles
1. Moisturize regularly: Ensure your scalp is always moisturized using light oils such as coconut oil that does not leave a residue. This will ensure that you prevent dryness and breakage caused by hair loss.
2. Always wear a satin or silk bonnet before you retire to bed.
3. Touch up often. If you notice any loose or frizz ends, you can touch up the hair to ensure it always remains neat.
Final Thoughts
All in all, butterfly braids are a versatile and stunning hairstyle that protects your natural hair and offers a wonderful option for a protextive hair. You can opt for jumbo butterfly braids or the classic butterfly braids with curly ends; the choice is all yours. This hairstyle can last between four to six weeks with proper maintenance.