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Heart Braids are the Latest '90s Beauty Trend Making A Comeback

05/01/2022 - 10:50 PM

Have we stepped into a time machine? Because heart braids are making a resurgence [1] and we feel like we've been sent back a few decades. While we are fully on board with the fact that the '90s are back — we've seen it with the french roll [2], '90s tattoos, and mullet haircuts [3], after all — we still weren't expecting a style we got as children to now be considered high fashion.

Why have heart braids increased so much in popularity on our social media feeds? There may be an unexpected source that we can pinpoint. Not only is the style low maintenance and very easy to upkeep, but it's also become a fixture in pop culture . . . and his name is Drake.

"Drake has recently been getting a heart etched in his head by his barber," said Yasmine Brown [4], licensed cosmetologist and owner of Yas Hair Studio [5]. While Drake as a hair influencer was not on our 2022 bingo cards, with the way the last few years have been going, we've learned the phrase "anything is possible" has taken on new meaning.

If you're ready to try out the trend for yourself, Brown gave us some tips on what to know beforehand, how to choose the right hairstylist, and the proper take down in order to preserve the health of your hair. No musical talent required.

What to Consider Before Getting Heart Braids

When looking to get heart braids, though not imperative, Brown suggests finding a licensed braider to do the work. That way, you can rest assured that "they are familiar with natural and textured hair," Brown said. Braiders will also be versed in designer braids — aka braiding patterns that stray from normal straight back cornrows. The heart adds a more complicated element to the hairstyle, so the technique is really in the parting of the hair.

"Stylists should easily know how to follow the pattern of the heart with the braids, without complications'' said Brown, adding that when evaluating a client for heart braids, "I make sure their hair isn't thin or fragile." Though the style can be done on natural hair, it can also be a bit straining, so synthetic hair is sometimes added for the heart portion.

Before making an appointment, make sure your hair is at least four inches long, according to Brown.

How Long Do Heart Braids Last and Cost?

If you're looking to budget for the style, prices vary by location and stylist, but it can be an investment. Brown's version of the braids, for example, start at £100.

Plus, while heart braids are considered a protective style, you'll also want to consider the length of time they will last. "The longest I would suggest keeping this style in is four weeks," Brown said. If the heart braid is smaller and mixed with individual braids, though, she said you can stretch it longer to eight weeks.

How to Take Down Heart Braids

"Be gentle as there are turns and curves within the heart that make takedown a little more complicated," said Brown. "After taking out each braid you want to use a product to aid in detangling the hair."

Once all of the braids are out, proceed to wash your hair first using a clarifying shampoo, then a moisturising shampoo, and finally a moisturising conditioner.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/beauty/heart-braids-hairstyle-48670010