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These looks deserve all the trophies! 🏆🏆🏆

Here at The Braid Up, we’ve made it our mission to bring you *all* the trendiest and most creative protective styles. Whether you love Bantu knots or are into lovely butt-length braids, we’ve got a brilliant tutorial and set of hot tips for you. Basically, we’re versatile as hell. So in honor of all the stunning looks our stylists have pulled together on this show, I think it’s time we take a stroll down memory lane and highlight a few of the greatest hits. In 2021, stylists like Nastacia Crooks-Brady and the team at Magic Fingers Studio came through with quite a few timeless looks, so let me put them back on your radar.

Are you as in love with these looks as I am? Here are some universal tips to keep in mind if you want to try out any braided style.

1. Prep first. Properly preparing your natural hair for any protective style is a must. That means giving your hair a good wash, coating it in a heat protectant spray to prevent heat damage, and then blow-drying it section by section.

2. Snazz it up. If the style allows, add in some cute accessories! Beads, hair rings, or metal cuffs are such a fun (and easy!) way to add personality to your look.

3. Preserve your look. Style starting to look a little weary? Reach for some mousse spritz. If you apply a bit in your hair at night, you’ll have a totally refreshed look in the morning—trust.

4. Silk scarf = a must. When you go to tie down your hair at night, be sure to use a quality silk headscarf or bonnet. It’s the best way to protect your style while you snooze.

Hair: In collaboration with Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio Makeup: Ashley Johnson Videographer: Rob Mroczko Production Assistant: Jay Aguirre Director of Digital Series: Tara O’Connell