As someone who's been braiding her hair since childhood, I'm thrilled to see this iconic protective style become uber-trendy again. Criss-cross braids, in particular, are having a major moment right now. With their cool, geometric pattern and endless styling possibilities, it's easy to see why.
As a braid connoisseur, I'm going to walk you through everything you need to know to rock criss-cross braids like a pro. Get ready to cross over to this hot braiding trend!
Before you can get crisscrossing, you need to make sure your hair length and texture are suitable for the style. Criss-cross braids require shoulder-length or longer hair. Anything shorter won't give you enough length to create the woven effect.
When it comes to texture, criss-cross braids work best on type 3 and 4 hair. These coil-centric textures really show off the interlaced pattern. Type 1 and 2 strands tend to be too smooth and slippery to hold the crisscrossed shape.
If your hair is shorter or straighter, no worries! You can easily fake the look with braided wigs and extensions. I'll get into that later. For now, let's assume you have long, textured natural hair as an ideal canvas.
Sectioning is key for any intricate braided style. For criss-cross braids, you want to start by dividing your hair cleanly down the middle from forehead to nape. Then, use clips to section each side into triangular quadrants.
I like to do a curved side part rather than a straight back section. This gives me an angled quadrant in the front and a boxier one toward the back. Feel free to customize your sections based on your hair's shape and volume distribution.
Once your main quadrants are mapped out, it's time to make subsections for braiding. You want small, horizontal sections about 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This allows the crisscrossed shape to show clearly. Take your time with clean sections—it makes all the difference!
Now for the fun part: picking your criss-cross pattern! There are a few common techniques:
The Straight Across: As the name suggests, this method involves braiding straight across your quadrants from side to side. It creates a clean geometric effect. I like to alternate starting on the right and left sides with each new row.
The Diagonal: The diagonal pattern is similar, except you braid corner to corner rather than straight across. This gives a more dynamic, zigzagging look.
The Checkerboard: For a basketweave effect, try the checkerboard. Braid one row straight across, and then go diagonal for the next row. Repeat the pattern throughout.
The Brick Layer: This aptly named technique stacks each row offset like bricks on a wall. It results in a cool herringbone effect.
Feel free to switch up patterns and directions as you braid! The great thing about criss-cross braids is you can be creative and make them your own.
Executing a flawless crisscross requires meticulous braiding skills. As you start each braid, divide the subsection into three even strands.
The outer strand on each side should come from the section next to it, crossing diagonally inward. Anchor it by braiding it into the middle strand for about 2 inches before crossing and incorporating more hair.
Whenever you cross the outer strands, make sure to crisscross them very tightly. Leave absolutely no gap or looseness, which can cause braids to unravel. Tightness is key!
Take care to keep your braiding tension even, neither too loose nor too tight. Uneven braiding can lead to bumps and rippling in the pattern. Let those strands seamlessly intersect!
The fun doesn't stop once your crisscrossed braids are in! Now it's time for styling. Whether dressed up or down, criss cross braids are incredibly versatile:
- For a sleek look, use gel to slick your edges and wrap hair around the perimeter of your braids. - Loosen up the roots and add volume with your fingers for a fuller, tousled shape. - Frame your face with a few strategically curled tendrils using flexi rods or braid-out techniques. - For an edgy style, create a faux undercut by pinning up one side of your braids. - Accessorize with gold cuffs, hair jewelry and hair pins scattered throughout your braids. - Wrap braids into a topknot or cascading ponytail for an on-trend updo. The options are endless!
The only downside to intricate braided styles like criss-cross braids? Maintenance. Protecting your edges and moisturizing braids is a must to avoid damage and keep hair looking fresh. Here are my top tips:
- Tie your hair down with a silk scarf at night. This prevents friction that can thin fragile edges. - Lightly spritz braids with a leave-in conditioner and water mix every few days. - Avoid over-manipulating and redoing braids. Stick it out for 4-6 weeks at a time. - Take braids down carefully using detangling spray and working slowly from the ends up. - Give your hair a break between braided styles to recover. Trimming split ends helps too.
If your hair isn't quite right for criss-cross braids or you want to give your natural hair a break, braided wigs are an awesome hack! High-quality synthetic and human hair wigs come pre-braided into beautiful criss-cross patterns minus the maintenance.
Look for lace front wigs with adjustable straps or combs for a secure fit. Make sure to lightly customize the parting and baby hairs along the hairline to look more natural. Then, style the braids just as you would your own hair. Voila, instant criss-cross braids!
Wigging it allows you to switch up lengths, colors and patterns anytime. No need to stick with one look for weeks. Just make sure to care for your wig by gently brushing, washing and air drying it after wears.
As you can see, criss cross braids are definitely having a moment. But this iconic braided style is more than just a fleeting trend—it's a classic technique that allows for creativity and versatility.
Now that you know how to section, pattern, braid and style crisscrossed braids on your own natural hair or with extensions, you can cross over and rock them like a pro!
Don't be intimidated to try this technical style at home. Take it slow, use the right products and techniques, and remember—practice makes progress. The more you braid, the better you'll get.
Soon enough, you'll be crisscrossing those strands seamlessly. Get ready to turn heads with beautiful geometric braids! Whether worn for a special occasion or everyday style, criss-cross braids are guaranteed to make a statement and show off your inner braiding artist.
If intricate criss-cross braids seem too high-maintenance for your lifestyle, consider trying beautiful butterfly locs instead. This braided style creates a whimsical, wing-like effect by looping and twisting synthetic hair extensions into cascading plaits. Long butterfly locs deliver major boho vibes with less styling time required. You can achieve a similar crisscrossed look with the artistic flair of fluttering braids.
I'm always on the hunt for haircare solutions that make my morning routine quicker and easier. I love switching up my look with trendy braided styles, but I don't always have the time or skill to sit through lengthy salon appointments. That's why I was so excited when I stumbled upon FANCIVIVI's collection of ready-to-wear braided wigs. As soon as I explored their website, I could tell this brand understood my haircare needs. Being able to throw on one of their knotless braided wigs lets me change up my look in minutes! And I love that FANCIVIVI celebrates black beauty and culture through their inclusive range of braided wig styles.
