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When you see these DRAMATIC & SEXY lemonade braids you're going to feel like getting your own and pulling the MoroccanOil treatment oil for braiding out (if you don't already have yours installed).
I searched the internet for the best-looking Black braided hairstyles. Everything, from long to medium length lemonade braid hairstyles that will give you an idea of how great Black women look while rocking these hot-as-fire styles!
Today, African braid styles are as popular as ever as a natural hair protective style.
So listen...
You'll see gorgeous women protecting their kinky-textured hair wearing these chic-looking side braid patterns from the east-to-west coast.
And even those who never care about protective styles like to wear these because they aren't your run-of-the-mill box braid style. So let's talk about what makes these different...
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Many women wonder what's the difference between lemonade braids and other braiding styles? What are lemonade braids? The answer is simple:
Lemonade braids are a type of side braids used to style Black women's hair, named for the ones Beyoncé wore in her 2016 visual album, Lemonade. Lemonade braids are typically styled to one side. However, how far over they are braided is up to you.
Lemonade braids are unique because they are created using a unique side-braiding technique that looks very chic and sexy.
[RELATED ARTICLE: See more Black natural hairstyles!]
Contrary to popular belief, Lemonade braids don't have to be tinted or dyed blonde or any other hair color. You also don't want to wear them too tightly if you'd rather take advantage of the new growth that looser protective styles give you.
Wearing any braid style too tightly could lead to traction alopecia and your edges getting tore-up-from-the-floor up. Enough talk though, let's see some Lemonade braids!
Some think Lemonade braids are the same as Poetic Justice braids, wrooooong!
This cute style by Silverhair Salon And Spa has it's own unique "pizazz" and can serve as as that protective hairstyle that you never want to let go.
But, when the new hair growth kicks in you'll be forced to pull all of that gorgeousness down until your next installation.
You gotta love the flair on this young sista's loose-ended Lemonade braids.
These kinky-curly loose braids ends are poppin and proof that you can put your own twist on this Beyonce look and slay it your own way with Lemonade braids with curls at the end...
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I'm Melissa Harris
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Do you see how much Lemonade braid styles bring out the SHEER BEAUTY in naturalistas? Go on ahead and fix your face to tell me that this natural braid hairstyle isn't hotter than fish grease! Don't lie to me girl!!
Just so you know.... There are jumbo styles, skinny styles, medium styles, lemonade braids with curls at the end, styles with heart braided in and more.
You choices are limitless and you (or your stylist) can really use your imagination to get this style representing who you are.
If you know of any great African braiding salons that can do these different installation technique and give sistas a different look, email NHP with the name and contact info of these Black hairstylist so that we can promote them.
It feels good, when you KNOW you look stunningly beautiful....
This queen is regally basking in her own beauty.
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People often wonder if Lemonade braid hairstyles can be undone.... The answer is yes, Lemonade braids are not intended to be a permanent braid hairstyle, they can be removed with a little bit of work.
According to some leading Lemonade braids specialists, Lemonade braids are one of the most requested protective hairstyles since Queen-Bey rocked them. Braiders are staying busy doing Lemonade braid installments.
Getting Lemonade braids in various colors is also very popular and trendy.
For those who like to add some color or tint to protective styles you can add some flair by doing that or you can add a heart design on the short side like on these cute Lemonade braids.
I love the long Lemonade braids styles and those black and brownish-blonde ombre highlight look hotter than a blowtorch...
I love this photo, because it shows how this protective style can put baby hair slicked-down edges on full display.
This image shows off her defined gelled down edges and it's picture perfect, as long as those edges hold in place she's looking ready to step onto the scene of her own Lemonade music video.
I can feel the vibes of these think semi-jumbo Lemonade braids....
Sis is looking finer than chilled wine in the summertime!
This medium Lemonade braid style is extremely neat, her lashes are poppin', earrings are blinging and absolutely nothing is out of place, gotta love the Black. Girl. Magic...
Below is a back view of her medium Lemonade braids hairstyle...
Her stylist is the bomb, the rows are so uniform! So attractive!
These Lemonade braids are very tightly-bunched and don't show much of the scalp like most do.
A nice alternative look if you want to change-up from the more spread out view...
Sometime you just have to let em' know that the crown is firmly fixed and all is good in the kingdom.
Check out these silver-toned Lemonade braids....
LOVE IT!
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She knows she's fine. Livin that Lemonade braids life!
And these next young sistas are rockin' their Lemonade braids like a BOSS! Check the kids out below...
These lemonaid braids below are some of my favorites, the only problem with many braid sets are that they seem very tight.
You have to be careful about that...
If her whole look doesn't scream "TOO CUTE", I don't know what queen means. The edges are set on slick and the fabulous Lemonade braids are fresh.
Sis looks a little cold on her bomber jacket though... Oh, what we'll suffer through for cute photos, LOL!
Get in the car girl!
The braids below have a really unique wavy-swirl formation where the different patterns meet.
Very innovative.
There are Lemonade braids that come in jumbo styles, skinny styles, medium styles, lemonade braids with curls at the end, styles with heart braided in and more.
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Yes, there are pros and cons to having Lemonade braids styles. The installation price can be high at times at certain salons
At the end of the day though:
You often get what you pay for when it comes to African braiders.
Rocking these Beyonce-inspired Lemonade braids styles shows that you have a flair for the dramatic.
Just leave the baseball bat at home and don't bust out anybody's windows when you start feeling yourself, ha!
If you would like to share your protective stye photos, I'd love to see them.
Email NHP your professional-looking protective hairstyle photos so we can show you off! And hey, also sign up for more tutorials and hairstyle ideas in your inbox for FREE!
As with any natural hair protective hairstyle, your best results start with healthy and hydrated hair. Here are MoroccanOil brand products for professional braiding products.
Be warned:
The MoroccanOil oils are super high-quality and the cost reflects that (especially the "big" bottle), although a little goes a long way.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Lee
Melissa Lee is a Contributing Editor to NHP and a former owner of the BlackhairOMG website. She formed 4C Trichology Growth Services, LLC., a US based hair care consultation service. She has also contributed as a writer and consultant for various hair and beauty websites. Melissa can be followed on Twitter here.