Who doesn’t want a youthful glow, whether it’s in your skin or your hair? While we can’t exactly stop time, there are simple, chic ways to turn back the clock and breathe new life into our look.
One of the easiest ways to do so? Braid styles! These versatile and timeless styles don’t just keep your hair out of your face—they can also add volume, lift, and a youthful touch to your overall appearance.
In fact, some braid styles can even help you look years younger. Sounds like a win, right? Let’s explore these 13 braid styles that make you look younger, along with tips for styling, maintaining, and embracing these age-defying looks.
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The 13 Braid Styles That Make You Look Younger
Understanding the Youthful Appeal of Braids
While the braid styles themselves are fabulous, there’s more to their youthful appeal than just their aesthetic charm. Let’s break down what makes braids work magic on your appearance.
First, braids have a natural way of lifting and framing your face. Think about the last time you wore a French braid—it likely pulled your hair back and up, offering a subtle yet noticeable lift.
This creates a soft, age-defying look by smoothing out any fine lines or sagging skin around your face. And that volume? It helps add youthful fullness to your hair, making it appear thicker and bouncier.
Certain braid styles can also distract from wrinkles or age spots. For example, boho braids tend to look best when a little messy, which draws attention away from your face and highlights the braid’s natural texture instead.
Another example is the Dutch braid , which, being slightly more pronounced than the traditional French braid, adds depth to your hair and face, making you appear more vibrant and youthful.
Some research suggests that hairstyle choices play a big role in how youthful someone appears. Hairstyles that add volume, lift, or soft framing to the face help you look fresher and more awake.
This might explain why box braids and micro braids are such popular options—those braids add fullness and shine, helping your face look brighter and more youthful.
You can read more about the power of braids for youthful looks in this article from HairSpeaks.
Styling Tips for a Youthful Look
Now that you know why braids are a beauty secret for younger-looking skin, let’s talk about how to style them to maximize those age-defying benefits. A few simple styling tweaks can make a world of difference!
Loose French Braids: For a relaxed, youthful look, avoid tight, overly structured braids. Instead, go for a French braid that’s a little loose at the roots to create volume and give the illusion of fullness.
The looser the braid, the younger and fresher you’ll look. For a playful touch, leave a few strands of hair out around your face to soften the style.
Embrace the Messy Boho Braids: Boho braids are perfect for adding that laid-back, carefree vibe. These braids naturally have a slightly undone, messy look, which is ideal for a youthful appearance.
The tousled texture will give you a vibrant, playful vibe that says “I’m having fun with life!” So, go ahead and pull a few strands out of your boho braids for that effortless, just-woke-up-fabulous look.
Opt for Soft Waves in Dutch Braids: Dutch braids are a great option for a more structured braid while still maintaining that youthful volume.
To make them more youthful, try finishing your braids with soft waves. Simply curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron or wand, and you’ll have a perfect mix of structure and softness, with volume that lifts your face.
Waterfall Braids for That Romantic, Youthful Look: When you think of a waterfall braid (number 4), think of cascading beauty that channels the softness of youth.
This delicate braid, which weaves through strands of hair like a waterfall, can give you a fresh, radiant glow. It’s perfect for a date night or when you want to look effortlessly chic.
Knotless Braids for Comfort and Lift: For those who prefer something low-maintenance yet stylish, knotless braids are the way to go.
These braids are gentle on your scalp and provide a natural lift without causing unnecessary tension. Plus, the smooth, clean look of knotless braids gives off an age-defying charm that keeps you looking younger.
Maintaining Your Braids for Longevity
Once you’ve chosen your favorite braid style, maintaining it is key to ensuring it continues to look fresh and youthful. Here are a few tips for keeping your braids looking fab:
Moisturize Regularly: Braids can sometimes leave your hair feeling dry, especially when you leave them in for extended periods.
Keep your scalp and hair moisturized with nourishing oils or leave-in conditioners. This will help prevent frizz and dryness, keeping your braids—and your overall appearance—looking youthful.
Try using natural oils like argan oil or coconut oil for hydration.
Protect Your Braids at Night: Friction can cause braids to fray and lose their youthful structure. Protect your braids while you sleep by using a silk or satin scarf or pillowcase.
This will help reduce frizz and keep your braids looking neat and fresh longer.
Regular Touch-ups: Even the most beautiful braids need a little TLC every few weeks. Schedule touch-ups with your stylist to keep your braids looking tight and fresh, particularly for braids like micro braids or goddess braids, which can sometimes require maintenance to maintain their youthful appearance.
Cleanse and Protect: Braids can trap dirt and oils, so it’s important to cleanse them regularly. Use a dry shampoo or a gentle scalp scrub to remove buildup without disrupting your braids.
Keeping your scalp clean will not only ensure your braids look fresh but also promote a healthy, youthful glow.
In conclusion, the right braid styles can make a significant difference in how youthful and vibrant you look.
From the classic French braid to the intricate waterfall braids , each style has the potential to elevate your overall appearance and give you that fresh, youthful glow.
Remember, the key is to embrace styles that add volume, lift, and frame your face softly. Don’t forget to maintain your braids properly for longevity, and you’ll be sure to rock that youthful vibe for as long as possible!
So go ahead—experiment with these 13 braid styles and discover how each one can enhance your youthful beauty. Who knows?
You might just find your new favorite look! You can find more braid ideas and inspiration in this article on BusinessDay.
