Flätor i Stockholm & Uppsala

Braids are a protective style: the hair is braided down and rests from daily brushing, heat and styling. Synthetic fibre is usually braided in, which lets you choose length, thickness and colour.

Braids at a glance

1. What? – Your own hair braided, often with synthetic fibre added.
2. Who? – All hair types, from Scandinavian hair to afro hair.
3. How long? – From a few weeks up to three months.
4. Pros/cons? – Gentle and low-maintenance, but takes time to fit.

The techniques and what sets them apart

Boxer braids – also called cornrows – are braided close to the head in straight rows. Two braids last around two to four weeks, while four or six braids last somewhat longer, three to five weeks, because the weight is spread more evenly.

Rasta braids hang loose and come in three sizes. Extra small gives the densest result and most volume, small gives movement, large gives a bolder look. The narrower the braids, the longer they take – between three and seven hours – but they also last longest, up to two to three months.

Crochet braids are ready-made strands hooked into existing cornrows with a crochet needle. Because the base is already in place, fitting is considerably faster than ordinary braiding, and the result lasts two to three months.

Children's braids are braided more loosely and gently against the scalp. Men's braids are usually done as cornrows close to the head, on all the hair or only part of it. Ponytail braids combine a braided base with a ponytail.

Are braids right for you?

The technique works on all hair types. What matters is the scalp: if it is sensitive, or you have had hair loss at the temples, the braids should be looser and further apart. A braid should never sting once it is finished – say so in the chair straight away if it pulls.

Care

Clean the scalp between the braids with a spray or diluted shampoo rather than washing the whole head. Lightly moisten the lengths with a leave-in and sleep with a satin bonnet or on a satin pillow – cotton draws out moisture and causes frizz. Undo a braid if the hair starts to tangle at the root, rather than pulling it out.

Book braiding

We braid in both Stockholm and Uppsala. See all techniques, times and prices in our braiding category.