In recent years, lemonade braids have become one of the most sought-after hairstyles, captivating the fashion and beauty world. Named after Beyoncé’s iconic album “Lemonade,” this braided style has gained immense popularity among women of all ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Known for their refreshing and chic appearance, lemonade braids offer a unique blend of style and functionality, making them a top choice for everyday wear and special occasions.
In this article, we’ll delve into what lemonade braids are, their increasing popularity, and explore various types of lemonade braids inspired by Beyoncé’ with their distinctive features.
What Are Lemonade Braids?
Lemonade braids, also known as side-swept or feed-in braids, are a type of braided hairstyle characterized by their intricate and symmetrical pattern. These braids are typically cornrows that begin at the front of the hairline and sweep back, forming neat and tight plaits that follow a linear path toward the back of the head.
Lemonade braids often extend down to the nape of the neck, with the option to add hair extensions like IrresistibleMe or virgin Brazilian hair for longer lengths and more versatility.
Reasons For Increasing Popularity Of Lemonade Braids
The popularity of lemonade braids can be attributed to various factors:
- Celebrity Endorsement: Celebrities, especially Beyoncé, have made these braids mainstream. Beyoncé’s appearance in her “Lemonade” album cover and music videos showcased the beauty and versatility of this hairstyle, inspiring millions of fans worldwide.
- Versatility: Lemonade braids can be customized to suit different hair types, textures and lengths, making them suitable for various individuals. Additionally, the various types of lemonade braids allow for personalization and creativity, making them a preferred choice for fashion-forward individuals.
- Low-Maintenance: Once installed, these braids are relatively low-maintenance, allowing for a more extended period between styling sessions compared to other hairstyles.
- Protective Style: They offer excellent protection to natural hair by preventing exposure to environmental elements like pollution damaging hair, reducing the risk of damage, and promoting hair growth.
Different Types Of Lemonade Braids That Are Trending These Days
Now, let’s explore the different types of lemonade braids and their unique characteristics:
Braids with Heart
This type of lemonade braid creates a heart-shaped pattern at the front of the hairline. The braids form a heart or half-heart shape, symbolizing love and adding a touch of sweetness to the overall look.
Lemonade Tribal Braids
These tribal braids incorporate intricate tribal patterns alongside the classic lemonade braid style. These patterns often include geometric shapes, symbols, and cultural motifs, giving the hairstyle a distinct and eye-catching appeal.
Cornrow Lemonade Braids
Cornrow braids maintain the standard braiding technique but employ cornrows instead of regular three-strand braids. Cornrows lay flat against the scalp, creating a seamless and sleek appearance.
Ghana Lemonade Braids
Ghana lemonade braids infuse the Ghana braiding technique into the traditional braiding style. Ghana braids, also known as feed-in braids, are thicker and flatter than regular cornrows, providing a bolder and more voluminous look.
Side Braids
These side braids follow the same pattern as traditional ones but are styled to fall predominantly to one side of the head. This asymmetrical look adds an edgy and fashionable element to the hairstyle.
Medium Braids
Medium braids strike a balance between small and jumbo lemonade braids. They offer a neat and medium-sized option for those who desire a more subtle appearance while maintaining the signature lemonade allure.
Jumbo Braids
As the name suggests, Jumbo lemonade braids feature larger and thicker ones. This style creates a bold, attention-grabbing look that is perfect for making a statement.
Small Lemonade
In contrast to jumbo braids, small braids involve tiny and closely woven plaits. This style is ideal for individuals who prefer a more intricate and delicate appearance.
Beyoncé Lemonade Braids
Inspired by Beyoncé’s iconic look in her “Lemonade” album, Beyoncé’s lemonade braids replicate the exact style she wore in the music video. This includes a center parting with long, side-swept braids adorned with accessories or beads.
Ponytail
Ponytail lemonade braids combine the practicality of a swoop ponytail with the elegance of these braids. The braids are gathered and secured into a ponytail, offering a chic way to keep hair out of the face.
Lemonade Braids with Beads
Beads add a playful and bohemian touch to the traditional braided style. Beads can be incorporated at the ends of the braids or sporadically throughout the hairstyle to add flair and personality.
Cherry Lemon Braids
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Who doesn’t love a cherry lemon combo!
The beautiful vibrant red combined with the intricate lemon braids just ups the ante of your hair game. You can even combine the goodness of red knotless braids to create that extra oomph factor. But if you opt for dyeing your hair red, then its a tricky color to master and to keep vibrant for longer durations.
Purple Passion
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If you are in the mood to channel your inner goddess like Beyonce then this is the perfect style of lemon braids for you. The thick braids combined with the beauty of purple making their way through your scalp like your own customized crown creates an effect that no other braids can!
Classic Lemonade Braids
This is the simplest yet most stunning style of these braids. It’s chic, it is classy and it looks absolutely breathtaking!
Thick Wheel-Pattern Braids
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These braids are wrapped around your hair and weaved in a wheely pattern which creates that extra oomph factor where two peekaboo braids form your face along with the laid edges.
Full Scalp Patterned Side Braids
These braids are no joke. They require extreme patience but the result is oh-so-worthy!
Topknot Ponytail Braids
An excruciatingly beautiful twist to these braids that never goes out of style is tying into braided ponytail. Its chic, its formal and fabulous all at once.
Thick and Thin Braids
If you find it hard to choose between thin braids or those thick ones, you can simply combine the goodness of both and let your creative side take the lead. Now that’s what making best of both worlds is called, am I right?
Skinny Curvy Cornrow Braids
If you are on your thin to thick hair journey, and wiling to try your hands at this lemonade braids then go for this style. It requires making extremely thin and tiny braids which requires a lot of time but it looks so feminine and special.
Thin Lemonade Braids in an Updo
Few things never go out of style and updos are definitely one of them. Its the most formal way to wear these braids and most comfortable too. But they look equally stunning!
Diamond Goddess-Lemonade Braids
This one definitely takes a work of an artist who can weave the beauty of goddess braids and corn rows and lemonade braids into one beautiful hairstyle.
Over To You
Lemonade braids have undeniably become a significant trend in hairstyles, with their popularity showing no signs of slowing down. From the heart-shaped variation to incorporating tribal patterns, these braids offer many options for individuals seeking a fashionable and protective hairstyle.
As celebrities continue to showcase lemonade braids on red carpets and social media, this versatile style is expected to remain at the forefront of hair trends, inspiring beauty enthusiasts worldwide to embrace its beauty and artistry.
Which one did you like the most? Before you leave, don’t forget to check out:
- Iverson Braids Styles To Elevate Your Hair Game With A Bold Statement
- Dutch Braid vs French Braid: Which One Gives The Best Waves?
Have a lovely day!