As far as trendy braiding patterns go, I think it’s safe to say that zig-zags are the gold standard. This parting method adds the *perfect* dose of edginess to any style…and it’s the reason that the stitch braids on this week’s episode of The Braid Up look so freaking dope. NYC hairstylist Star Briggs was the mastermind behind this look, and she says it’s a popular pattern for a reason: “There’s just something about the zig-zag, when you add it to a simple style, for whatever reason, it just tightens the style and it really draws people in.” Hard co-sign. Consider this protective style a knockout that you need in your hair circuit.
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Ahead, four tips for making this style your own:
1. Prep with a leave-in conditioner. After washing, be sure to use a leave-in conditioner before blow drying. A good leave-in pulls double-duty as a detangler and a moisturize treatment—plus it will make blow drying your hair so much easier.
2. Pre-part using straight lines. To create zig-zag parts, Briggs recommends the “pre-parting” method. “Part how you would normally section the hair using a straight line,” says Briggs. “From there, that line is going to center your zig-zag, and you’re literally just making diagonal lines going across the middle of that center line.”
3. Oil up your scalp. A dry scalp = your protective style’s worst enemy. Invest in a nourishing scalp oil or serum to help maintain moisture, minimize flaking, and create a healthy environment for hair growth.
4. Use mousse before bed. It’s heartbreaking when your style loses that salon-fresh sheen, but fret not! Applying a bit of mousse (like the options below) on your hair before wrapping it with a silk headscarf at night will restore this hairdo’s original glory.
Cosmopolitan
Hair: In collaboration with Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio
Makeup: Ashley Johnson
Videographer: Rob Mroczko
Production Assistant: Jay Aguirre
Director of Digital Series: Tara O’Connell