Braids are one of the most popular and fashionable hairstyles but they may be difficult to manage at times. If you’re wondering – should I put rubber bands on braids, it’s worth a try! Rubber bands can help you achieve a tight, neat look and keep your braids in place for longer.
Rubber bands come in handy when you want to part the sections of your hair without messing up. Putting rubber bands on braids is a great decision if you’re struggling with tangled or frizzy braids. However, these bands can also damage your hair if you don’t use them with care.
It’s important to know the correct method of putting rubber bands on braids and we’re here to help you out!
Rubber Bands Keep Your Braids Healthy
Rubber bands are an underrated essential that can make your hairstyles easier and faster. These come in handy when you don’t have a headband or scarf.
1. Versatility
You can use rubber bands to achieve a wide range of hairstyles. The bands make your braid installation process smoother and quicker.
2. Better Grip
You may face some difficulty while creating hairstyles because of the lack of grip. Rubber bands can help you to have a stronger grip on hair at the roots.
3. Cleaner Look
With time, braids become frizzy and lose their neat appearance. Using elastic bands can ensure a long-lasting sleek look.
Your braids will stay even and in place – all thanks to rubber bands!
How to Use the Rubber Band Method for Braiding
With rubber bands, you can braid without worrying about other sections getting in the way and ruining your look. Here are the 5 easy steps you can follow to braid your hair using the rubber band method –
01. Stretching Your Hair
The first step to styling braids is preparing your hair. Stretching hair ensures a silky and tangle-free base on which you install braids on. You can use natural heat-free ways to stretch your hair or resort to a blow-dryer if you’re short on time.
02. Using the Right Products
It’s essential to use appropriate hair products for a sleek finished look. You can use a gel or pomade to give your roots a strong hold for a smoother appearance.
03. Sectioning with Rubber Bands
After preparing your hair, it’s time to separate the sections. You can divide your hair into as many sections as you’d like.
04. Securing for Braids
Make sure to secure the sections with rubber bands at the root. This will help you to braid without any trouble!
05. Braiding the Hair
The final step is to braid your hair according to your desired style. Keep adding the extension hair to each section until all of the hair has been covered.
Box braids and other types of hairstyles can be successfully styled with the rubber band method.
Why Do Rubber Bands Keep Breaking in Braids
Sometimes rubber bands in your braids may break after a while because of the low quality. If the bands are made of cheaper and thinner elastic, they don’t last long and may damage your hair. Bands can break because of being too tight as well.
Always look for bigger and more high-quality rubber bands for braiding your hair.
Tips and Tricks for Using Rubber Bands in Braids
Elastic bands can be a bit tricky to use on braids but here are some tips and tricks to make your hairstyling easier –
1. Moisturizing Hair
Before putting any elastic or rubber bands on your braids, properly moisturize your hair and seal it with oil. No matter how snag-free it is, dry hair will produce friction between your hair and the rubber band.
2. Using Snag-free Elastic Bands
Like regular rubber bands, snag-free elastic bands don’t pull on your hair or grip it too tightly.
3. Getting Satin or Silk Scarves
When you need to hold your hair back from the front, use satin or silk scarves instead of rubber bands. You can use rubber bands to tie your hair up in a bun or into manageable portions, but they may tug your hair harshly from the front.
4. Covered Rubber Bands
You can avoid hair damage by using covered rubber bands to style your hair since the fabric can glide over your hair without causing friction.
How Long Can You Keep Rubber Bands in Your Braids
For starters, you might want to keep your protective hairdo in for longer if you used the rubber band method for box braids, but it’s ideal to keep it in for no longer than two weeks.
This is because the area where the rubber band is wrapped around your hair tends to collect dirt, lint, and product buildup.
Alternatives to Rubber Bands in Braiding
The most popular alternative for rubber bands in braiding is kite string. You can buy it at almost any craft store; it’s made of twisted nylon twine. You can purchase a roll of kite string and cut it into smaller pieces.
If you want to use something more sophisticated, a waxed thread is a great option. It’s typically sold as artificial sinew which is a flat thread with a waxy surface. Sinew is more expensive but is stronger than kite strings and makes tighter knots.
Tips for Removing Rubber Bands from Braided Hair
Rubber bands can harm your hair, particularly if you tug them through it. So, it’s important to know how to remove them with minimal or no damage.
1. Using a Bobby Pin
Lift the rubber band with a bobby pin or the end of a rat tail comb to remove it without risk of damage, then cut it off using some scissors. Throughout the removal process, take your time, and schedule it for a day when you won’t need to rush.
2. Essential Oils
Orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils can help to loosen your rubber bands before taking them out. The limonene in these oils plays a role in breaking the structure of the rubber bands – making it easier for you to remove.
However, limonene can irritate if it comes in contact with the skin directly.
3. Gently Rolling the Bands Down
Instead of cutting the rubber bands, you can also gently roll them down your braids for easy removal. Keep patience and avoid tugging all at once!
Once your hair is damaged, it may be quite difficult to repair – so always be extra careful while taking rubber bands out of your braids!
Hairstyle Ideas with Rubber Bands in Braiding
Rubber bands are versatile and can be used to create various hairstyles, such as ponytails, top knots, top buns, and more. Here are a few hairstyles you can try out with rubber bands –
1. Loose Top Bun with Colorful Rubber Bands
It’s difficult to beat the effortless aesthetic that a loose top bun creates. With colorful rubber bands, you may give it an additional dimension and make your hair look gorgeously flowy.
2. Front Sweep with Defined Edges Rubber Band Hairstyle
If you’re going to a fancy party or event, this is the hairstyle you should try. The defined edges add an exquisite texture to your hair – making it stand out from the crowd.
3. Criss-Cross Rubber Band in a Top Knot
In this style, the hair at the sides and back is tied using small rubber bands. The hair section in the center is designed into a braid using more rubber bands that gives the whole look a defined texture.
4. Rubber Band Hairstyles With a Ponytail
The back hair is tied into a ponytail using rubber bands while the rest of your hair remains naturally flowy. If you want a simple and elegant hairstyle, a ponytail with rubber bands is the way to go!
5. Elegant Rubber Band Style in an Updo
This is one of the most sophisticated hairstyles you can create by putting rubber bands on your braids. The updo is done in your hair’s bottom part you can style the rest however you like.
It’s a hairstyle that can unleash your creativity and combine it with elegance!
6. Half-Up, Half-Down Rubber Band Hairstyle on Long Hair
If you have long hair, this is the ideal hairstyle for you. The half-up and half-down design creates a perfect melody and gives you a gorgeous finished look.
7. Rubber Band Hairstyle with Straight Hair Extensions
Straight hair extensions may seem difficult to style but with colorful rubber bands, you can make them stand out. Make sure you’re using long-lasting elastic bands for a neater style.
8. Afro Bun with Braids
The afro bun is an exotic curly hairstyle that will surely grab everyone’s attention. You can pair it with side and center braids to make it more sophisticated.
This bun adds more volume to your hair and gives it a puffy, full appearance!
9. Side Sweep Rubber Band Two Strand Twists With a Twist Out
The side-swept braids can draw attention to your hair and its natural beauty. If you want more depth, you can do a two-strand twist with a twist out.
If you have the right hair products and high-quality rubber bands, the braided hairstyle options are truly endless!
The Bottom Line
Rubber bands are useful when it comes to installing protective hairstyles. If someone asks – should I put rubber bands on braids, the answer is yes! As long as you use quality rubber bands and carefully style your hair, you’re good to go.
Rubber bands can be harsh on your hair depending on the texture and material. To avoid hair damage, always look out for any tangles or breakage in your hair.
