Lemonade braids are neat, close, even cornrows that are created from left to right and belong under the umbrella of protective braided hairstyles.
True to your guess, lemonade braids owe their name to Beyonce’s blockbuster 2016 album Lemonade. In its visuals, she’s frequently seen rocking side braids–the very crux of this hairstyle–or what some now passionately refer to as ‘cornrow braids’.
Thanks to modern hairstylists’ dexterity, lemonade braids can be worn with literally any hair type and in any style regardless of how to chooses to rock this iconic hairstyle. After all, what’s a style without its signature twist or add-on?
Speaking of add-ons, you might need to purchase hair extensions to get the thickness required for the braids. On the upside, you can add baby hair to soften up the overall look or sprinkle in accessories such as beads and rings for an extra touch of sophistication and zazz. Or both!
When life gives you lemons, opt for this trendy, super versatile braided hairstyle! From lemonade braids done using the stitch braiding method to boho lemonade braids and even freestyle lemonade braids. There’s a fun look for everyone.
For your convenience, we’ve prepared more than enough inspo images below to help make the look truly yours.
But first, let’s look at the products you’ll need as well as some frequently asked questions.
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Types of Products You’ll Need for Lemonade Braids
- 6-8 packs of pre-stretched braiding hair.
- Rat tail comb.
- Mousse.
- Shine n Jam.
- Scalp oil.
Are Lemonade braids named after Beyonce?
Yes. In wanting to showcase and celebrate authentic African cultures and styles, Beyonce rocked several hairstyles in the visuals for her hit album Lemonade. In the Sorry music video, for example, she and her besties are seen dorning long, blonde box braids, a subtle but authentic take on the original side braids.
How long do Lemonade braids last?
It all comes down to the maintenance routine. If well taken care of, lemonade braids can last anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks.
Where can I get Lemonade braids?
The best place to get lemonade braids is at a reputable salon.
A top-tier hairstylist will be able to help you choose the right size, style, and number of hair extensions. They will also be able to apply them properly so that they last longer and withstand any tugging.
How much do Lemonade braids cost?
The cost of Lemonade braids will vary depending on your stylist’s proficiency, the size and length of the braids you want, as well as the salon’s location.
It’s worth noting that just like other protective hairstyles such as peekaboo braids, lemonade braids are a lot of work, particularly if going for long, thin, intricate braids.
All factors considered, expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $400 for this celebrity-approved style.
How long should my hair rest after lemonade braids?
It’s prudent not to rush into a new braid install straight away. At the very least, take a week off to allow your scalp to breathe. Back-to-back braiding can wreak havoc on your scalp and hair, which defeats the whole purpose of fantastic protective styles like braids.
How long do Lemonade braids take to do?
This will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, as well as the style you choose.
But generally speaking, you can expect the process to take a maximum of 4 hours.
How to do Lemonade Braids (Beyonce Inspired)
Working with clean and lifted hair, start by parting out your first braid. The back section should be your starting point.
Begin by plaiting your natural hair from left to right. Feed in little pieces of braiding hair as you move along. Then you’ll gradually work your way up to bigger pieces.
Once you achieve your desired braid length, move onto the next row. Apply shine n jam at the roots of your parted sections to keep frizz and flyaways at bay.
PS: The use of mousse or shine n jam is not optional. Else, the final look will appear rushed, messy, and, quite frankly, unsightly.
You can choose to braid the sections completely or halfway through.
When you approach the middle of the head, move to the top section and start braiding from there. Go back and forth between the middle and top sections until you’re done doing the rows.
PS: Alternating between the middle and top sections ensures the front part doesn’t look condensed. You’ll achieve a cleaner, more exciting look that way.
Next, braid the ends a little bit more. You can opt to keep some parts unbraided if you prefer a straight look.
You’ll then dip the braids in hot water or wrap them up using a hot towel for a few seconds. Get the water as close to the top as possible. This helps keep the braids flat while reducing stiffness.
After you’re done, trim any flyaways using a pair of scissors, sew the braids together, apply some mousse, and you’re ready to rock your brand new Beyonce-inspired look!
PS: When sewing, start at the back so the string won’t be noticeable, then go through each braid. Before cutting off the string, it’s best to go back at least two braids and then tie it three to four times to make sure the knot is fully secured.
For a detailed visual, watch the video linked below.
How to Do Curvy Lemonade Braids
Start by parting clean, straightened, and moisturized hair into two parts. Ideally, the parting line should run from left to right, a few centimeters from the tip of the ear.
Using your comb, carefully work out a carved angle along the parting line. Make sure it’s crescent-shaped looking downwards. This is important for a curvy final look.
Once you’re done, use a hair tie or scrunchie to hold off the upper section while you work on the lower section first. As always, use mousse to get a good grip and to achieve crisp sections.
Next, begin plaiting your natural hair until you’re comfortable enough to loop in braiding hair. Repeat the same process across both sections.
When you’re about three cornrows into the top section, move to the hair at the crown and then start working your final rows from there. The final outcome should ideally have three curvy sections of different length and bearing.
PS: The trick in nailing this look lies in maintaining a really curved parting line between braids. So don’t be in a hurry when parting sections. Take your time, making sure the crescent-shaped arc is maintained throughout.
For a comprehensive visual, please refer to the video linked below.
Lemonade Braids Tutorial (Jumbo Detailed)
If you prefer to have huge and detailed lemonade braids, refer to the video below.
The process is more or less the same.
The only difference is that instead of feeding in bigger hair pieces further down the braid, you’ll loop them in very early on. Ideally, after the third or fourth round of interlacing. Shorter pieces should occupy only the first two rounds at most.
PS: For the final look to appear finely patterned and detailed, the braids have to be inserted at very short intervals.
How to DIY Lemonade Braids
Fancy doing your own lemonade braids at home instead? Check out the beginner-friendly video below for actionable, step-by-step guidance.
The process isn’t any different.
You may want to leave out some hair along the edges in case you want to soften up the final look a little.
60 Lemonade Braids Hairstyles Worth Trying in 2024
Now that you know how to do different types of lemonade braids, let’s look at 60 lemonade braids hairstyles you can comfortably pull off as your next protective braided hairstyle.
1) Lemonade Braids With a Heart
2) Boho Lemonade Braids
3) Smedium Stitch Lemonade Braids
4) Small Stitch Lemonade Braids
5) Smedium Stitch Lemonade Braids
6) Small Stitch Lemonade Braids
7) Boho Lemonade Braids
8) Small Stitch Lemonade Braids
9) Small Boho Lemonade Braids
10) Long Boho Lemonade Braids
11) Small Boho Stitch Lemonade Braids
12) Medium Stitch Lemonade Braids
13) Boho Lemonade Braids
14) Freestyle Stitch Lemonade Braids
15) Large Lemonade Braids
16) Smedium Stitch Lemonade Braids
17) Medium Stitch Lemonade Braids
18) Brown Lemonade Braids
19) Mixed Colors Jumbo Stitch Lemonade Braids
20) Large Boho Lemonade Braids
21) Jumbo Stitch Lemonade Braids
22) Brown Lemonade Braids
23) Honey Blonde Boho Lemonade Braids
24) Blonde Lemonade Braids
25) Freestyle Lemonade Braids
26) Blue Peekaboo Lemonade Braids
27) Brown Lemonade Braids
28) Burgundy Lemonade Braids
29) Jumbo Stitch Lemonade Braids
30) Jumbo Stitch Lemonade Braids
31) Small Lemonade Braids
32) Large Lemonade Braids
33) Green Lemonade Braids
34) Large Lemonade Braids
35) Freestyle Lemonade Braids With Hearts
36) Large Stitch Lemonade Braids
37) Large Stitch Lemonade Braids
38) Large Stitch Lemonade Braids
39) Small Burgundy Lemonade Braids
40) Burgundy Lemonade Braids
41) Smedium Lemonade Braids
42) Medium Freestyle Lemonade Braids
43) Peekaboo Lemonade Fulani Braids
44) Medium Lemonade Braids
45) Medium Lemonade Braids
46) Medium Lemonade Braids
47) Ginger Lemonade Braids
48) Inverted Lemonade Braids Bob With Beads
49) Smedium Lemonade Braids
50) Lemonade Braids Inverted Bob With Beads
51) Large Lemonade Braids
52) Medium Lemonade Braids
53) Inverted Lemonade Braids Bob With Beads
54) Smedium Lemonade Braids
55) Medium Lemonade Braids
56) Lemonade Braids With a Heart
58) Large Lemonade Braids
59) Peekaboo Lemonade Fulani Braids
60) Lemonade Braids with a Heart
‘Yonce-Approved, Street-Perfect, Timelessly Fashionable
Isn’t it amazing what celebrity approval can do to a hairstyle? Queen Bey’s affirmation of lemonade braids means that it’ll never be just a hairstyle–it’s an attitude, a movement, a timeless classic.
Which one of these lemonade braids hairstyles will you be trying?