Jumbo Braids: All The Reasons We Love This Versatile Style

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If you’re tired of spending hours in the salon or slaving over your natural hair care routine (as rewarding as it may be), jumbo braids or twists could be the break you need. The versatile hairstyle is seriously trending right now, and everyone from Alicia Keys to Beyoncé have been seen slaying jumbo braids, and for good reason. Not only does this method of protective style add length, but jumbo braids and twists take less time to install and remove. They’re also less severe on your scalp compared to other braiding methods. Here’s everything you need to know, and some major hairspo…

 

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One of the many advantages of jumbo twists and braids is the lack of installation and removal time. Unlike micro braids, your natural hair is parted into large sections meaning the braiding process is cut in half. As the braid also utilizes more hair, each individual braid or twist is thicker and easier to achieve.

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When it comes to removal, simply pay attention to your natural hair growth and cut the braid at least two inches below your natural hair length and unbraid with your fingers or a rat tail comb.

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If you want to add a textured element to your braid, Marley hair or Havana twists are ideal. Alternatively, Yaki hair has a stretched out, smoother texture but still has good grip. We love the selection from Janet Collection, as they have so many textures and colors to choose from.

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These kinky twists from @a.dai.sha are straight fire and we love the addition of the gold cuffs. We’re also vibing how she’s styled them in a loose top knot for a laid back vibe.

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If you can’t decide between twists or braids, take into consideration that twists weigh less and typically apply less pressure on the scalp while braids tend to cause more tension on your scalp, especially when knotted at the root.

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Another major bonus of jumbo twists? They’re one of the easier styles to DIY, which is exactly what we need when getting to the salon is more of a challenge! The quickest way to achieve the style is to section your hair, then secure the strands with an elastic band like influencer @joyjah pictured above. This technique avoids twisting your hair at the root and allows you to easily combine braiding hair with your natural hair. We’d recommend this method if you have sensitive strands as it causes less strain than the traditional twisting method.

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Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold colors. Jumbo braids and twists look gorgeous with a fierce pop of color. Alternatively, you can easily achieve a more natural ombre effect by opting for a shade lighter than your natural color.

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While jumbo braids are a low maintenance option, as with any protective style, it’s important to keep your strands hydrated and your scalp clean and healthy. Girl+Hair is our go-to brand for braid upkeep, specifically the Under Hair Care On The Go Kit For Curly Hair, $20, which includes three formulas to cleanse, nourish, and refresh your hair and scalp while in a protective style. We’re also loving the Mielle Rosemary and Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil, $10, as it nourishes your hair while the mint and rosemary extract clarifies the scalp.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, get ready to screenshot this inspo…

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Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. We never take payment to review products, however, some brands allow affiliate links, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.