Oh, why, hello! Welcome back to another ECT-style episode, where we offer insight into the hottest protective styles and help you keep your hairstyle roster fresh, on-trend, and exciting all season!
On today’s episode, we’ve got a superstar style, the coolest box braids upgrade, the style that IG and TikTok girlies have been calling the perfect princesscore hairdo – raindrop braids!
The style’s hashtag already has over 5 million views and is everything a summertime protective style needs: drop-dead gorgeous, easy-to-maintain, and very low-commitment.
Keep scrolling to find out what the style is all about, what you need for it, and how to do it on your natural hair. Oh, and check out some of the hottest raindrop braids styles rocking our IG, TikTok, and Pinterest feeds!
What Are Raindrop Braids?
Raindrop braids are a cool/whimsical twist on regular box braids. The style incorporates the use of clear beads to mimic the appearance of raindrops gently gracing each braid.
And while using beads on box braids isn’t new, the raindrop braids technique is slightly different.
But before we get to the installation…
Raindrop braids became extremely popular after Ayra Starr (Nigerian singer) posted a picture of herself rocking the braids on Instagram.
But, according to Allure, Maryland-based hair artist Bethany Nche (@donebybethany) is the brains behind it. She posted a video of her sister modeling knotless braids adorned with “raindrop” beads, and soon after, every braids-loving girlie hit her up for a quick “how to do raindrop braids” tutorial.
How To Do Raindrop Braids
Nche’s sister wanted adorned knotless braids. But since the beads were too small, Nche figured she could place them throughout the hair instead of at the bottom.
So, how did she do this?
Simple.
If you already know how to do box braids, upgrading them to raindrop braids is relatively effortless.
All you need is a bead applicator (they’re all over Amazon and Target) to install the beads into each braid. And don’t forget to apply a texturizing spray or mousse to add grip and hold to your hair, ensuring the braids stay intact throughout the day.
As you braid one box braid downward, pull out a tiny section of hair and use it to slide a clear bead through, then continue braiding.
Add as many clear bubble beads as you want, and even though the style is all about creating the illusion of “clear raindrops,” you can go wild and adorn your braids with different colors.
Bonus Tip: To enhance the raindrop effect, gently tug at the edges of each braid to loosen and widen them, creating a softer appearance.
That’s it. Simple, jaw-droppingly gorgeous, and all-season-ready! But just in case you need a visual reference, here’s a video by @amencis.mb:
@amencis.mb This is the raindrop braid?tutorial (slower/ tlk threw version) cause Ik the last video was a little bit fast ❤️❤️ LMK if this was helpful #protectivestyles #raindropbraids #naturalhair #beadedbraid #braidingtutorial #braidswithbeads #naturalhairstyles #protectivestylesfornaturalhair ♬ Got ‘Til It’s Gone – Janet Jackson
Best Raindrop Braids Styles So Far
When we say the girlies went hard on these raindrop braids, we mean it. Just look at how pretty they all are:
@donebybethany Tried my new design braids on my sister, Are we feeling the raindrops? ??#awarenessmonth #donebybethany #dmvhairstylist #dmvhair #marylandhairstylist #atlhairstylist #atlantahairstylist #atlhairstylist #knotlessbraids #raindrop ♬ Tori – <3
Of course, we had to start with @donebybethany’s masterpiece. The cascading knotless braids, the pink x black mash-up, and the raindrop effect. Perfection!
@onyiaka Warning: Your braider may get annoyed while braiding each braid in but she will love the end result ? #braidstyles #braidsandbeads #fyp ♬ Fake ID – Riton & Kah-Lo
Half-up, half-down-style loving babes this is for you. And don’t forget to place two face-framing tendrils for that cool, girl-next-door finish!
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Looks even better on brown braids, right?
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And ’em kids have been rocking them too. How cute do they look on lil miss sunshine here!
She went all in and we don’t hate it! It’s giving Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Or The Woman King!
Even on goddess braids, the raindrop effect is still vibin’ hard!
Now you know Rihanna is the queen of braids! And these colored raindrop braids are everything!!
Sabi girl attitude. Check. Long-ass-raindrop braids. Check. It’s the only way to get a style trending!
