Stitch braids have seen an impressive rise in popularity lately and no wonder. This explicit protective hairstyle was underestimated for too long to ignore now. You cannot confuse stitches with any other braid type, as their pattern is very distinct and easy to recognize. Want to find out more information about the look? No need to search for it elsewhere. Our guide contains everything you should know, including the most breathtaking stitch braid ideas.
What Are Stitch Braids?
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Stitch braids are one of the most popular protective hairstyles. They suggest you use a special braiding technique to create the hairstyle. First, you need to divide your locks into horizontal sections. They can be either wide or narrow, depending on your preference. Next, you will braid cornrows with the help of the stitching method, weaving braiding hair into your cornrows. It is possible to use the feed in technique for this, which requires adding more braiding hair during the process.
How Do Stitch Braids Differ from Classic Cornrows?
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You should not confuse stitch braids with classic cornrow braids though. For stitches, the braiding technique you use is a little different. The hair is braided using your pinkie and the nail on it to create a stitch looking pattern. It also needs quite a lot of styling product since you need to secure the braids well and make them look neat and crisp. Cornrows, in their turn, are created using your middle and index fingers without applying much product. It is also worth pointing out the difference between feed in braids and stitch braids. With feed in braids, you may use the same technique as with the cornrows. Yet, you will add pieces of braiding hair to the braids to make them fuller or longer, depending on the desired hairstyle.
How To Stitch Braids: Preparation & Products Used
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Before learning how to braid stitch braid style, you need to stock up on all of the necessary products and prepare your hair for the procedure. So, make sure you wash your hair, stretch it out or even straighten it and then divide it into sections. The tools needed include a strong hold gel, a hair mousse and kanekalon hair.
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Similar to box braids and knotless box braids, there are two most popular ways to stitch braids – with and without an elastic band. The main difference between them is that you need to tie each section of your hair with an elastic band for the elastic band method and start braiding cornrows right away for the no elastic band method. For both methods though, the braider will separate small horizontal portions of hair, smooth them out with the help of the styling gel and feed in the braiding hair as they go.
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How Do You Maintain Stitch Braids?
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For your stitch braid hairstyle to last as long as possible, it is crucial to maintain it properly. As such, whenever you need to wash your hair, do not immerse it in water. Just like micro braids, crochet braids or any other braid style, stitch braids tend to retain moisture and can harbor bacteria. So that it will not happen, apply some dry shampoo to a cotton pad or a piece of cloth and clean the scalp with their help. If you are feeling that your head is itching, an anti-itch oil is your savior. To avoid frizz and protect your locks from damage, put on a silk scarf or bonnet whenever you hit the pillow. Talking of the pillow, it is better to switch your pillowcase to a silk one too for the same reason.
Stitch Braids Hairstyles You Should Try Now
Now comes the fun part. Of course, there are a lot more ways to pull off a stitch braid hairstyle than just two. To back up our words, below we have put together the most head-turning stitch braid styles for your inspiration.
Classic 6 Stitch Braids
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Not a fan of reinventing the wheel? With a classic stitch braid style, there is no need to. It will come out bold and edgy anyway. How can six even braids with a defined stitch pattern leave anyone indifferent? We do not know either. So, you can never go wrong with them.
Curved Stitch Braids
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Give your stitched braids an unusual turn by opting for a curved line pattern instead of a straight one. While it looks fun and creative, it does not require much effort on your or your braider’s part. A fine-tooth comb or a rat tail comb will do the sectioning job for them perfectly.
Stitch Braids with Heart Design
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Want to give your hairstyle a cute and romantic feel? In that case, go for stitch braids with heart. Obviously, you will need to find a really skillful braider to complete the look since it requires ultimate precision.
Stitched Feedins W/small Braids
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Feel free to combine several trendy braid styles in one look. For instance, choose stitch feed in braids as the base and accentuate them with additional micro braids on the sides. A combination of thick and thin braids creates a very contrasty and pronounced hair look.
High Pony
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If you prefer to pull all your hair up so that it does not get in your way, then ask the stylist for high pony stitches. This hairstyle is hugely beneficial for ladies who want to appear visually taller and elongate their face shape since a high ponytail may add good several inches on top.
Criss Cross Stitch Braids
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Criss cross braids do not look similar to any other braid style. That makes them a failsafe choice if you are looking for a unique hairstyle idea. There is no need to divide your hair by crossing lines, however. This effect is achieved thanks to a specific braiding technique. Start braiding as you normally would but shift the braid outward or inward so it looks as if the braids intersect.
High Bun Stitch Braids
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One of the most popular ways to wear a stitch braid hairstyle is by tying the braids into a high bun. Not only will it allow you to take your hair away from your face, thus enhancing your beautiful facial features, but it will also keep the tresses safe and sound.
Stitch Braids with Designed Baby Hair
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If you want to emphasize your cultural heritage with the help of your hair look, then styling baby bangs is one of the best ways to do it. How plain or intricate the styling will depend on your preferences and skills. Also, do not forget to invest in a top-quality hair product, as you need it to be able to keep your hair in place throughout the day.
Stitch Braids with Reverse Braid
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Bored of traditional braiding styles? Try out a reverse stitch braid then, which will instantly bring a welcome change to your look. Do not worry. It only seems that difficult to get. The braiding technique does not differ from the original one. And with little practice, you are sure to achieve the best result.
Triangle Part Stitch Braids
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By switching the parting from straight lines to triangles, you will easily upgrade your hair look and get ultimate attention. It comes as no surprise that among all types of stitch braids men often lean toward those with a triangle pattern. So, for the next appointment with your barber, we believe you know what to ask them for.
Geometric Part Stitch Braids
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This hairstyle is not for faint-hearted. Choosing it guarantees that you are going to be the centre of attention wherever you go. The complex pattern a geometric part forms will make everyone want to examine your stitch braided hairstyle in detail. The choice of the shape is up to you though.
Double Dutch
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What can be better than Dutch braids? You are right. Double Dutch braids! While they do not seem like something innovative at first glance, the impact they make on passersby speaks louder than any words. To keep the focus on the braids, smooth out the rest of the hair using a hair styling product.
Mohawk Hair Style with Side Stitch Braids
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Did you know that with the help of braids, you can recreate the aesthetic of almost any hairstyle and a mohawk is no exception. The style is achieved by braiding the hair in the center of your head so that it creates a ridge, while the sides feature rather a low-key braiding or no braiding at all. To take it to another level of boldness, you can also upgrade to a blonde or bright hair color for dark skin.
6 Stitch Braids With Little Ones
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One of the best things about stitches is that they have no restrictions in terms of hair type, gender and age. That is why they are one of the most popular hairstyles for little fashionista and fashionistas. Do not make them overly elaborate though so that your kid could wear the style on any occasion.
Mohawk Stitch Braids Ponytail
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You are welcome to pair your stitched braids with other trendy hairstyles to end up with one of a kind hair looks. Take, for example, a mohawk stitch pony. We can almost bet that you are unlikely to find many hairstyles that would look as bold and daring. Take notice that tree braids are a perfect addition to this style.
Stitch Braids Updo
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Stitch updos turn out unbelievably flattering on absolutely anyone. Besides, there are plenty of options to choose from with various types of braids and patterns. Thus, if you were unsure whether it is going to work for you, put your doubts aside and let your braider work their magic.
Thick and Thin Stitch Braids Low Ponytail
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By combining thin and thick braids, you are guaranteed to get a high contrast and prominent hairstyle. Thanks to a noticeable difference in width between the braids, they appear striking against each other. So, keep the rest of the look minimal. Just tie your braids into a low pony and you are good to go.
Zig-Zag Part Stitch Braids
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Zig zag braids have made a great comeback lately and this time, they are here to stay. The modern version of the look may incorporate features of other fashionable hairstyles, such as, you guessed it, stitched braids. Plus, the zig zag pattern allows you to keep your stitches in the spotlight without effort.
6 Stitch W/small Braids Updo
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Big or small? Both! When you cannot decide between chunky and subtle braids, there is no need to choose one style only. Both of them can be featured in your hairstyle. While 5 stitch braids suit quite well for this look, we prefer a classic 6 stitch braid style for more precision. The braids may then be tied in an updo to pull everything together.
Jumbo Stitch Braid Style With Tiny Parts
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In case you have more time on your hands and want to get a hairstyle that would become the talk of the town, then jumbo stitches with tiny partings are your sure bet. Yes, you can hardly call this hair look effortless, but take our word, it is totally worth it.
12 Stitch Long Braids
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Those who venture out for 12 stitch long braids will not regret it. They are apparently not low maintenance. But the final result is so impactful that it will pay you off with tons of compliments you are going to collect left, right and the middle.
Half Braids with Curls And Half Cornrows
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When you have long hair, there is no need to stick to a single braided hairstyle. The range of braiding and styling options for you is almost unlimited. Hence, instead of standard stitch box braids, you may choose half cornrows and complement them with half braids curled on the ends.
We hope our guide has helped you to get a better idea of what stitch braided styles are and what makes them stand out from other braid types. Also, thanks to an abundance of stunning ideas we have picked out for you, you are bound to get the look that flatters you most. And do not be afraid to experiment with combining styles, as you can always come up with your own exclusive stitch braid hair look.
FAQ
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How Long do Stitch Braids Last?
On average, stitch braid styles may last anywhere between one and two months. This depends on several factors, such as the speed at which your hair grows, how well you maintain the look, the level of humidity in the area where you live, and many others.
How Much do Stitch Braids Cost?
The price for stitch braid hairstyles starts from $80 and goes up to $150. It is based on the braid size and length, the style complexity, the salon location, the braider’s qualification and things like that.
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