Have you ever heard of lemonade braids? Well, this is a braided hairstyle that was first sported by Beyoncé, the hugely celebrated singer, songwriter, and actress! We all know Beyoncé has amazing hair, but many of you perhaps don’t know that Beyoncé had flaunted this hairstyle in the video for Formation.
Formation was part of her top-selling and socially incisive album Lemonade. Yes, now you guessed it right! The name of the hairstyle originates in her album name. They came to be known as “Lemonade braids” and ever since then, have been known by that name only. To date, women ask for this style at salons, which Beyoncé catapulted to enormous popularity!
Creating the Iconic Hairdo
Designed by Kim Kimble, Beyoncé’s long-time hairstylist, this hairdo comprises very long cornrows with a deep side part, making them cascade over one shoulder. They are woven close to the scalp and can be styled in different ways. While filming Lemonade, Beyoncé wanted her hairstylist to create a magnetic look for the visual album. According to Kimble’s media statement, it was an intentional move to flaunt the natural hair texture. It hardly had anything to do with humidity or hair management but was more about historical periods.
Kimble further added that Nefertiti, Egyptian culture, and royalty had inspired Beyoncé’s iconic look. Since hair is often symbolized as a woman’s crown, this hairstyle perfectly complements that notion. With the braids stacked on top of each other, it looks like a crown. Beyoncé had been sporting cornrows for long, and with this look, she took the style statement relatively a few notches higher.
The Popularity of Lemonade Braids
If you watch the Lemonade video, you’ll notice that it celebrates the very concept of texture in every shape and form. Be it the women in the background or the dancers, celebrating texture seems to be a key objective of the video. Kimble also mentioned that the whole video is dedicated to paying tribute to women’s culture. She went on to say that in the era in which the video is set, women of color didn’t press and relax their hair. The hair that Beyoncé flaunts reflects those times, with the vintage elements making their presence felt in the costumes too.
While Beyoncé flaunted her lemonade braids in a blonde shade, the style went on to become so popular that eventually, women experimented with different colors, including pink, burgundy, and what not! Rapper Nicky Minaj donned pink lemonade braids in the music video for her 2018 song Motor Sport, along with Migos and Cardi B. In the same year, a hairstylist on Cosmopolitan affirmed that she gets a lot of requests for this hairstyle ever since Beyoncé made it an iconic style statement. In fact, the release of Lemonade was followed by YouTube tutorials on how to get these braids right.
Check out some of the best ways in which you can style your lemonade braids:
Lemonade Braids Bun
Well-suited for formal events, this style will come in handy when no other regular updo manages to nail it. You can try adding some Dutch braids and lemonade braids all around the scalp. Once you tie them up in a high bun, you’ll surely be a head-turner wherever you go.
Aligned Lemonade Braids
This is perfect for a gym hairdo, as the thick braids will keep hair off your face. Besides, they also look on point! Get these braids and work out like a pro.
High Ponytail
This is an excellent pick for working women. It complements formals beautifully, lending a no-nonsense edginess to your ensemble. You can spice it up a little by adding a colorful hair tye or simply tying it slightly to the side.
Classic Parted Braids
If you have an eye for sophisticated and simple braid hairdos, go for this. It’s relatively understated but fun. The best part is, it does complete justice to your 9 to 9 schedule, so wear it to the office as well as for partying at night!
Colorful Lemonade Braids
Go all out and make the most of extensions without worrying about damaging your hair. With colored extensions, you score high on the style quotient and pull off a cool look, minus the harmful chemicals.
If you take good care, lemonade braids can last up to 3 weeks. What sets them apart from box braids is that, while box braids are sectioned into square or rectangular partitions, lemonade braids are cornrowed on one side. Traditionally donned by black women, lemonade braids can also be experimented with as a sort of homage to their roots.
Yes, we’re talking about rings, beads, colorful threads, traditional hair clips, and whatever else you want to try!
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