Beyonce’s historical 2016 album “Lemonade” wasn’t just iconic because of its powerful storytelling and reclamation of female power. Beyond serving as a groundbreaking musical and visual project and cultural milestone, it birthed a new popular hairstyle: lemonade braids.
The braided look Beyoncé wears for much of the visual album, lemonade braids are much more than just a hairstyle. Also referred to as, duchess or fulani braids, they represent strength and empowerment. These braids became an instant trend, encapsulating the power and emotion that Beyoncé conveyed in her visual masterpiece. If you’re ready to recreate this bold style yourself, here’s everything you need to know about lemonade braids.
What Are Lemonade Braids?
Lemonade braids are a type of intricate and bold protective hairstyle. Characterized by small, tight cornrow braids styled into a long shape, these braids are a nod to feminine power while embracing modern aesthetics. The braids, which Beyoncé wore during the album’s promotional period and throughout its various music videos, have become symbolic of empowerment and resilience.
In the “Lemonade” visuals, the braids were often accessorized with gold accents or styled with other artistic elements. The braids have since been adopted and reinterpreted by fans around the world as an emblem of strength, beauty and individuality.
How to Do Beyoncé’s Lemonade Braids
If you’re ready to rock your own Lemonade braids, this look is intricate yet achievable with the right materials and technique.
Materials Needed
- Hair extensions: For added length and volume
- Rat tail comb: For parting your hair precisely and creating clean sections.
- Edge control gel: To lay down edges and create a polished finish.
- Hair gel: To smooth down any flyaways and keep braids intact.
- Rubber bands: To secure the ends of each braid.
- Wide-tooth comb: For detangling and prepping your natural hair.
- Hair clips: To keep sections separated while working on the braids.
- Leave-in conditioner or hair moisturizer: To hydrate and prep your hair before braiding.
Lemonade Braids Tutorial
- Prep your hair. Start with clean, dry hair. If you have natural hair, apply a leave-in conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and easier to manipulate. If you’re adding extensions, make sure to braid your natural hair into cornrows first or section it off neatly so that you can attach the extensions.
- Create the Parts. Use a rat tail comb to part your hair into small, even sections. Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” braids are neat and symmetrical, so aim for precision when parting. You can create a straight or slightly zig-zag parting pattern to mimic the style from the visuals. If you’re using extensions, this step is even more important to ensure smooth, consistent braids.
- Start Braiding. Begin braiding each section of hair. Start from the root and braid down toward the ends, keeping the tension even and tight to create that sleek, defined look. The small, tight cornrows in Beyoncé’s braids are what give the hairstyle its signature shape, so be sure to braid closely to the scalp. If you’re adding hair extensions, you can incorporate them into the braid as you go.
- Secure the Ends. Once you’ve completed each braid, use a rubber band to secure the ends. For a true “Lemonade” look, you can add some decorative elements at the end of the braids, such as gold beads or cuffs, to capture the bold essence of Beyoncé’s visuals.
- Lay your edges. Lemonade braids are typically paired with laid, sleek edges. Use a small amount of edge control gel to smooth down your baby hairs, creating a polished finish. You can use a toothbrush or an edge brush for precise control.