Braids are a protective and stylish choice for any occasion. However, if you have thin edges or a receding hairline, achieving a flawless braided style can feel challenging. We understand this frustration completely. That's why we've created this blog to explore how to hide a receding hairline and create beautiful, realistic fake edges for your braids. Let's dive in!
How to Hide Receding Hairlines?
Dealing with hair thinning or a receding hairline can feel isolating, but the truth is, you are far from alone. Due to a combination of factors like genetics, lifestyle habits, and stress, a vast number of women experience hair receding and thinning. In fact, research underscores how common this is: according to a PMC article, fewer than 45% of women go through life with a full head of hair. Female pattern hair loss is the commonest cause of hair loss in women, and its prevalence increases with advancing age.
The good news is that this doesn't mean you have to give up on the protective and stylish braided hairstyles you love. It simply means adapting your approach with clever techniques that create the illusion of a fuller hairline, boosting your confidence from the moment you look in the mirror.
1.The Color Filling Method
This is the quickest and easiest solution, perfect for a last-minute fix. It involves using cosmetic products like filling powder or hair wax stick to reduce the contrast between your scalp and hair, creating the illusion of density.
Best for:
Receding Situation: Mild thinning
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly (no special skills required)
Style Preference: An instant, temporary solution perfect for trying different hairstyles
How it works: Using specialized products like hairline powders, hair wax or even matte eyeshadow that matches your hair color, you gently pat the product onto the sparse areas of your scalp. The goal is to mimic the appearance of tiny hair follicles, making the scalp less visible.
Pro Tip: Always set the product with a light hold spray to prevent transfer and ensure it lasts all day.
2.The Curved Edge Braiding Method
What it is: This is a strategic braiding technique by creating braids with your natural hair (or with extension braiding hair) to conceal your hairline. Instead of braiding straight back, you craft the braids to sweep along and cover thinning areas.
Best For:
Receding Situation:Moderate to significant recession
Skill Level: Advanced (proficient in braiding techniques)
Style Preference: Ideal for long-term, protective styles
How it works: Start by strategically parting and leaving out the baby hairs at the front, then using a "snatching" technique to braid in a curved path that follows your ideal hairline shape. This physically covers the scalp with hair.
Pro Tip: The key to a sleek, polished finish lies in using a small amount of edge control gel to secure the braids and lay them smoothly along the curve.
3.Creating Fake Edges with Extensions
Using extensions like braiding hair, lace closures, and frontals is an efficient and versatile solution for creating a flawless hairline, effectively addressing everything from minor thinning to significant recession.
Best For:
Receding Situation: Ranges from minor to significant edge recession
Skill Level: Intermediate
Style Preference: Offers versatility for both temporary and long-term styles
How to Create Fake Edges with Extensions
1.Glue Sleek Edges with Braiding Hair
This method directly uses hair glue to attach pieces of braiding hair to your front scalp, creating a strong and natural looking fake edges hair.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Select Your Match Hair：The key to a seamless look is choosing braiding hair that blends perfectly with your natural hair in color, texture, and thickness.
Measure and Cut the Hair:Measure and cut the braiding hair to the length you want for your edges.
Apply the Glue：Dab small dots of hair adhesive along your hairline. Use the tail of a rat-tail comb to spread it evenly and a cotton swab to clean up any excess glue on your skin to prevent a messy finish.
Attach the Braiding Hair：Start by applying the hair sparingly. Put just a few pieces onto the glue to keep them looking natural,then press the roots for better hold . Check the density in the mirror, and gradually add more pieces only where needed to build a soft, realistic hairline.
Style It: Use your comb or an edge brush and a little gel to style your new hairline to match your braids and personal style.
2.Glue Pre-Braided Edges with Braiding Hair
This method is ideal for those with significant receding hairlines who want a flawless, long-lasting solution for intricate braided styles. It involves creating a strong, pre-braided hairline to complex with braid styles.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Select Your Match Hair：Choose high-quality human braiding hair that matches your natural hair color and texture for a seamless blend.
Measure and Cut the Hair:Measure and cut the braiding hair to the desired length you want for your pre-braied edges.
Apply the Adhesive：On the front of your scalp, apply the adhesive in thin strips along the intended hairline. Make these strips the same width as the cornrows you plan to create(cut and use ultra-hold extension tape would help you speed up this process).
Attach the Hair：For the most realistic hairline, start by framing each adhesive strip. Gently press small sections of braiding hair along the outer edges of the glue, working inward toward the center. This technique helps the hair lie flat and creates a natural growth pattern. Continue until the strip is fully covered, then use the tail of a rat-tail comb to press and secure the hair firmly against the scalp.
Create Braids: Cornrow braid from the front to the back,until you complete all the strips of braids.
3.Create fake edges with Lace frontal and closures
For a flawless and professional-looking finish, you can use a lace closure or frontal to create a defined, sleek hairline or pre-braided edges with ease. This method involves customizing the piece to fit your hairline perfectly.
You may also intersted in:Easy Guide to Master Express Crochet Braid Method
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!