Lemonade braids are cornrows or feed-in braids that all sweep to one side of the head instead of running straight back. The style takes its name from Beyoncé’s 2016 visual album Lemonade, where she wore long side-swept braids, and it has been a favorite protective style ever since.
Here’s how to do lemonade braids at home, from prep to the final touches. For inspiration, browse our lemonade braid hairstyles.
What You Need
- Braiding hair: long pre-stretched braiding hair is the classic choice.
- Rat-tail comb for curved parts.
- Braiding gel or edge control.
- Clips to hold sections.
- Leave-in conditioner, a light oil and mousse.
Step 1: Prep Your Hair
- Wash with a clarifying or gentle shampoo to remove buildup, since you’ll be wearing the braids for weeks.
- Deep condition to add moisture and strength.
- Detangle with your fingers and a wide-tooth comb, working from ends to roots.
- Stretch your hair by blow-drying on low to medium heat with a heat protectant, or by banding. Stretched hair is much easier to part and cornrow.
Step 2: Plan Your Parts
Decide which side the braids will fall to. Lemonade braids usually start near the hairline on one side and curve across the head toward the opposite side and down toward the nape. Some styles add a deep side part, a zig-zag part or a few braids sweeping the other way at the front for contrast.
Use the tail of your comb to part your first row along the front hairline, following the curve you want. Apply gel along the part and clip the rest of your hair away.
Step 3: Prepare the Braiding Hair
Divide the braiding hair into small pieces before you start and lay them out in order, from thinnest to thickest. Starting with tiny pieces and adding gradually keeps the braids flat and natural at the front.
Step 4: Braid the First Row
- Start with your own hair. Take a small section at the front of the row, split it into three strands and braid two or three stitches, crossing the outer strands under the middle one and picking up hair from the row as you go.
- Feed in the extensions. Fold the thinnest piece of braiding hair in half and add it to the braid, then keep cornrowing. Add a new, slightly thicker piece every few stitches.
- Follow the curve. Keep the braid running along your part toward the opposite side of the head.
- Braid the length. When you reach the end of the row, keep braiding to the ends of the extensions.
If you’re new to this technique, read our step-by-step guide to feed-in braids first.
Step 5: Repeat Across the Head
Part the next row parallel to the first and braid it the same way. Keep the rows even in width and follow the same direction so all the braids sweep neatly to one side. Work from front to back, checking the back of your head in a hand mirror.
Step 6: Finish the Style
- Seal the ends by dipping them in hot (not boiling) water, protecting your neck and shoulders with a towel.
- Apply mousse and tie the braids down with a scarf for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Smooth your edges with edge control. Some people add baby hair swoops for a polished finish.
- Accessorize with gold cuffs or beads if you like.
How Long Do Lemonade Braids Last?
Lemonade braids usually last around four to six weeks with good care. Don’t leave them in much longer, since new growth and buildup can cause matting at the roots.
Care Tips
- Wrap your braids in a satin scarf or bonnet at night.
- Moisturize your scalp with a light oil or leave-in spray every few days.
- Switch the way you style the braids occasionally so the same area isn’t always under tension.
- If the braids feel painfully tight or you see bumps along your hairline, loosen or remove them.
Final Thoughts
Lemonade braids are a beautiful way to wear cornrows, and the side-swept direction makes the style instantly recognizable. Start with clean, stretched hair, keep your parts neat and feed in hair gradually. For another side-swept look, see our side braid hairstyles.
