Braids are the most versatile yet straightforward hairstyle that a natural will ever have.
Our favorite styles, such as box braids, Fulani Braids, even cornrows, can become something more exciting and out of the norm than we’re used to.
Criss-cross braids are intricate designs that require attention and precision, but some styles are easy for beginners. Here we will discuss some excellent criss-cross techniques that you can try and enjoy.
Are criss-cross braids hard to do?
It may seem challenging to get the hang of it, but it can become simple with enough focus and precision. This is a style that takes practice and patience.
Don’t expect for it to come out looking perfect and beautiful the first time you do them.
If it does, great, but if it doesn’t, that’s okay too, and it’s just a lesson to keep on trying.
How long do Criss cross braids last?
You definitely want to use a satin scarf to cover your hair and keep it flat with this style. Although bonnets protect your hair from damage, they do not always protect your style, and they can start to frizz pretty quickly.
This is where a satin scarf can save your life. The scarf will preserve the style itself from getting frizzy and messed up too fast.
If you’re not that great at tying a scarf so that it stays on all night, put a bonnet on over the scarf for added protection. Crisscross braids can last one week or two or more if you care for them very well.
How do I do Criss Cross Braids?
There are many different routes and designs you can come up with to do criss-cross braids. Check out videos on Youtube to discover which style suits your fancy the most.
Make sure to do your research on which products you will need to create the look you want.
Each look featured here will have a list of products that are best used to develop each style.
The simplest way to do them is to create parts for each cross. The amount of parts depends on how many crosses you want.
After completing the parts, the next step is to cross them over and tie them with elastics not to unravel them. Make sure to smooth them down with some edge control not to look frizzy and dry.
There are many talented people on Youtube that create unique styles like the one featured here. Follow their example, and support them while watching and sharing their videos.
Not only will you be showing your support, but you will also be learning something new.
Natural hair YouTubers put a lot of time and effort into making their videos so that they can help the community.
As the community, it is up to us to show our appreciation for their time and effort. We get something out of it as well: a new unique hairstyle!
What Products Do I Need For Criss-Cross Braids
- Elastics for keeping the criss-cross design in place. Just be careful when taking them out at the end. Have someone else help you or use multiple mirrors to see what you’re doing to avoid cutting out your hair
- Edge control to lay down your baby hairs. If you want to do this, this product is up to you, but it never hurts to add more flair to a style.
- Satin scarf or bonnet to tie down your hair and make the style stay fresh and last longer. A bonnet and a scarf are essential for any style and for protecting your hair from damage overnight.
- Braiding hair to add length and volume to your box braids. Everyone has their preference for braiding hair but if you’re new to it, ask around at the stores and people you know who braids before you purchase to find the best one.
- Rattail comb for getting the parts precise. This is the most critical step of the hairstyle because, with such an intricate design created in the very front, it will show if the parts are not straight and look messy. Rattail combs are great for getting good parts.
RELATED POSTS
1. Light Brown Criss Cross Braids with Box Braids
Upgrade your box braids style with Criss Cross braids in the front. We always tend to get creative with the size and color of our braids, but we can get creative in other ways, too, such as this. Simple baby hairs can tie the whole look together as well.
2. Criss Cross Braids with Black Box Braids
You can get creative with box braids that go past your waist and designed baby hair in the front. There will be many parts to make for this style because the criss-cross pieces are smaller.
The smaller you want the crosses, the more parts you will have to make, so keep that in mind.
3. Extra Long Criss Cross Box Braids
Make sure to spend a lot of time clicking down those crosses so they can come out smooth and flat.
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4. Red Criss Cross Box Braids
Adding a pop of color is always a great way to spice up any style and show more personality.
5. Criss Cross Braids with Bantu Knots and Box Braids
Make fewer crosses in the front so you can add some stylish buns!
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6. Half up-Half down Criss-Cross Braids
Half up half down is always a classic, but it can always be accessorized, like this one with criss-cross braids in the front.
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7. Sleek Ponytail with Cornrows and Criss-Cross Braids
Sleek ponytails can sometimes seem bland, but you can always spice it up.
Products to use:
- Scrunchie to hold the ponytail in place so it doesn’t unravel. You can also use bobby pins instead; just be careful to place them, so they don’t poke your scalp.
- Ponytail piece to add to your natural hair for length.
- Brush to keep your ponytail sleek and from getting tangled.
@larry_beautyglam
8. Criss Cross Braids with Buns and Thigh Length Box Braids
It’s never a dull style when buns are involved!
@larry_beautyglam
9. Red Criss Cross Braids
Some of the styles here only use about two lines of crosses, but you can also crisscross the hair until you get to the middle.
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10. Multi-Styled Criss-Cross Braids
Like mentioned at the beginning, there are multiple ways you can style criss-cross braids, including these two.
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11. Blonde Criss-Cross Braids
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12. Criss Cross Braids with Blue and Platinum Highlights
to lay down your baby hairs. If you want to do this, this product is up to you, but it never hurts to add more flair to a style.
If you’re doing any type of style where your edges can be pulled too tight, it’s best to keep them out to avoid tearing and hair loss, so definitely consider adding this step to your style.
Look for blue and platinum braiding hair to match this style.
@larry_beautyglam
13. Criss-Cross with Senegalese Twists
14. Criss Cross with Faux Locs
15. Criss Cross With Faux Locs Style
16. Rubber Band Criss Cross With Cornrows and Braids
17. Beautiful Criss Cross With Small Braids
18. Waist Length Criss Cross Braids
19. Blue Criss Cross Braids with Beaded Ends
20. Pink and Mint Criss Cross Braids
21. Criss Cross Curly Braids
22. Criss Cross Rubberband on Red Hair
23. Simple Criss Cross Briads
24. Six Sections Criss Cross with Blonde Highlights
25. Criss Cross Cornrows with a Straight Ponytail
@stacysbraids
26. Criss Cross Bohemian Box Braids
@slayedby.rayy
27. Alternating Criss Cross and Cornrows Box Braids
@hairbywaavyk
28. 3-in-1 Criss Cross, Cornrows and Box Braids
@donebyduana
29.
beautybyamore_hair
30.
In Conclusion
As you may have noticed, many of the products to use in this article are the same. Our product list does not need to be miles long to create styles, even intricate techniques such as criss-cross braids. We can use and recycle a lot of the things we already have at home.
Keep your list short and simple when you go out to purchase the products to create these styles. Even the most elaborate hairstyles don’t have to cost an arm and a leg to complete. This is a great starting guide for products you will always need for different kinds of styles.
