On today’s episode of The Braid Up, we’re showing you a step-by-step on *the* definitive Black-girl staple style—yes you guessed it: stitch braids. They're an essential warm-weather look you should tap into asap...that is, if you plan on showing up outside to eat the girls right up this summer. Still, you know that we've got to take these classic braids up a notch, which is exactly what we're doing in this episode with some cool braided designs. Watch to follow how New Jersey-based hairstylist Sasha Griffin created these ~designer~ stitch braids, then check out some of our pro tips to keep in mind while doing it!

1. Slick your parts with gel. After making your braid part with your comb (preferably a metal rat-tail comb), smooth a dab of smoothing gel over your parts to give them that sleek definition we all know and love, along with some extra slickness and shine.

2. Make this style your own. These braids are called designer for a reason, so don't feel like you've gotta stick to the pattern in today's episode. If you feel like mixing things up, try creating braided mini-parts in whatever design or pattern speaks to you. When finished, make sure to feed your finished braid into one of the main stitch braids. Come on, we believe in you ❤️.

3. Curate your own color blend with braiding hair. Whether you’re looking for some subtle hints of different hues, or you're going for a whole-new hair color, picking up a custom blend of added kanekalon hair will help you unleash your inner baddie.

for a bright and bold style
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for a pop of red
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for some deeper tones
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for an ombre look
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4. Dip your ends. Period. Make sure your style is locked and loaded by dipping the ends of your braids in hot water. The dip will create a heat seal to help ensure the longevity of your braids (because the last thing we want is to have braids unraveling while you're out for brunch with your friends).

2 stitch braids
Hearst Owned

Hair: In collaboration with Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio
Stylists: Latosha Star, Chastity Morales, and Monique Williams
Makeup: Ashley Johnson
Videographer: Rob Mroczko
Production assistant: Jay Aguirre
Director of digital series: Tara O’Connell