The 12 Best Products for the Perfect Braid

Oscar Blandi Pronto Braid Paste

A great way help your braid thrive is by giving it a fuller appearance, and this paste does just that. It tames flyaways and defines your braid’s shape, making it pop. $25, ulta.com

Bumble and bumble Bb. Texture Hair (Un)Dressing Crème

All-natural looks are in, but sometimes, braids can be hard to naturally maintain without a little help. Luckily, Bumble and bumble made this gel-crème to give your hair some body without making it feel stiff, resulting in a stylishly messy look. $30, sephora.com

Redken Fashion Collection Braid Aid 03

Whether used on damp or dry hair, this lotion is designed to define. It enhances the natural texture of braids and twists, and even gives hair an easy grip for styling. $25, ulta.com

Qhemet Biologics Aethiopika Hydrate & Twist Butter

As a hydrator and holder, this butter will perfect your plait. It moisturizes your hair to give it a soft texture, yet it’s firm enough to gently keep your braids in place. $18, sephora.com

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Strand-Smoother Serum Spray

Sleek braids are constantly seen on runways, but now, you can easily style them on yourself. With the power of a serum and the convenience of a spray, this product provides all-day shine while eliminating frizz, leaving your braid smooth and glossy. $5, lorealparisussa.com

Pravana Nevo Model Behavior Styling Crème

Vegan and gluten-free, it’s no wonder this styling crème is so beneficial for your braid. It’s lightweight and defines hair shape, giving your braid’s texture a boost. $19, ulta.com

R+Co Mannequin Styling Paste

Struggling to find the line between purposefully messy and bedhead? This product is your guide! It gives your hair some hold, but keeps its body loose and bouncy—a foolproof recipe for a sexy, messy plait. $28, randco.com

Sachajuan Hair After the Sun

There’s no better time than summer to protect your hair from the heat! This leave-in styling lotion has hydrating properties and gives a light hold, making it an essential for beachside braiding. $32, beautybar.com

Better Braids Hair and Scalp Oil

By featuring olive, jojoba and other essential oils, this product blends some of our favorite ingredients to nourish even the driest of braids. It hydrates and strengthens your locks, promoting a pretty plait. $6, keystone-labs.com

TRESemmé Tres Two Freeze Hold Hair Spray

On your mark, get set, hold! With this hairspray, your tresses aren’t going to budge. It’s quick-drying and weather-resistant, perfect for freezing your braids in place all day. $5, drugstore.com

Ecru New York Silk Texturizing Balm

From layered locks to straighter strands, this texturizing balm is made for all hair types and textures. It’s lightweight and nourishing and will secure your braid in place without any added grease or stiffness. $33, beautybar.com

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Oribe knows that a little texture in your braids can give them the makeover you’ve been looking for. This product works to bump up your hair’s body, as well as enhance its texture, resulting in luscious, voluminous plaits. $42, oribe.com