Since we are talking about It girls, what other It girl has a hairstyle named after them?Zoë Kravitz has been that girl since birth. With parents like Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, it was only right that they create the most effortlessly cool being on this planet.
How To Get Zoë Kravitz Braids
Bonet's bohemian-chic locks and Lenny Kravitz's rockstar-inspired hairdos were emblematic of their unique style. Essentially, her free-spirited curls and his rebellious dreadlocks served as an innate inspiration for the Zoë Kravitz braids we have come to love today. For this modern-day family, it’s not just fashion statements—their hair is an expression of identity, creativity, and individuality.
In the world of braids, few trends capture attention, quite like the Zoë K style. Let’s talk about all that comes with it.
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What Are Zoë Kravitz Braids?
These braids typically consist of small to medium-sized box braids, sometimes accessorized with beads or cuffs, and are characterized by their bohemian style.
Rise In Popularity
The Zoë Kravitz braids have gained popularity for their effortlessly cool and stylish appearance. They offer a versatile and low-maintenance option for individuals looking for a protective hairstyle that can be worn for an extended period without daily styling.
According toTeen Vogue, the first time we saw the Big Little Lies star in braids was in 2015 when she starred in the movie DOPE. This became her go-to hairstyle, often seen on magazine covers. In May 2017, she graced the cover of Allure, sporting platinum blonde micro braids in a crown-styled design by the incredibly talented Nikki Nelms.
With ease, Kravitz has showcased the versatility of this style with messy buns, ponytails, and curls, popularizing a carefree, effortless style.
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How Long Does It Take To Get Zoë Kravitz Braids?
The time it takes to install Zoë Kravitz braids can vary depending on factors such as the length and thickness of your hair, the size of the braids, and the skill level of the stylist. Generally, it can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours or more to complete the braiding process.
Associated Costs
Prices vary based on factors such as the location, the salon or stylist's expertise, and the length and thickness of your hair. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $350 to $1000 or more for these braiding services.
The Real Tea on Zoë Kravitz Braids: Human Hair Vs Synthetic?
You have the option to use either human hair or synthetic hair extensions for Zoë Kravitz braids. Human hair tends to be more natural-looking and can be styled with heat tools, but it is also more expensive. Synthetic hair is more affordable but may not blend as seamlessly with your natural hair and typically cannot withstand heat styling.
New York-based stylist and owner of The Mu Look, Mulan McCausland, has some thoughts on the matter. “I am 100% against this style being done with synthetic loose hair," she declares. "It's not fair to the clients as it will be very short-lived." Instead, McCausland exclusively employs raw human hair, prioritizing durability and manageability. "Raw human hair for these styles will NOT become matted no matter what," she assures. "It's very easy to care for."
Maintenance Plan
But perhaps the most enticing aspect of the Zoë Kravitz braids, according to the salon owner, is its maintenance. “All you need is a spray bottle with water and a little conditioner, and you're good!”
McCausland's commitment to her client's hair health extends beyond the salon chair. "I always recommend making sure to sleep with a scarf at night," she advises. "My concern is not the human hair or the braids because they can take care of themselves. My only concern is the roots of my client's hair and making sure it can stay as fresh as possible."
Durability
This style is known for its durability and can typically last anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks or even longer with proper care and maintenance. However, factors such as your hair texture, activity level, and how well you care for your braids can affect their longevity. Regular touch-ups may be needed to keep your braids looking fresh as your natural hair grows out.
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Zoë Kravitz 2.0 — Sew-in Method
The girlies are always coming up with new ways to make life easier and relieve tension on the crown. This time, they decided to sew bundles at the crown or center of the head to give the allusion of fullness. Of course, we had to ask a professional.
Syreta Finnigan founded KnotlessGang, a braiding business where her craft has transformed braiding into an art form. Finnigan tells us that her introduction to the new sew-in method stemmed from a desire to elevate her braiding skills after initial attempts at recreating the Zoë Kravitz braids that ended up looking more like traditional goddess braids.
“It was during this pursuit that I found the perfect video on TikTok, showcased by @miaseirah. Her execution aligned perfectly with my vision, inspiring me to adopt and refine the newfound sew-in approach,” the stylist said.
According to Finnigan, by securely tucking the hair away, this technique promotes accelerated and healthier hair growth, minimizing the need for frequent manipulation. “Moreover, it serves as an ideal protective style, affording individuals the flexibility to experiment with various hairstyles, akin to both sew-ins and braids, while ensuring optimal hair care and maintenance.”
Here’s a Zoë Kravitz braids step-by-step tutorial from the Knotless Gang founder:
Step 1: Start by executing a traditional hybrid braid pattern. Personally, I opt for straight-back cornrows with a strategic leave-out at the crown. Making sure enough hair is left out during braiding guarantees seamless coverage of all tracks.
Step 2: Proceed with either the micro braids or the sew-in installation, I start with the sew-in. Utilizing a curved needle, thread through the weft and secure it to the initial braid at the back. Continue this pattern until reaching the crown, where the braiding process commences.
Step 3: Transition to the leave-out section, dividing it into sections for braiding. Begin with a center part and start your knotless micro braids. As the braids progress, incorporate sections of hair from the remaining bundles into the braids. There isn’t a definite point as to when to add the curly hair pieces. It depends on the overall look you are aiming for.
Step 4: Dip a towel into hot water and rub lightly at the top of your braids after the trimming process. Grab an edge control and lay your baby hairs for a sleek look and you are good to go.
Okay, we gave you all the tea. Now, it’s up to you to decide.
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I truly didn’t anticipate any further improvements to my mental and physical health—until Kendra Patton, a physician assistant and holistic health coach, affectionately offered her Fruit As Medicine detox to the group. The program’s “eat fruit for five weeks” protocol was a tall order. “I can only eat fruit? For five weeks straight? I don’t know about that…”
I had never heard of the concept that eating fruit alone could heal your gut, and I wasn’t too excited about putting the concept into action. I was already on a plant-based diet, and those restrictions felt like more than enough; I gave up chicken for God’s sake! I was incredibly apprehensive, but Patton’s deep kindness helped ease me into the unknown.
Patton’s comprehensive FAM Detox includes a gradual introduction to the all-fruit diet, a series of targeted cleanses, herbal supplement recommendations, a 10-step daily wellness protocol, and a gradual return to other foods. Each cohort is a community where people can navigate their detox journeys together. By the end of the program, I released so many toxins I had no idea were inside of me.
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“The really beautiful thing about fruit is that it purges,” Patton says. “It helps your cells to get rid of toxins and waste. In layman's terms, it helps each of your cells; we have like 300 trillion cells. It helps them all to poop.” Even from an anatomical standpoint, human beings are hardwired for high fruit consumption—when you take our mildly sharp teeth, average hand size, and the length of our digestive tract into consideration. Fruit’s benefits to the body are also twofold. “The other beautiful thing is it's purging you out, however, it's also providing you with antioxidants and nutrients and vitamins.”
Off the bat, the FAM Detox gave me a new respect for grapes. A week after transitioning into the fruit diet, Patton’s first targeted cleanse involved a week of solely consuming grapes. “Grape week” as she calls it, highlights the fruit’s powerful micronutrients, making for a deep and effective colon cleanse. It was during this week that I found my first stomach-churning surprise in the toilet: I’d passed a large piece of fat. “Detoxing is gross,” Patton admits despite urging her clients to examine their poop. “You realize the level of nastiness that you have accumulated over the years—whether that be through mucus, gallstones, liver flukes, parasites, long worms, or even just that old toxic, stale waste that looks like leather that's been sitting in your body for years.”
"Detoxing is gross. You realize the level of nastiness that you have accumulated over the years."
Once I was past the discomfort, I started to notice that the FAM Detox was helping me build a more intimate relationship with my body. Coupled with taking a closer look at my stool, Patton also prescribes a set of daily wellness protocols to help keep the body’s detox pathways open. She recommends practices like breathwork, movement, saunas/hot baths, dry brushing, and enemas to help toxins make their exit.
“We focus on opening up the liver, the skin, the colon, the kidneys, and the lungs very specifically. And then we also open up the lymphatic system,” she explains. “You really should not detox and cleanse without those systems being opened, because what happens is you’ll eat all this fruit and high vibrational food, then the toxins will just be released into your circulatory system, into your blood.”
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Patton’s program makes intentional use of naivete; she gently leads clients through the process by presenting new information gradually. I was indeed more naive than I should have been about the various ways healing can really hurt. The FAM Detox introduced me to the term “healing crisis,” which describes the phenomena of symptoms worsening before they improve.
While headaches, nausea, and body aches were all par for the course, the daily wellness protocols also provided plenty of relief. There was, however, one hot bath that brought me more healing than I bargained for one night. After adding ginger to the tub for an extra detox boost, I found myself crying uncontrollably. I was incredibly grateful to have a community to turn to while releasing years of stored grief.
“Detoxing is such a spiritual and emotional effort that when you are doing it alone, it can really feel like you're going through your dark night of the soul by yourself,” Patton says. “And you probably are. If you're doing it correctly, you probably feel low at certain points.” Before the FAM Detox liver and gallbladder cleanse, she shares a concept founded in ancient Chinese medicine: we store feelings of anger in our livers.
For this cleanse, we avoided fatty fruits for four days before drinking a mix of olive oil and grapefruit. It was definitely a point where tensions ran high; I passed a series of tiny green-colored gallstones thereafter.
By the program’s final “master” cleanse—which features gallons of water, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cayenne pepper concoction—I’d traversed every bodily “ick” possible. I was dauntless when I passed a long, white parasite. I snapped a pic of that bad boy, feeling a deep sense of pride. After successfully ridding my body of toxins for a month and a half, I was forever changed. By the time Patton was leading us back into consuming other foods, my relationship with food and my body had been changed in one fell swoop.
“When people trust me, I do not take it for granted,” Patton notes. “And so the fact that people trust me on this journey, I think I found my purpose, and I found my passion. People can read that. People can sense it. They sense I believe in my work, and that I've done it for myself, and I have dozens of testimonials now of people who have trusted me, too.“
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