Everything You Need To Know About The Zoë Kravitz Braids Before You Commit
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.
Vera Anderson/WireImage
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.
Courtesy
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.
Courtesy
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.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Joce Blake is a womanist who loves fashion, Beyonce and Hot Cheetos. The sophistiratchet enthusiast is based in Brooklyn, NY but has southern belle roots as she was born and raised in Memphis, TN. Keep up with her on Instagram @joce_blake and on Twitter @SaraJessicaBee.
Skylar Marshai Talks Hair Reset With SheaMoisture Bond Repair 'Revive & Thrive' Campaign
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
Skylar Marshai is known for her extravagant style, and her hair is no exception. But now, she’s giving her hair a break and focusing on hair care with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection. “I feel like my hair has always been an extension of my storytelling because I know it's so innately linked to my self-expression that I've been thinking a lot about how my love for crafting my hair into these different forms and shapes has honestly never given it a chance to just be,” Skylar explains.
“So for the next few weeks, I will be wearing my natural hair out.” The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is infused with AminoBlend and HydroPlex technology, scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (vs. non-conditioning shampoo). That’s why it's the perfect hair reset for Skylar.
“It's been a long, long time since I've worn my natural curls. I haven’t nurtured it in its natural form so I’m scared of breakage, of it being dry, of it being damaged,” she admits. “I do feel like my hair is in good hands because I will be using the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection and it’s known for repairing damaged hair making it smoother, making it stronger like all of these very real concerns I have.”
Thanks to the unique blend of Amino Blend Complex (fortifying amino acids), Amla oil, and fair-trade shea butter used in each product, the hair will become visibly healthier after just one use. That’s because the collection focuses on repairing and reviving dry, damaged hair due to color, protective styles, heat, and more. This 4-step system, which includes Bond Repair Shampoo, Bond Repair Conditioner, Bond Repair Masque, and Bond Repair Leave-in, also enhances weakened hair bonds to reduce future breakage.
Skylar shows us how she uses the collection and it’s giving big, beautiful, healthy hair. “So I think it's gonna be some beauty to allowing my hair to rest,” she says. When it comes to styling, the influencer is “just gonna let Mother Nature do her thing.” Learn more about the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection below.
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, Shea Moisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditionerdeeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image by @skylarmarshai/ Instagram
I Went To The Spa For A Deep Tissue Massage But Got A 'Happy Ending' Instead
As Told To is a recurring segment on xoNecole where real women are given a platform to tell their stories in first-person narrative as told to a writer.
This is Q's story, as told to London Alexaundria.
This was a few years ago. It had to be back in '21 because it was during the pandemic. And I work out, so my body is always sore, and normally, I would go to a chain, like a Massage Envy, for the most part. And I got bored with it. I got bored with changing locations. I got bored with changing the therapists.
And so I said, let me try to find something different. So what I did was, and it was like, later on in that evening. So I was trying to find somebody who do late-night massages outside of Jeju (Atlanta spa) and going that far. And so I did, like a simple Google search, just massage therapists that are open. I found one, and it was Black-owned, and it was in a reasonable amount of time. It wasn't too far, like it was less than 45 minutes from where I am. And I decided to give it a chance.
I wasn't looking for anything in particular except to get a really good deep-tissue massage because I was in a lot of pain, and they were open up until midnight, and so I went ahead and booked. I submitted my down payment, and I showed up. And when I showed up, it looked like it was maybe; I don't know if you want to call them; they could resemble homes, but it's like a plaza, I guess. It's his actual business. And when I went in there, it was clean. It was small and quaint, but it was very clean. No issues. And the massage therapist was very nice; very professional.
DragaonImages/ Getty Images
He broke everything down for me. I told him my areas that I needed attention on, and then he gave me a few minutes just to get undressed. He said, if I'm comfortable, I can just lay on the table. If I would like to be covered up, just go underneath the cover. You don't have to get completely naked. You can keep your undergarments on if that's what you choose to do. But me, no matter where I'm at, no matter what type of massage I'm getting, I just like to be completely naked. And I just laid on top of the table because it was pretty warm in there. Like, it wasn't too cold, it wasn't too hot, it was just right for me. And so once he came in he got everything situated, he got the music playing, and he just gets to going, and he's massaging me on my back.
I opted for a deep tissue, and he's really focusing on my trigger points. And normally, when I get a massage, naturally, I'm relaxed. Naturally, I might get excited. But this time, it was different, and I think it was just because of the way that he really paid attention to my body. And not only was he good at paying attention to it, it had a certain type of sensualness to it. So I guess you can say it reminds you of something similar to a sensual massage therapist that you might see online, like a TikTok or Instagram. So it was something similar to that. So once he finished with my back, and he started going to my lower back and buttocks area, he went into my inner thighs, and he's doing my inner thighs and my calves. And the more he starts working my inner thighs, the more excited I'm getting.
MilanEXPO/ Getty Images
I'm getting super wet, but in my head, I'm thinking, okay, play it cool. Just be professional. Keep it going. But the more he kept going up my inner thighs, the more excited I got, and I know he felt how wet I was. The closer he got to my private area, I slowly open my legs up a little bit more so he can get the idea that I'm okay with him just going all the way through. And if you want to give me a happy ending, I'm okay with that too. But he still took his time, still kept massaging. And the more I opened up my legs, the closer he got, and then he had touched me on my vagina area, and I liked it, and I let out like a sigh.
And so he kept going and going and going. And then he didn't stop until I came. And once I came, he just like... it was nothing. Just kept massaging the rest of my body, and he told me to flip over. And when I flipped over, you know, he did the top portion of my body. He did like my temples on my head. He did my décolletage area, like the chest area. And then he did my legs and my feet, you know, on the top side. But then when he went into my inner thighs again, I get excited again, and he does it again, and so I come again, and after that, I'm completely relaxed, and this man is like, your massage is complete.
And I was just stunned, because I've never had that happen before, but it was amazing. And I said I could do this again. But then I started thinking, does he do this often? Or did he do it just because he knew that I was okay with about opening up my legs a bit more, so he knew that it was okay to keep going in that area. And I really didn't ask him, 'cause deep down inside, I didn't care. I just knew that it was something that I was going to keep with me that way if I want to see him again. I still got him in my back pocket, and I did see him again, but we'll save that for another time.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Casarsa