Trust me when I say that you’ve *never* seen a mohawk this stunning before. Not only is this butterfly-inspired style an obvious visual masterpiece, it’s also super versatile and a solid protective style for those of us with natural hair. Stylist Tiffany Anderson created this epic look on today’s episode of The Braid Up, and she says that even people who tend to shy away from edgier looks can still enjoy this faux-hawk style. “The beautiful butterfly in the middle means you can dress this look up,” Anderson says. “You can wear it to a fancy gala and make a statement or a more low-key girls’ night out to be cute and chic.” I mean, what’s not to love?
Want to try out this braided butterfly mohawk for yourself? Cool, cool. Just follow these four tips, below.
1. Keep symmetry in mind. “Because this is a mohawk style, you want to make sure that each side is even,” Anderson says. She suggests continually checking the first completed side while working on the other to ensure there are no major differences in parting and braid sizing.
2. Scalp care is key. At least once a week, take some time to look after your scalp. Oils or scalp serums, like the ones down below, will help maintain your scalp’s moisture levels and prevent irritation and flaking.
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Fable & Mane HoliRoots Pre-Wash Hair Treatment Oil
Kreyòl Essence Haitian Black Castor Oil
Pura D'or Organic Moroccan Argan Oil
3. Switch things up. You’ve got plenty of ways to shake things up with this style, Anderson says. “You can wear it down, of course, but you can also wrap it around in a bun if you don’t want your hair down your back. Wrapping it up this way gives it a nice fluffy effect.”
4. Keep it for three weeks max. According to Anderson, three weeks is the longest amount of time you’ll want to keep this look in. To keep your hair in top shape during those three weeks, make sure you’re wearing a satin bonnet to bed every night.
Hair: In collaboration with Stasha Harris of Magic Fingers Studio
Makeup: Ashley Johnson
Videographer: Rob Mroczko
Production assistant: Jay Aguirre
Director of digital series: Tara O’Connell
Annabel Iwegbue is an assistant editor at Cosmopolitan where she primarily covers lifestyle and fashion. Before joining Cosmo, she covered entertainment at Harper's Bazaar, The Knockturnal, and Black Film. She's originally from Charleston, South Carolina, and is currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She holds a B.A. in Journalism and Cinema Studies from New York University. You can check out some of Annabel’s work here and also find her on Instagram and Twitter.
