How to Braid Hair: A Complete Guide

A Greeting to Challenger

Hello Challenger, welcome to our complete guide on how to braid hair. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions and detailed illustrations on different types of braids. We understand how daunting it could be to braid hair, especially when you’re short on time or have no prior experience. However, with our comprehensive guide, we assure you that you will be braiding hair like a pro in no time.

Introduction

Braiding hair is an art that requires patience, precision, and practice. It is a versatile hairstyle that can be worn for any occasion, be it a casual day out or a glam event. Braids also protect the hair from damage and promote hair growth. Different types of braids suit different hair types and face shapes. Braiding hair can be an enjoyable experience, and it’s not limited to women alone; men can also braid their hair. In this article, we aim to explain different types of braids and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to create them.

In this guide, we will discuss:

Braids Description
French braid A three-strand braid style that begins at the crown of the head and braids backward.
Dutch braid A three-strand braid style that begins at the hairline and braids forward.
Fishtail braid A two-strand hairstyle that involves weaving sections of hair together to create a fishtail-like effect.
Box braid A protective hairstyle consisting of thick, box-shaped sections of braids.
Twist braid A two-strand braid style that involves twisting the two sections of hair around each other.
Cornrow braid A traditional African braid style that involves braiding the hair close to the scalp.
Waterfall braid A braiding style that involves creating cascading strands by dropping sections of hair while braiding.

Now that we have an idea about different types of braids let’s delve deeper into the specifics of each braid style.

How to French Braid Hair?

The French braid is a classic braid style that can add depth and dimension to your hair. French braids are elegant, sophisticated, and perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to French braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by brushing your hair thoroughly to ensure that there are no tangles or knots. If desired, apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add a glossy sheen to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Next, divide your hair into three even sections, starting at the crown of your head. Hold the right section with your right hand and the left section with your left hand. Allow the middle section to rest in between your fingers.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Start braiding by taking the right section of hair and crossing it over the middle section. Once you do this, the right section of hair will become the new middle section of hair.

Step 4: Add Hair to the Braid

Now, grab a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to your current right section of hair. Cross the new section of hair, along with the existing right section of hair, over the middle section of hair.

Step 5: Repeat the Previous Steps

Repeat Step 4, but this time take a small section of hair from the left side of your head to add to your left strand. Cross the new section of hair, along with the existing left section of hair, over the middle section of hair.

Step 6: Continue Braiding

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you reach the nape of your neck. At this point, all the hair on your head should be in the braid. Once you’ve incorporated all the hair into the braid, continue braiding as you would with a regular three-strand braid.

Step 7: Secure the Braid

Finally, secure the end of the braid with an elastic band or a hair tie.Voila! You’ve successfully created a French braid!

How to Dutch Braid Hair?

Dutch braids are similar to French braids, but instead of going over the middle strand, the side sections go under the middle strand. Dutch braids can add texture and depth to your hair, and they also keep your hair neat and tidy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to Dutch braid hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by brushing your hair and ensuring that there are no tangles or knots. You can also apply leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add some shine to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into three even sections, starting at the crown of your head. Hold the right section with your right hand and the left section with your left hand. Allow the middle section to rest in between your fingers.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Start braiding by crossing the right section of hair under the middle section. Once you do this, the right section of hair will become the new middle section of hair.

Step 4: Add Hair to the Braid

Now, grab a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to your current right section of hair. Cross the new section of hair, along with the existing right section of hair, under the middle section of hair.

Step 5: Repeat the Previous Steps

Repeat Step 4, but this time take a small section of hair from the left side of your head to add to your left strand. Cross the new section of hair, along with the existing left section of hair, under the middle section of hair.

Step 6: Continue Braiding

Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until you reach the nape of your neck. At this point, all the hair on your head should be in the braid. Once you’ve incorporated all the hair into the braid, continue braiding as you would with a regular three-strand braid.

Step 7: Secure the Braid

Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band or a hair tie. Your Dutch braid is now complete!

How to Fishtail Braid Hair?

The fishtail braid is a two-strand braid that can add a touch of whimsy and romance to your hair. Fishtail braids are perfect for a beachy or bohemian look, and can even be worn for formal events. Here’s how to fishtail braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by brushing your hair and remove any tangles or knots. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or a hair serum to add some shine to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into two even sections.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Start braiding by taking a small section of hair from the outside of the left section of hair and crossing it over to the right side. Then take a small section of hair from the outside of the right section of hair and cross it over to the left side. Repeat this process until you reach the end of your hair.

Step 4: Secure the Braid

Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band or a hair tie. You’re done! With practice, you can add variations to the fishtail braid, such as starting the braid from the crown of your head or incorporating beads into the braid.

How to Box Braid Hair?

Box braids are a popular and protective hairstyle that involves creating thick, box-shaped sections of braids. Box braids are a stylish, low-maintenance option that can last for several weeks. Here’s how to box braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by washing your hair and removing any tangles or knots. After washing, blow-dry your hair or let it air dry naturally. Brush your hair thoroughly once again and apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add some shine to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into small, even sections using a rat-tail comb. Clip each section of hair out of the way while you work on braiding the other sections.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Use the end of a rat-tail comb to create a small part at the top of one of the sections. Separate a thin section of hair from the part and divide it into three equal parts. Begin braiding these three strands together, moving downward, and secure them at the base of the braid with a rubber band. Repeat this process for each section of hair.

Step 4: Add Extensions (Optional)

If your natural hair is short, you can add extensions to your hair before braiding. Ensure that the extensions are of the same texture as your hair and start braiding them from the root.

Step 5: Finish the Braids

Braid each section of hair until you reach the end, and secure each braid with a rubber band or hair tie. You can also seal the ends of each braid using hot water or a lighter to prevent them from unraveling.

Step 6: Maintain the Braids

Box braids require minimal maintenance, but ensure that you wash them every two weeks and apply hair oil to your scalp to keep it moisturized.

How to Twist Braid Hair?

The twist braid is a simple and easy-to-learn braid style that involves twisting two sections of hair around each other. Twist braids are perfect for a casual day out and can be done on both long and short hair. Here’s how to twist braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by brushing your hair and ensuring that there are no tangles or knots. If desired, apply leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add a glossy sheen to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into two even sections.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Take the right section of hair and twist it clockwise, and then take the left section of hair and twist it clockwise as well. Ensure that both sections of hair are twisted in the same direction.

Step 4: Cross the Sections of Hair

Cross the right section of hair over the left section of hair, still keeping them twisted. Hold the sections firmly between your fingers.

Step 5: Twist the Sections of Hair

Repeat Step 3, but this time twist the sections of hair counterclockwise. Once you’ve twisted the hair, cross the right section over the left section.

Step 6: Repeat the Previous Steps

Repeat Steps 3-5 until you reach the end of your hair. Ensure that you keep your grip on the sections of hair tight, so the braid doesn’t unravel.

Step 7: Secure the Braid

Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band or a hair tie. Your twist braid is now complete!

How to Cornrow Braid Hair?

Cornrows are a traditional African braid style that involves braiding the hair close to the scalp. Cornrows are a protective hairstyle that can be worn for several weeks, and they also promote hair growth. Here’s how to cornrow braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by washing and conditioning your hair thoroughly. Once you’ve washed your hair, detangle it using a wide-tooth comb. For best results, blow-dry your hair or let it air-dry naturally.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into sections using a rat-tail comb. The smaller the sections, the better the braids will turn out. Clip each section out of the way while you work on braiding the other sections.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Start braiding using the first section of hair. Begin by creating a three-strand braid, similar to a French braid, by crossing the right strand under the middle strand, and then cross the left strand under the middle strand.

Step 4: Continue Braiding

As you continue braiding, add more sections of hair to each strand as you pass them over the middle strand. Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section.

Step 5: Secure the Braid

Secure the end of the braid with a rubber band or hair tie. Repeat Steps 3-5 with each section of hair until your entire head is cornrowed.

How to Waterfall Braid Hair?

The waterfall braid is a beautiful braiding style that involves creating cascading strands by dropping sections of hair while braiding. Waterfall braids are perfect for any event, be it a wedding or a day out with friends. Here’s how to waterfall braid your hair:

Step 1: Prepare the Hair

Start by brushing your hair and ensuring that there are no tangles or knots. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner or hair serum to add some shine to your hair.

Step 2: Divide the Hair

Divide your hair into three even sections, starting at the crown of your head. Hold the right section with your right hand and the left section with your left hand. Allow the middle section to rest in between your fingers.

Step 3: Begin Braiding

Begin braiding by crossing the right strand of hair over the middle section of hair, then cross the left strand over the right strand. Now, drop the right strand down, and pick up a new section of hair from beside it. Cross this new section over the middle section and proceed with the braiding by crossing the left strand over the new section that was just dropped.

Step 4: Repeat the Previous Steps

Repeat the previous step by taking a new section of hair from beside the section that was dropped and continue braiding.

Step 5: Finish the Braid

Continue the above steps until you reach the end of your hair. Finally, secure the braid with an elastic band or a hair tie.

FAQs

1. Can braiding hair cause hair loss?

Braiding hair too tightly or regularly can lead to hair loss or traction alopecia. Therefore, avoid braiding your hair too tightly or too frequently.

2. Can men braid their hair?

Yes, men can braid their hair. Braids are becoming increasingly popular among men, especially with the rise in the popularity of dreadlocks.

3. Can I use hair extensions for braids?

Yes, hair extensions can be used for braiding. Ensure that you choose extensions that are of the same texture, color, and length as your natural hair.