Hey there, fellow hair enthusiasts! I know the struggle of wanting to rock a killer braid but feeling like your fingers just won’t cooperate. Trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s the thing: braiding your own hair is totally doable, and I’m here to show you how.
I’ve spent countless hours watching tutorials, practicing in front of the mirror, and even enduring a few hair disasters along the way. But through it all, I’ve picked up some game-changing tips and techniques that I can’t wait to share with you.
So, whether you’re a braiding newbie or just looking to up your hair game, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive in and learn how to braid your own hair like a pro!
Table Of Contents:
- Types of Braids to Master
- Preparing Your Hair for Braiding
- Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Classic Three-Strand Braid
- Mastering the French Braid Technique
Types of Braids to Master
There are so many types of braids out there, it can be hard to know where to start. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. As someone who’s been braiding her own hair for years, I’ve tried them all. And let me tell you, once you master these key braids, the possibilities are endless.
First up, we have the classic French braid. It’s a timeless look that never goes out of style. Then there’s the Dutch braid, which is basically an inside-out French braid. It creates a cool 3D effect that really stands out.
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, try a fishtail braid. It looks intricate, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. And let’s not forget the good old three-strand braid. It’s the foundation for so many other braids, so it’s a must-know.
For a unique twist (pun intended), give the rope braid a go. It’s a two-strand braid that creates a cool, twisted effect. And finally, we have the crown braid, which is perfect for those days when you want to feel like a princess.
French Braid
The French braid is a classic for a reason. It’s elegant, it keeps your hair out of your face, and it works for just about any occasion. To create a French braid, start by dividing your hair into three equal sections at the crown of your head. Then, begin braiding by crossing the right section over the middle, followed by the left section over the middle.
As you continue braiding, gather small sections of hair from each side and incorporate them into the braid. This is what gives the French braid its signature woven look. Keep braiding and adding hair until you reach the nape of your neck, then finish with a regular three-strand braid.
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid is very similar to the French braid, but with one key difference. Instead of crossing the side sections over the middle, you cross them under. This creates a raised, 3D effect that really makes the braid pop.
To create a Dutch braid, start just like you would with a French braid, dividing your hair into three equal sections. Then, cross the right section under the middle, followed by the left section under the middle. Continue braiding and adding hair from each side, always crossing under instead of over.
Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid looks complex, but it’s actually quite simple. It’s a two-strand braid that creates a herringbone-like pattern. To start, divide your hair into two equal sections. Take a small piece of hair from the outside of the left section and cross it over to the right section. Then, take a small piece from the outside of the right section and cross it over to the left.
Continue this pattern, taking small pieces from the outside of each section and crossing them over to the opposite side. As you braid, make sure to keep your sections tight and even. When you reach the end, secure with an elastic.
Three-Strand Braid
The three-strand braid is the most basic braid, but it’s also the most versatile. It’s the foundation for so many other braids, like the French braid and the Dutch braid. To create a three-strand braid, divide your hair into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle, then cross the left section over the middle.
Continue this pattern, alternating between crossing the right and left sections over the middle. Keep your braid tight and even as you work your way down. When you reach the end, secure with an elastic.
Rope Braid
The rope braid is a unique two-strand braid that creates a twisted, rope-like effect. To start, divide your hair into two equal sections. Twist each section clockwise until they are tightly coiled. Then, cross the right section over the left.
Continue twisting each section clockwise and crossing the right over the left until you reach the end of your hair. Secure with an elastic. For a more relaxed look, gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it up a bit.
Crown Braid
The crown braid, also known as a halo braid, is a beautiful and romantic style. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you just want to feel a little extra fancy. To create a crown braid, start by creating a Dutch braid on each side of your head, starting at your temples and braiding back towards the nape of your neck.
When you reach the nape of your neck, secure each braid with an elastic. Then, take one of the braids and wrap it up and over the top of your head, pinning it in place with bobby pins. Take the other braid and wrap it up and over in the opposite direction, tucking the end under the first braid and pinning in place.
Preparing Your Hair for Braiding
Before you start braiding, it’s important to make sure your hair is prepped and ready to go. Trust me, a little bit of prep work can make a big difference in the final result. Here are the steps I always follow to get my hair braid-ready.
Determine Your Hair Type
The first step is to determine your hair type. Is your hair fine and straight? Thick and curly? Somewhere in between? Knowing your hair type will help you choose the right products and techniques for your braid.
If you have fine hair, you might want to use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add some grip and hold. If you have thick or curly hair, a smoothing serum or cream can help tame frizz and make your hair more manageable.
Wash and Condition Your Hair
Next, make sure your hair is clean and well-conditioned. I like to start with freshly washed hair, but if you’re working with second-day hair, that’s okay too. Just make sure to use a dry shampoo to absorb any excess oil and add some texture.
When washing your hair, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to keep your strands soft and hydrated. This is especially important if you plan on leaving your braid in for a few days.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner
After washing and conditioning, I always apply a leave-in conditioner to my damp hair. This helps to detangle and add extra moisture, which is key for preventing breakage and frizz.
I like to focus the leave-in conditioner on my ends, which tend to be the driest and most prone to damage. A little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and add more as needed.
Blow Dry or Air Dry Your Hair
Once you’ve applied your leave-in conditioner, it’s time to dry your hair. If you’re in a rush, you can blow dry your hair using a heat protectant spray. But if you have the time, I recommend letting your hair air dry. It’s gentler on your strands and can help prevent heat damage.
If you do choose to blow dry, make sure to use a low heat setting and hold the dryer at least six inches away from your hair. And always use a heat protectant spray to shield your strands from the heat.
Brush Your Hair Thoroughly
The final step in prepping your hair for braiding is to brush it thoroughly. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work out any knots or tangles, starting from the ends of your hair and working your way up to the roots.
If you have particularly stubborn tangles, you can use a detangling spray or a bit of leave-in conditioner to help loosen them up. Just be gentle and take your time – you don’t want to tug or pull on your hair, as this can cause breakage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Classic Three-Strand Braid
The three-strand braid is the foundation for so many other braids, so it’s a great place to start if you’re new to braiding. Once you master this basic technique, you’ll be able to create all sorts of beautiful braided styles.
Divide Hair into Three Equal Sections
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, gather your hair at the nape of your neck and divide it into three equal sections. I like to use my fingers to separate the sections, but you can also use a comb for more precision.
Make sure each section is smooth and free of tangles. If your hair is particularly slippery, you can spritz a little texturizing spray or dry shampoo on each section to add some grip.
Cross the Right Strand Over the Middle Strand
Take the section of hair on the right and cross it over the middle section. The right section now becomes the new middle section. It’s important to keep your sections tight and even as you braid to ensure a neat and polished final look.
If you’re having trouble keeping your sections separate, you can use small clear elastics to hold each section before you start braiding. Just remember to remove them once you’ve finished the braid.
Cross the Left Strand Over the Middle Strand
Now take the section of hair on the left and cross it over the new middle section (which was originally the right section). The left section now becomes the new middle section.
As you cross each section, make sure to pull the hair tight to keep the braid secure. But be careful not to pull too tight, as this can cause discomfort and even headaches if you’re planning on wearing the braid for an extended period.
Continue Braiding and Adding Hair
Continue alternating between crossing the right section over the middle and the left section over the middle. As you braid, you can add small sections of hair from the loose hair around your face and neck to the main braid to create a fuller, more intricate look.
To add hair, simply grab a small section from the loose hair and add it to the section you’re about to cross over. Make sure to add hair evenly on both sides to keep the braid balanced.
Secure the End with a Hair Elastic
Once you’ve braided to the end of your hair, secure the braid with a clear elastic. For a finishing touch, you can gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it up and create a more relaxed, effortless look.
If you have layered hair, you may find that some shorter pieces start to slip out of the braid. You can either embrace this for a more undone look, or use a bit of hairspray and bobby pins to tuck the loose pieces back into the braid.
Mastering the French Braid Technique
The French braid is a classic style that looks intricate and complex, but is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. It’s a great option for those days when you want your hair out of your face, but still want to look put-together and polished.
Start with a Small Section of Hair at the Crown
To begin a French braid, start with a small section of hair at the crown of your head, near your forehead. The size of this section will depend on how thick you want your braid to be. For a thicker braid, start with a larger section; for a thinner braid, start with a smaller section.
Make sure this initial section is free of tangles and smoothed out with a brush or comb. You can also apply a bit of styling paste or pomade to this section to help keep flyaways in check and make the braid look sleeker.
Divide the Section into Three Equal Parts
Divide your initial section of hair into three equal parts, just as you would for a traditional three-strand braid. Hold the right section in your right hand, the left section in your left hand, and the middle section between your thumb and index finger of either hand.
It’s important to keep these sections as even as possible to ensure a balanced and neat-looking braid. If one section is significantly larger or smaller than the others, it can throw off the whole braid.
Begin a Traditional Braid
Start braiding the three sections using the traditional braiding technique – crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle. Do this a couple of times to establish the braid before you start adding in hair.
As you braid, keep your hands close to your head and braid tightly to keep the braid looking neat and to prevent pieces from slipping out. But be careful not to braid too tightly, as this can cause discomfort and even lead to headaches if worn for a long time.
Add Hair to Each Section as You Braid
As you continue braiding, start adding small sections of hair from the sides of your head into the main braid. To do this, grab a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right section of the braid before crossing it over the middle.
Then, grab a small section of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left section of the braid before crossing it over the middle. Continue this pattern of adding hair and braiding until you’ve incorporated all of your hair into the French braid.
Continue Braiding and Adding Hair
As you braid and add hair, make sure to keep your sections clean and even. It can be helpful to run your fingers through each section as you add hair to ensure there are no tangles or knots.
Remember to braid tightly and keep your hands close to your head to maintain the shape and structure of the braid. If pieces start to slip out or the braid starts to look messy, you can always pause, undo the last few crosses, and restart from there.
Secure the End with an Elastic
Once you’ve braided all the way to the ends of your hair, secure the braid with a clear elastic. For a finishing touch, you can gently pull apart the braid to make it look fuller and more voluminous.
If you have any flyaways or pieces sticking out, you can use a small amount of hair gel or pomade to smooth them down. A light mist of hairspray can also help keep everything in place, especially if you plan on wearing the braid for a full day or night.
Key Takeaway:
Mastering different braids can transform your hair game. Start with the basics like the three-strand braid, then level up to French and Dutch braids for classic looks. Don’t stop there—adventure into fishtail, rope, and crown braids for unique styles. Prepping your hair correctly is key; clean, conditioned strands make all the difference. Happy braiding.
Creating a Dutch Braid: Inside-Out Braiding
The Dutch braid is like the rebellious sister of the classic French braid. It’s edgy, it’s different, and it’s a style that’ll make you stand out in a sea of basic braids.
Begin with a Small Section of Hair at the Crown
To kick off your Dutch braid journey, start by grabbing a small section of hair right at the crown of your head. This is where the magic begins.
Divide the Section into Three Equal Parts
Next, divide that section of hair into three equal parts. Left, right, and center – just like a classic three-strand braid, but with a twist (literally).
Cross the Side Strands Under the Middle Strand
Here’s where the Dutch braid sets itself apart. Instead of crossing the side sections over the middle like a traditional braid, you’ll cross them under. Left goes under the middle, then right goes under. It’s like an inverted French braid.
Add Hair to Each Section as You Braid
As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from each side of your head to the corresponding sections of the braid. This is what gives the Dutch braid that cool, inside-out effect.
Continue Braiding and Adding Hair
Keep crossing the side sections under the middle, while continuously adding small sections of hair to each side of the braid. The key is to keep the braid tight and close to your scalp. This creates that awesome 3D look that makes Dutch braids so eye-catching.
Secure the End with an Elastic
Once you’ve reached the nape of your neck and have incorporated all of your hair into the Dutch braid, keep braiding the remaining hair using a regular three-strand technique. Tie off the end with a hair elastic, and voila. You’ve got a killer Dutch braid. Just remember, as hairstylist Larry Sims advises, “[Do] not pull the edges too tight because this could cause traction alopecia.” Be gentle with your hair, and rock that Dutch braid with confidence.
Achieving a Fishtail Braid
If you’re looking for a braid that’s a bit more intricate and impressive, the fishtail braid is your go-to. Don’t let its delicate appearance fool you – with a little practice, you’ll be fishtail braiding like a pro.
Divide Hair into Two Equal Sections
To begin your fishtail braid, gather your hair and divide it into two equal sections. Hold one section in your left hand and the other in your right. No middle section needed for this braid.
Take a Small Piece of Hair from the Outer Edge of the Left Section
From the outer edge of the left section, take a small piece of hair, about half an inch wide. This will be the piece you cross over to the right section.
Cross it Over to the Right Section
Take that small piece of hair from the left section and cross it over, adding it to the right section. Now it’s a part of the right side.
Repeat on the Right Side
Do the same thing on the right side. Take a small piece from the outer edge of the right section and cross it over to the left, incorporating it into the left section.
Continue Braiding and Crossing Pieces
Keep repeating this process, alternating between taking small pieces from the left and right sections and crossing them over to the opposite side. As you braid, you’ll see the fishtail pattern start to emerge. It’s like a little bit of hair magic.
Secure the End with an Elastic
Once you’ve reached the end of your hair, secure the fishtail braid with a hair elastic. For a more relaxed, effortless look, gently tug on the edges of the braid to loosen it up a bit. And there you have it – a stunning fishtail braid that looks way more complicated than it actually is. Your friends will be asking you for tutorials in no time.
Tips for Braiding Your Own Hair Successfully
Braiding your own hair can be a bit of a learning curve, but with these pro tips, you’ll be braiding like a boss in no time.
Start with Slightly Damp Hair
When it comes to braiding your own hair, slightly damp hair is your best friend. It gives you more control and makes it easier to create neat, even sections. Just make sure it’s not sopping wet – that’s a recipe for frizz.
Ensure Your Hair is Well-Combed and Detangled
Before you start braiding, make sure your hair is thoroughly combed and free of any tangles. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to gently work out any knots, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. Trust me, your braid will thank you.
Work with Small, Clean Sections
The key to a polished, neat braid is working with small, clean sections. Don’t rush the process – take your time to create even, well-defined sections. Your finished braid will be all the better for it.
Use Edge Control for Sleek Edges
For a sleek, flyaway-free look, use a bit of edge control on your hairline. Apply a small amount to a clean toothbrush or fine-toothed comb and gently brush down any stray hairs. Instant polish.
Keep Bobby Pins and Clear Elastics on Hand
Bobby pins and clear elastics are a braider’s best friends. Keep them within reach to secure any loose strands or stray hairs, and to tie off the end of your braid without detracting from the overall style.
Use a Rat Tail Comb for Precise Parting
For those crisp, clean parts, a rat tail comb is a must-have. The pointed end is perfect for creating precise sections and parts, ensuring your braid looks professional and polished.
Apply a Light Styling Paste for Grip and Hold
To help your braid stay put all day long, apply a small amount of lightweight styling paste to your hair before braiding. This will add grip and texture, making it easier to braid and helping to keep your style looking fresh from morning to night. Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to braiding your own hair. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get it right. With these tips and a little patience, you’ll be rocking killer braids in no time.
Key Takeaway:
Master Dutch and fishtail braids with ease. Start small, braid tight, but gentle. Keep hair damp and detangled for smooth braiding. Use tools like edge control and styling paste for sleek, lasting styles. Practice makes perfect—soon you’ll be the go-to braid guru.
Conclusion
And there you have it, my fellow hair braiders! You’re now equipped with all the tips and techniques you need to create stunning braids on your own gorgeous locks.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts look a little wonky. Trust me, we’ve all been there. Keep at it, and soon enough, you’ll be braiding like a boss.
So go ahead, experiment with different styles, and rock those braids with confidence. Whether you’re running errands or hitting the town, your braided ‘do is sure to turn heads.
Happy braiding, my friends! And don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me in your braiding masterpieces. I can’t wait to see what you create!