How To Braid Your Own Hair

Everyone loves a good hair day, but some days—that just isn’t going to be the case. There’s nothing worse than being in a rush to start your day—looking for the right clothes, searching for matching socks, trying to find your other shoe—and when you’re finally done with putting your outfit together, you have NO IDEA of what to do with your hair. This is when knowing how to braid your own hair can save your life! It can be a fast and simple way to get your hair done and your day started!

To the hair novice, braiding can seem complicated and even overwhelming. There are a lot of braid hairstyles that require a great deal of work and concentration. There are also some that are super easy and can be done in five minutes or less. Whether you want an exotic style with intricate parts and small braids, or something more modest and simple, knowing how to braid your own hair gives you the freedom to create whatever look you want.

Wearing braids can also be a protective style, sometimes being worn to safeguard tresses from the negative effects of regular styling with heat and chemicals.

You can also learn how to braid your own hair to achieve a low maintenance style that will last for a few days or even weeks. Whatever your motivation, the most important thing to start with when learning how to braid your own hair is mastering a traditional, three-strand braid. This style is simple and easy, and it’s a quick fix when you need your hair looking good in a flash. This is the best place to start when learning how to braid your own hair because it is a fundamental technique for nearly all styles of braids.

Other things to keep in mind when learning how to braid your own hair is length and texture. Shorter hair can be harder to braid, and if your hair is fine, it may be more difficult to secure in your hands while braiding. It can be done; you may just need a little patience. The size of the braids and the direction of your parts will also influence the finished look.

Depending on the desired style, hair can be added to increase length and volume.  However, adding these elements to your style can take additional time and work, so usually when this is done the braids can be left in the hair for an extended amount of time. When you know how to braid your own hair, you have the options for creating a variety of looks.

Types Of Braids

There are many variations of braids so you won’t have a shortage of inspiration when choosing a look! There are some styles that require intricate parting or adding hair. Depending on the style you choose, the hair may need to be braided close to your scalp, or you may want it to be more loose and free-flowing. Ultimately, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few examples of braided hairstyles you can achieve:

• Three strand
• French
• Cornrows
• Box Braids
• Fishtail
• Dutch
• Waterfall
• Crown

Some of these styles can be accentuated by creating other styles with the braids. For example, box braids and waterfall braids can be styled into ponytails and up-dos. For those looks when adding hair is necessary, you can try out different colors without having to treat your hair chemically.

How To Braid Your Own Hair?

When you’re first learning to how to braid your own hair the best way to start is with the traditional three-strand braid. Before you begin, start out with dry hair and make sure to comb or brush it, so it is smooth. Next, decide how you want your braid to fall. When you’re first learning, braiding your hair to the side is easiest because you will be able to see what you are doing as you go. If you like, you can start by making a ponytail with a rubber band or hair tie to secure it before you begin braiding, but it’s not necessary.

Next, divide your hair into three sections, giving you one section to the left, one in the center, and one to the right. Hold the section on the left between your left thumb and left forefinger, hold the section on the right between your right thumb and forefinger, and let the center hang freely for now. The next step will be to take the right section and cross it over the center. Once you have done this, you will need to take the section into your left forefinger and middle finger to secure it.

Now you will take the center section and between your thumb and forefinger, and pull the sections of hair to tighten the braid as you go, making sure it is smooth with no gaps. Continue braiding by rotating your left wrist, crossing the left section of your hair over the new center. You will then cross the right section over the new center. Repeat these steps until your braid is complete, then you can use a rubber band or hair tie to secure it on the end if you need to. If practicing on yourself seems difficult at first, you can use a doll head—or practice on a willing friend!

Tips For Maintaining Them

Learning how to braid your own hair is only part of the process for having a great hairstyle. Braids are pretty low maintenance, but there are a couple of things you can do to keep your hair looking good. Before you start braiding it’s best to do so with clean hair that has little to no product in it. Not only will the hair be easier to braid, but this will also extend the time you can keep your style. Once your braids are in, make sure you keep your scalp moisturized so that it doesn’t become dry and itchy. You can do this every other day or as needed.

 

To make sure your braids stay neat, you can use a silk scarf or satin pillowcase to sleep on. This is better than sleeping on a regular pillow case because it reduces lint build up in your hair and the smoother fabric is easier on your tresses. You will also want to use only natural products on your hair and scalp, staying away from harsh chemicals that can cause damage. Some great options are apricot oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. All of these are fortifying and great options for your hair regimen regardless if you have your hair braided.

 

Conclusion

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Braiding is a hair styling and maintenance technique that has been practiced for centuries, and it’s a tradition that will continue to evolve with time. Because there are so many ways to do it, it is easy to find looks that will complement a variety of hair lengths and types. When you know how to braid your own hair you have the chance to create and express your own personal style. Braids also allow you to experiment with different looks without having to cut or use chemicals on your own hair. Braids are a great low maintenance hairstyle for people who are busy and don’t want to spend a lot of time on their hair every day.

 

It’s great for those on the go and unable to get to the salon or barbershop on a regular basis because of their lifestyle. When you want to learn how to braid your own hair, the most important thing is nailing down the technique. Learning the fundamental three strand braid method will open up the possibilities for variations with your hairstyle. As you get more comfortable learning how to braid your own hair, you will become more proficient with this simple technique. You will then be able to diversify your look depending on how you choose to part your hair whether or not you want to add hair or the direction you want your braids to go.

 

Once your braids are done, if you care for them and maintain them properly, you will be able to keep them in for a while if you choose. If all you want a simple braid or two, you can redo it every day without spending a lot of time. If you braid your hair in a style you can keep for an extended period, like cornrows or box braids, there will be an opportunity for hair growth as well.

 

Leaving your hair braided gives it a rest from constant combing and brushing which can ultimately cause breakage and damage. Another benefit of knowing how to braid your own hair is the money you can save not going to a salon or barber shop! You can not only give your hair a rest, but you will be able to stretch your beauty budget. Knowing how to braid your own hair will save you money and time while allowing you to be creative with your looks.

 

Last update on 2022-11-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API