Leave enough hair in each section for you to comfortably grip and braid. Make sure the parted section of hair is the same thickness throughout to keep the braid even. It’s tempting to make big sections (after all, that means less braiding and less time!). However, wide sections make for thicker braids that are more likely to come loose and need to be redone. Use butterfly or duckbill clips to hold back the sections of hair you aren’t actively braiding.
If your hair is thin, you don’t have to braid your edges. Begin the braid about 0. 5 inches (1. 3 cm) away from your hairline. [5] X Research source Use an edge styling brush to clean up your edges if needed.
Grab the outer right strand of hair in your right hand and the other 2 strands in your left hand. Begin braiding your hair by grabbing the outer left strand with your right index finger and thumb and pulling it under the middle strand (the middle strand can rest on top of your index finger while you do this). [7] X Expert Source Ndeye Anta NiangHair Stylist & Master Braider Expert Interview. 10 January 2020. What used to be the middle strand should now be on the outer left, and the original outer left should now be in the middle.
Try to grab the same amount of hair each time you move an outer strand to the middle for a uniform braid thickness. Let the middle strand of hair rest on top of your index fingers during each repetition so you can keep a firm grip on the 2 strands underneath. This helps keep the braid tight and clean and prevents loose hairs from sticking out.
If needed, tie the ends of each braid with a hair elastic, like a hair tie or tiny rubber band, to prevent them from unraveling.
Buy pre-stretched hair to save yourself some prep time. Buy synthetic hair for braiding online or at most beauty stores.
Smaller sections result in many thin braids that are close together. Bigger sections will end up as thicker braids that are more spaced out. The size and number of the smaller sections is up to you—make them as big or small as you like! Use butterfly or duckbill clips to keep your hair sections secure while you braid.
The longer the synthetic hair, the longer the braid. If you want your braid to be shorter than the synthetic hair, trim the end with scissors before you section off the strands. [13] X Research source Thicker braiding strands result in thicker braids.
The 3 strands of braiding hair should be about equal in size. To help grip the synthetic hair, try twisting your natural hair strands into “U” shapes around the synthetic strands. Keep firm tension on the strands while you do the first several braid repetitions to secure the extension. If your hair is thin, you don’t have to braid your edges in the sections near your hairline. Begin the braid about 0. 5 inches (1. 3 cm) away from your hairline. [15] X Research source Use an edge styling brush to clean up your edges if needed.
Hold 2 strands of hair in one hand and grab the third with your index finger and thumb in the other. Pull the third strand under the middle strand. What used to be the middle strand should now be on the outside, and the original outer strand should now be in the middle. Then pull the outer strand from the other side underneath the new middle strand. Keep repeating this process until you run out of hair. Be careful not to start your braid too tight. You want it to be firm and secure, but braiding too tightly can cause breakage, pain, or other damage to your natural hair.
Once the first braid is complete, repeat the entire process for each section of hair until you have a full head of beautiful braids!
Hold the braids in the hot water for about 15 seconds—any longer and you risk melting or damaging the synthetic hair. Use scissors to cut any wispy or frizzy ends off of the extensions. Synthetic braids normally last about 6 to 8 weeks. Even if they still look great after 8 weeks, take them out to let your natural hair rest and heal.
If you have weak hair or dandruff, treat your hair with protein or dandruff shampoo for about 2 weeks before braiding for maximum health. Use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of any buildup on your hair. Shampoos with sulfates (SLS) might strip too much moisture from your hair, so look for products with natural ingredients like apple cider vinegar instead.
If you want to skip this step, try a leave-in conditioning treatment a few hours before you braid. This step adds extra slip to your hair strands, which makes installing synthetic braids easier.
Comb your hair in separated sections to further prevent breakage. Condition your hair before combing to reduce friction, too. If your hair is long enough to hang, start detangling at the ends and work your way up toward the scalp.
If you don’t want to use heat and your hair is long enough, moisturize your hair after washing and then style it into loose braids or buns and let it air dry.
