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Hair braiding is a way to style hair you can do at home, but it
does involve a learning process. Once you know how to braid
hair, you can transform your own or someone else's hair into a
cute new style in just a few minutes. Here are some easy
instructions on how to braid hair.
To braid another person's hair or do the front of your own
head
The hair should be clean and dry. If it is wavy or curly, you
may want to blow dry it straight first to make the braid more
even. Add some styling gel to smooth any flyaways and make the
hair more manageable. Comb the hair to remove tangles.
Divide the hair into three even sections. Place the left section
between your left index finger and thumb, let the middle section
hang free and place the right section between your right index
finger and thumb.
Hold the middle section with your right middle finger and pull
it so it passes behind the right section. Extend your right
thumb and index finger so the right portion of hair becomes the
new middle section.
Using the left middle finger, pull the middle section behind the
left section. Extend or straighten the left index finger and
thumb to move the left section into the middle.
Shift the portion of hair hooked in the right middle finger so
it sits between the right index finger and thumb. Repeat the
process. Then shift the portion of the hair hooked in the left
middle finger so it sits between the left index finger and
thumb.
Continue until the braid is the desired length. For a tighter,
more compact braid, pull the middle section into a horizontal
line as you move it to the right or left. If you prefer a loose,
elongated braid, simply shift the middle section to the right or
left, letting it remain in a vertical line.
When the braid is done, secure the end of the hair with a
covered rubber band. Add a bow or barrette as desired. Be sure
to pull the portions of hair as evenly as possible so the
tension remains consistent. If the tension is tighter on one
side, your braid will twist to one side instead of lying flat.
Avoid pulling too hard, as this may lead to hair damage.
Braiding the back of your own hair
Comb your hair before you begin and remove any tangles. Divide
the hair into three even sections. Some people have found that
if you braid your hair when it's damp, say 30 minutes to an hour
after a shower or bath, it does not get frizzy and is easier to
work with.
Lift your left elbow to shoulder height and make a thumbs down
fist around the left portion of hair. Do the same on the right
side, letting the middle portion lie against your spine.
Extend your left index finger and hook the right section of
hair. Pull it in front of the middle section, letting it slip
completely out of the right hand. Take the middle section of
hair with your right hand, pull it to the right side, and then
resume the thumbs down fist position with both hands.
Extending your right index finger, hook the far left portion of
hair and let it slip completely out of the left hand. Shift the
portion of hair in your left hand into a thumbs down fist and
then release the left index finger. Make a thumbs down fist with
your right hand and then use your left index finger to hook the
far right section.
Continue the process until the braid is complete. To braid very
long hair, you may have to free a hand to pull the sections
through. Secure the braid as it develops by pressing your
knuckles into it as you shift your hands for the next cross. Use
a covered elastic to secure the finished braid and decorate as
desired.
Experiment with using different hand positions. You may discover
a technique that works better for you.
Practice leads to success
The first time you try to braid hair, it will go slowly.
Practice your technique and be patient until you know how to
braid hair. It may take some time to discover your rhythm.
Braiding will become much easier with the more times you do it.
If you're braiding a young child's hair, ask that she keep her
head still. Give her a hand mirror so she can watch you do the
braiding. If her hair is too thin and fine for an elastic to
hold the braid, use pipe cleaners. These come in many colors and
children usually have them readily available.
When you're learning how to braid hair, it might help to visit a
hair salon where they do braiding and watch the stylists braid
their clients' hair. Another good practice technique is to braid
the hair of a doll or hair mannequin.
About the author:
Jean Feingold is a copywriter for Catalogs.com. Catalogs.com is
the Internet's leading source for print and online catalog
shopping - and a growing hub of original content and "how to"
information at www.catalogs.com.
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