How long does it take for a girl to braid?

2. Set aside a day – Like any work of art, braiding takes time, so don’t be surprised if you have to set aside a large chunk of your day for your new style. “It takes between 4-6 hours for short to medium hair and 6-10 hours for really long braids depending on what braids you are having done how small how long they are,” says hairstylist Lorraine Dublin.

Why do my braids still hurt?

Use Leave-in Conditioner – “If a hairstyle pulls on the scalp and is causing pain, then it is likely too tight and causing mechanical damage to the hair follicle,” explains Garshick. If your scalp feels more dry and tense than usual, apply a leave-in conditioner to soothe the area and loosen up the braids.

How long should you keep in braids?

I’d recommend 6 to 8 weeks and if you want to go longer, you have to really take good care of it to avoid a lot of breakage. Here are some thoughts that can help you take better care of your hair when it’s in braids: We recommend rehydrating your hair daily or every other day and not with water only.

Is it easier to do French or Dutch braids?

French braid vs. Dutch braid: What’s the difference? – Here’s the quickie version: Just think of a Dutch braid as an inverted French braid, The main difference is that with a French braid you’re crossing sections of hair over one another, and with a Dutch braid you’ll be crossing them underneath,

What is the easiest braid to learn on yourself?

Download Article Step-by-step guides on making traditional, French, fishtail, and rope braids Download Article Tired of having the same hair style every day? Well, you’re in luck because we’ve put together a guide on the best and most versatile braids! Whether you’re running errands, heading to the office, or going to the gym, braids are a fun way to spice up your look and keep your hair looking fresh.

• Create a traditional 3-strand braid by dividing your hair into 3 sections and crossing the outer sections up and over the middle section in an alternating pattern.
• Make a French braid by following the same pattern as a traditional braid but incorporating extra pieces of hair as you go.
• To do a fishtail braid, divide your hair into 2 sections and bring one strand of hair over one section and into the other.

1. 1 Brush your hair so it’s free of knots. Before you start braiding, you want to make sure there are no tangles in your hair. Run a brush or a comb (whichever works best for you) through your hair until it’s smooth, starting at the ends of your hair and working your way up to the roots.
   • Use a detangling spray to help brush out stubborn knots.
2. 2 Part your hair depending on how you want your braid to fall. The beauty of the classic 3-strand braid is that it’s versatile. You can have a side braid, braid that falls down your back, or pigtail braids on either side of your head—the possibilities are endless!
   • Opt for a side part for a side braid, gathering the most hair on the side where the braid will fall.
   • Stick with a middle or side part for a braid that falls along your back.
   • Do a middle part for pigtail braids, so each braid is even.

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3. 3 Divide your hair into 3 sections. Gather all of your hair into your hands. Then, run your fingers through it to create 3 even sections. We’ll call these Section A, Section B, and Section C.
   • Look in the mirror as you do this to ensure that your sections are even.
4. 4 Cross Section A over Section B. To start braiding, bring Section A over Section B with your right hand, so Section A moves to the middle. Use your left forefinger and middle finger to hold Section A in place.
   • If starting with your left hand doesn’t work, no worries! Start with whichever hand and hold works for you.
5. 5 Bring Section C over Section A. Now, guide Section C over Section A with your left hand, pulling it in place with your right forefinger and middle finger. Pull Section C tight.
   • Use your right thumb to move sections in and out of the middle as you work.
6. 6 Move Section B over Section C. Bring Section B over Section C with your right hand, so Section B moves to the middle. Use your left middle and forefinger to hold Section B in place.
7. 7 Follow this weaving pattern until you reach the end of your hair. Continue pulling Section A over Section B, Section C over Section A, and Section B over Section C. Pull the outside sections tight after each move to keep the braid in place.
   • Find whatever hold works best for you. There’s no right or wrong way to braid as long as you stick to the pattern.
8. 8 Secure your braid with a hair elastic, Once you reach the ends of your hair, hold the end of your braid tightly with one hand. Use your other hand to carefully wrap a hair elastic or tie around the end, just as you would when making a ponytail,

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1. 1 Brush your hair back until it’s nice and smooth. Braiding is much easier when there aren’t any knots in the way, so make sure your hair is tangle-free before you begin. Swoop your hair back and away from your face with the brush to get it in position for a single French braid.
   • If your hair is extra fine, try spritzing it with dry shampoo, as this gives your hair more texture and makes it easier to braid.
   • Making French braid pigtails is another way to do this classic hairstyle, but for the sake of this beginner’s tutorial, we’ll be taking you through the process of a single French braid.
2. 2 Create a section of hair at the front of your scalp along the top of your head. Unlike a traditional 3-strand braid, a French braid starts on your scalp rather than at the base of your neck. Use your fingers or a comb to section off a small area of hair on top of your head, as if you were creating a half-up top knot,
   • Use your temples as a guide when creating your section, dragging your fingers or comb from the end of your eyebrows to the top of your head.
3. 3 Divide the section of hair into 3 more sections. Similarly to a 3-strand braid, a French braid requires 3 sections of hair. Use your fingers to form 3 even sections. We’ll call these Section A, Section B, and Section C.
   • It can be helpful to hold 2 sections of hair in your left hand and 1 in your right.
   • Hold the sections firmly, keeping them separated by an index finger.
4. 4 Cross Section C over Section B. Take the section on the left and pull it over the middle section and under the section on the right, as if you were doing a traditional 3-strand braid. Secure Section C with your left index and forefinger, and grab Section B with your right hand.
   • If you get stuck, remember that the middle piece always goes over when making a French braid.
   • Alternatively, you can make a Dutch braid by bringing the middle piece down and under when weaving.
   • If starting with the left-most section doesn’t work for you, no problem! Start with whatever section feels the most natural.
5. 5 Pull Section A over Section C while adding hair to Section A. Use your left hand to scoop a small section of hair from the outside of your braid and add it to Section A. Cross this thicker section over Section C so it’s in the middle.
   • Adding hair as you braid is what makes a French braid different than a classic 3-strand braid.
6. 6 Add hair to Section B and cross over Section A. Repeat the same process of adding hair and moving it over into the middle of the sections with Section B. Try to add the same amount of hair you did before to help keep your braid even.
7. 7 Continue braiding until you reach the base of your head. Alternate from left to right, adding hair to each outer section before moving it into the middle. Keep going until you’ve run out of hair to add to your braid.
8. 8 Use a 3-strand braid to finish your French braid. Follow the same pattern as before, but skip adding new hair to each section. Keep braiding up and over until you reach the ends of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair elastic, and you’re good to go.

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1. 1 Brush your hair until it’s free of tangles. Like any other braid, it’s important to make sure your hair is nice and smooth before you begin braiding. The fewer knots there are, the easier braiding will be.
   • Use a detangling product before you brush if you have stubborn knots or your hair tangles easily.
2. 2 Part your hair into 2 even sections. Use a hair pick or comb to divide your hair down the middle to create 2 sections of hair (one on either side of your neck). Hold the right section of hair with your right hand and the left section with your left.
   • Unlike other braids, the fishtail braid uses 2 sections rather than 3.
   • We’ll be teaching you how to do a fishtail braid that falls down your back in this tutorial, but you can easily pull your hair to one side and section it from there to create a side-swept fishtail.
3. 3 Pull a section of hair from the left section over to the right. With your left fingers, grab a small section of hair (about 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick) from the outer side of the left section. Guide this strand of hair over the left section and into the right section.
   • Keep the added strand towards the middle of your head, so you don’t accidentally add it back into the braid.
   • Practice this braided hairstyle in the mirror, so you can see what you’re doing.
4. 4 Cross a section of hair from the right over to the left. Take your right hand and grab a 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) thick section of hair from the outside of the right section. Pull this small section up and over the right section and into the left, just as you did with the left section.
5. 5 Continue this alternating crossing pattern until you reach the end of your hair. Grab hair from the left and pull it over to the right, and then grab hair from the right and pull it over to the left. Keep doing this until there’s no more hair to braid.
   • As you braid, your 2 sections of hair will get smaller and smaller, so it’s okay to cross the same strand of hair over more than once.
6. 6 Tie your hair off with an elastic. Once your braid is formed, secure it with a hair tie. Now all that’s left to do is rock your hair-do and show off your amazing braiding skills!
   • For a tousled and more voluminous look, gently pull on the outside strands of the braid to make it wider.

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1. 1 Slick back your hair with a brush or comb. As with any braid, it’s important that your hair is knot-free before you start braiding. Brush your hair over to one side for a braid that’ll fall over your shoulders, or comb your hair back for a braid that’ll fall down your neck.
   • If this is your first time trying this hair style, we recommend going for an over-the-shoulder braid, as this will make it easier for you to practice and see what you’re doing in a mirror.
2. 2 Split your hair into 2 even sections. Rope braids are perfect for beginners because they only require 2 sections of hair and no weaving. So, to get started, divide your hair into 2 equal parts, holding the left section with your left hand and the right section with your right.
3. 3 Twist the 2 sections of hair to the right. Use your fingers to twirl your hair into tight “ropes.” Try to keep the twists as tight as possible.
4. 4 Cross the right section over the left strand. Always cross the sections in the opposite way of their twist. Since you twisted the hair to the right, you’ll pull the sections over each other from the left.
5. 5 Wrap the sections around each other until you reach the end of your hair. Continue crossing the left-hand section over the right. Twist the sections to the right as you wrap if they start coming loose. When you reach the end of your braid, tie it off with an elastic.

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Add New Question

• Question How do you do French braids on yourself? Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. French braiding your own hair can be tricky. The method is the same as when you do it on someone else, but you’ll be working where you can’t see, so you have to go by feel. Keep your hands close to the scalp to prevent bumps in the finished look.
• Question Is it good for your hair to braid it? Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer
• Question How do you make a fishtail braid in your hair? Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013. Licensed Cosmetologist Expert Answer Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. A fishtail braid is made by splitting the hair in half then peeling off small sections from each side and adding them to the opposite side. This looks best if the sections are taken from the outside edges.

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

• Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your braid doesn’t come out perfectly on the first try! Keep practicing, and soon braiding will become second nature.

Advertisement Article Summary X To braid your own hair, start by taking a section of hair from the crown of your head and dividing it into three sections. Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the center, then the left section over the center.

Before you cross the right section over the center the next time, pick up a little more hair from the right side of your head. Repeat this step, alternating sides, until you’ve added all your hair into the braid. Then secure the end of the braid with a hair tie. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to make a French or fishtail braid, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,586,286 times.

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Should you braid hair wet or dry?

Is it Advisable to Moisturize Your Scalp With Oil Prior to Braiding? – If you want your hair to stay hydrated for the entire time your braids are in, moisturize your hair well before braiding. Using products rich in natural ingredients that offer deep nourishment such as argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil, and olive oil is recommended by experts.

1. Author links open overlay panelIshanRadotra, This study presents the. Scalds and the hazards of hair braiding – the first UK series from a Paediatric Tertiary Burns Centre. Burns Open. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468912222000062, Published March 5, 2022.
2. Hair styling without damage. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/hair-care/styling,
3. Nigel Collins hair – stem. https://www.stem.org.uk/system/files/elibrary-resources/legacy_files_migrated/29700-Hair.pdf,
4. How to stop damaging your hair. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage,
5. (PDF) simulating and rendering wet hair – researchgate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234813081/,
6. Hydrogen bonding in water – university of São Paulo. https://www.esalq.usp.br/lepse/imgs/conteudo_thumb/Hydrogen-Bonding-in-Water.pdf,
7. Gavazzoni Dias MFR. Hair cosmetics: An overview. International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387693/, Published 2015.
8. Author links open overlay panelRodney D. Sinclair 1, 1, Shiny hair with a smooth texture and clean-cut ends or tapered tips is generally perceived to be healthy. Hair texture and shine relate to hair surface properties. Healthy hair: What is it? Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15526559, Published December 16, 2015.
9. Gavazzoni Dias MFR, de Almeida AM, Cecato PMR, Adriano AR, Pichler J. The shampoo ph can affect the hair: Myth or reality? International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4158629/, Published July 2014.
10. Billero V, Miteva M. Traction alopecia: The root of the problem. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5896661/, Published April 6, 2018.
11. Mayo TT, Callender VD. The art of prevention: It’s too tight-loosen up and let your hair down. International journal of women’s dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072502/, Published January 29, 2021.
12. Quantifying the impact of braiding and combing on the integrity of https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349438434/,
13. Mysore V, Arghya A. Hair oils: Indigenous knowledge revisited. International journal of trichology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9231528/, Published 2022.

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Is it hard to learn how to braid?

How to Braid Hair: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners From the runway to your weekend coffee run, braided hairstyles always look on point! Braiding your hair keeps it out of your face, protects your strands from damage, and allows you to create an endless variety of fast heat-free styles for both formal and everyday occasions.

How do you start braiding hair? How long does your hair have to be to braid? How do you do a simple braid? How to braid your own hair to the scalp How to braid hair for beginners How to French braid your own hair How to Dutch braid your own hair How to braid short hair How to box braid your own hair How to braid hair for men

If you’re looking to start braiding your own hair, you might be wondering how to make your braids look neat and stylish. The key to awesome braids is prepping your hair properly. Taking a few extra moments to comb through your strands, apply product, and create clean sections will pay off with a more aesthetic hairstyle that holds for longer. The length required to braid hair depends on your hair type and desired style. At a minimum, your hair must be long enough that it can be parted, combed to the side and gripped securely between your finger and thumb. If you have short to mid-length hair, you may be wondering if your hair is long enough to braid.

Good news- the answer is probably YES! With 2-3 inches of hair you can create small cornrows or micro braids close to the scalp. If you have 3-5 inches of hair (equivalent to a long pixie cut or “medium length” mens haircut), you can achieve a wider variety of styles, from waterfall braided bangs to side braids and even small French braids.

Longer hair is best for milkmaid braids, braided buns, crown braids and chunky, dramatic braids. However, if you don’t have long, thick hair you can still create these fun styles- just clip in your favorite hair extensions before you start braiding! A simple three-strand braid is one of the easiest styles to master. But basic doesn’t have to be boring! A few stylist-approved tricks can elevate this quick-and-easy braid to a beautiful classic look. Here’s how to create a perfect three-strand braid: Step #1: Comb and prep.

Make sure you start with dry, combed-out hair. This is a great EASY style to wear in-between shampoos! For a volume boost, work a palmful of into your hair before styling. Step #2: Apply styling paste. Put a dab of in your hand, rub your palms together to emulsify the product, and smooth it through your hair from mid-shafts (ear level) to ends.

Step #3: Section your hair. You can either create a center braid that falls down the middle of your back, or bring your hair over one shoulder for a side braid. Divide your hair into three equal sections and secure each one with a clear elastic to keep the sections neat.

Step #4: Pick up one of your side sections and cross it OVER the middle section. (For a side braid, start with the section nearest your face.) This now becomes the new middle piece. Gently pull the braid tight. Step #5: Pick up the section from the opposite side and cross it OVER the middle section. Again, this piece is now your new middle section.

Gently pull the braid tight. Step#6: Repeat Steps Four and Five until you reach the ends of your hair. Maintain light tension by firmly gripping each section as you work. Step #7: Secure the ends with a clear elastic. Gently pull the braid apart for more volume (if desired), tidy up any flyaways, mist your braid with and you’re good to go! Cornrows, also known as scalp braids, are a great way to give natural or relaxed hair a rest from chemical treatments while protecting your delicate strands.

These beautiful braids can be as simple or as intricate as you want to make them. For braid beginners, it’s a good idea to start with basic front-to-back cornrows.Follow these steps to braid your own hair to the scalp: Step #1: Prep your hair. Wash, deep-condition and detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb.

Apply to your damp hair and blow dry, or allow it to air-dry. Next, apply a small amount of to your palms and work it into your hair from tips to roots. This will give your braids better grip while reducing frizz. Step #2: Section the hair. You can create any size of braids that you prefer- just be sure to keep your sections consistent.

• Use the tail of your comb to separate a section of hair from your face to the back of your head.
• Starting on either the left or right side (by sectioning the hair just above your ear) is generally easier than starting in the center.
• Secure the rest of your hair with clips to keep your sections neat.
• Step #3: Prepare to braid.

Part off a small piece of hair at the front of your section, next to your hairline. Divide this hair into three equal pieces. Hold the left and center pieces in your left hand, and grip the right piece in your right hand. Maintain a firm grip, but avoid pulling on the hair, which could result in painfully tight cornrows.

Step #4: Start with a three-strand braid. Bring the left section UNDER the center section, then bring the right section UNDER the new center section. Step #5: Add hair to your cornrow. As you continue this underhand braid, begin adding small pieces of hair from each side before bringing the hair under the center section.

Use your index finger as a “hook” to reach under the center section, pick up more hair and add it to the side section. Then bring the side section UNDER the center section. Pick up the same amount of hair each time for a balanced shape. Step #6: Detangle as you go.

If you find your hair gets tangled while you braid, use your fingers to gently comb through any knots. Step #7: Finish the braid. Once all the hair from the section has been braided to your scalp, finish your cornrow with a three-strand braid (if your hair is long). If needed, secure the ends of the braid with a small hair elastic.

Step #8: Repeat with the rest of your hair. Follow Steps Two-Seven until all of your hair has been braided to the scalp. For classic cornrows, create straight parts and uniform sections so that the braids look even. Once you master the basic cornrow technique, there are endless styling possibilities to try out! “I love your hair- did you do that yourself?” Even if you’ve never done any style more complicated than a ponytail, it’s easy to start braiding hair as a beginner. The truth is that most braids are actually very simple patterns (even if they look super-complicated!).

For a beginner, the hardest part is often learning how to grip the hair and create a braid that looks balanced from top to bottom.If you’re new to braiding, the best place to start is with the basic three-strand braid. This simple technique forms the foundation for all other braids and braided hairstyles.

Try these tips to master the skill of braiding: Practice, practice, practice! It helps to practice braiding in front of a mirror with all your hair swept over one shoulder to the front. If you’re right-handed, start by braiding your hair over your right shoulder; if you’re a lefty, braid your hair over your left shoulder.

1. You can also practice braiding shoelaces, fabric strips, or even licorice ropes! Never skip prepping your hair.
2. It’s important to start with dry or slightly-damp hair (wet hair stretches too easily and is prone to breakage).
3. Always comb through any tangles and apply a lightweight for easier braiding.
4. Create neat, even sections.

Divide your hair into three equal sections: left, middle and right. Comb through the sections and secure each one with a small clear elastic to keep them separated. Find your rhythm. Starting with the side section closest to your face, cross it over the middle section.

1. Then take the section on the opposite side and cross it over the new middle strand.
2. Repeat this simple pattern- right over center, left over center, right over center, left over center- until you reach the ends of your hair.
3. Don’t drop your hair! Do your braids tend to come out too loose? Be sure to maintain a firm grip on each section, especially the center section, while you braid your hair.

As you bring a side piece into the center, use the thumb and pointer finger of the opposite hand to grab it in a pincer grip with your fingers close to the braid. Maintain light, consistent tension and gently cinch the braid after every stitch to keep it from sliding out of shape.

• Add a finishing touch.
• After braiding your hair, secure the ends with a clear elastic.
• For a fuller braid, “pancake” your hair by gently pulling out small pieces.
• Use your fingers to adjust the shape until it’s just right, then finish with a to keep your braid in place.
• Now that you’ve mastered the basic three-strand braid, what’s next? Get creative with your classic braids by styling your hair in two plaits, or braid one small section of your hair and leave the rest loose for a fun casual look.Another great versatile braid for beginners to learn is the French braid.

It looks way harder than it is, and keeps your hair in place even on windy days! Read on to discover exactly how to French braid your own hair. French braids look so pretty but they can be a little challenging to do on your own hair! Unlike a basic three-strand braid, you’ll be adding hair from the sides as you braid.The secret is to braid tightly and add small, consistent sections of hair. To avoid looking like a Pinterest failure, follow these simple steps to correctly French braid your own hair: Step #1: Prepare your hair.

1. Make sure to start with dry, well-combed hair.
2. Both freshly-washed and second-day hair will work for a French braid, but slightly dirty hair gives you better hold.
3. Apply a dab of to your hands, emulsify the product, and work it through your hair for added grip.
4. Step #2: Brush and section your hair.
5. Tip your head slightly back and brush your hair straight back from your face.

Separate the hair on top of your head, from the temple areas to the crown, as if you were pulling back your hair for a half-up style. Divide this hair into three equal pieces. Step #3: Begin with a three-strand braid. Cross the right section over the center section, then cross the left section over the new center section.

• This helps to strengthen the braid before you start adding hair.
• Step #4: Add hair from the right.
• Grip each of the three sections in your left hand and use your right hand to pick up a small piece of hair, creating a horizontal line from your right temple all the way to the side of the braid.
• Step #5: Incorporate this new hair into the right section, using your fingers to comb the hair together.

Then cross the right section over the center section to continue braiding. Step #6: Add hair from the left. Grip each of the three sections in your right hand and use your left hand to pick up a small piece of hair, this time from the left side of your head.

Be sure to create a clean line from your left temple all the way to the side of the braid. Step #7: Incorporate this new hair into the left section, combine the hair together, and cross the left section over the right section. Step #8: Repeat Steps Four-Seven until you reach the nape of the neck. Remember to add small, evenly sized sections of hair as you work down your head.

(Think about creating a pattern of horizontal stripes!) TIP: To avoid an unsightly bulge in your French braid, keep your hands close to your head and neck. As you incorporate the final sections of hair, avoid adding large pieces or lifting hair up to add it to the braid,

1. Instead, continue working with small sections and moving the newly added hair straight across.
2. Step #9: Braid the tail.
3. Once all your hair has been incorporated into the braid, finish by braiding the rest of your hair in a three-strand braid.
4. If needed, you can bring your hair over your shoulder at this point for easier access.

Step #10: Finish your French braid. Secure the braid with a clear elastic. If desired, pull apart small pieces from the center of the braid for a fuller look. (Do not pull on the sides, as this could cause hair to slip out of your braid.) Spray all over and use your hands to gently pat down any flyaways.

1. Mastering the art of French braiding takes a bit of time and practice, but this skill opens the doors to SO many amazing hairstyles! Try creating two French braids and securing them at the nape of your neck, leaving your ends loose and wavy.
2. Or do a small face-framing French braid! We also love pinning up the ends of two French braids for a super-quick halo braid.

Wanna go Dutch? While Dutch braids look complicated, they’re actually just French braids in reverse! Instead of crossing the hair over the center section, you bring the hair underneath, For this reason, Dutch braids are sometimes referred to as inside-out or reverse French braids.

1. Dutch braids have a cool boxy shape and can be used to create countless trendy hairstyles.
2. This is a good style to learn after you’ve mastered the basic three-strand braid and the French braid.
3. Just follow these simple steps to Dutch braid your own hair: Step #1: Get ready.
4. Start with dry, well-combed hair.

Craving longer or thicker braids? Clip in your favorite hair extensions. Step #2: Part and section your hair. For two Dutch braids, use a tail comb to create a center part in your hair. Divide your hair into two sides, and clip one side out of the way. Step #3: Apply a dab of to your hands, emulsify the product, and work it through your strands for easier styling and less slippage.

• Step #4: Create a small triangle-shaped section of hair at the front of your hairline.
• The center part will form one side of this triangle, and your hairline will form the second side.
• Use your fingers or a rat tail comb to create the third side of the triangle, and separate this section of hair.
• Step #5: Split the triangle-shaped section into three equal pieces.

Step #6: Begin braiding. Pick up the piece of hair closest to your face and bring it UNDER the center section. This piece now becomes the new center section. Then pick up the piece farthest from your face and bring it UNDER the center section. Step #7: Add hair to your braid.

As you continue braiding, add a small piece of hair to each section before bringing it under the center section. For a neat and balanced braid, make sure to add the same amount of hair each time and keep your sections clean. Step #8: Place your hands where you want your braid to go. As you continue braiding, direct the hair over and behind your ear.

Think about forming a diagonal line from your hairline towards the back of your head. Step #9: Finish with a three-strand braid. Once you have incorporated all the hair from that section, braid the rest of your hair in a classic three-strand braid. Continue bringing the side pieces UNDER the center piece for a consistent look. If you’re wondering, “Is my hair too short to braid?” you might be pleasantly surprised. While certain braided hairstyles work best with long flowing locks, there are many styles you can create with short hair.Some of the best braided hairstyles for short hair are those that involve adding hair to the braid, such as cornrows, French braids and Dutch braids.