Putting together really nice, natural braiding from home requires a mixture of skills, creativity, and patience. With proper techniques and tools, anyone can do it and wear different beautiful styles. In today's full tutorial, we will share steps, tips, and tricks on how to get salon-quality braids in the comfort of your own home.
Knowing Your Hair Type And How To Prepare It
Before going into the phases of braiding, one needs to first know their hair type and how to prepare it. Natural hair is very diverse, and the way one braid can change depending on the texture of the hair, its thickness, and its length.
Have You Been Able To Identify Your Natural Hair Type?
It has been said that human hair can be divided into four distinct hair types. These include:
- Type 1: Straight
- Type 2: Wavy
- Type 3: Curly
- Type 4: Coily
Each requires different care and handling. Type 4 hair, which is coily, may frequently need more moisture and detangling compared to Type 1, which is straight.
Preparing Your Hair
Good preparation is what will give you long-lasting and neat braids. Follow these steps to prepare your hair:
1. Deep condition: Apply a deep conditioning treatment for extra moisturizing; let it sit in the hair for at least 30 minutes.
2. Detangle: First, detangle with a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush from ends to roots. This will prevent breakage.
3. Drying: You can either air-dry your hair or use a blow dryer if you need to dry your hair using low heat. A requirement before braiding is that your hair should be completely dry to avoid conditions that encourage mould and mildew growth.
Essential Tools And Products For Braiding
To start a professional-looking natural hair braids, you will want to use the correct tools and products. Here is the list of necessary items:
Tools
- Wide-tooth comb—For detangling.
- Rat-tail comb—For parting and sectioning.
- Clips-Holds hair sections in place.
- Elastic bands—Secure braid ends.
- Hair pins—For intricate designs and holding down flyaways.
Products
- Leave-in conditioner—Keeps the hair moist.
- Hair oil—Added hair shine and scalp health.
- Edge control—Tames flyaways and smoothes edges.
Basic Braiding Techniques: A Step-By-Step Guide
Classic Three-Strand Braid
- Section The Hair: Divide the hair into three equal parts.
- Cross The Right Section Over Cross: The right section over the middle partition.
- Cross The Left Section Over: Cross the left section over the new middle section.
- Repeat: Continue that, side after side, to the ends.
- Fasten: To secure, use an elastic band.
French Braid
- Crown Start: Take a single section of hair from your crown area.
- Three Sections: Divide it into three equal parts.
- Classic Braid: Begin a regular three-strand braid.
- Adding Hair: While you continue to braid, add small sections of hair from either side and include them in your braid.
- Secure: Use an elastic band to secure the end.
Dutch Braid
- Section The Hair: Take a section of hair from the top of your head.
- Divide into Three Sections: Split this section into three parts.
- Start Braiding: Begin a regular braid, but cross the sections underneath rather than over the middle section.
- Add Hair: While braiding, add tiny sections of hair from the flanks.
- Continue: Keep on doing this till you reach the end of your hair.
- Secure: Secure the braid with an elastic band.
Conclusion
Setting the charm in your natural hair braids straight from home is a beautiful enhancement skill for your hair. With these steps and helpful tips, you'll be able to have gorgeous braids that are professionally done. From simple designs to complex styles, once you know how to braid like a pro, the possibilities for your hair will be endless.