You have to admit that a braid is the perfect hairstyle for any occasion. It keeps your hair away from your face and is a nice look for work or play. At first glance, a braid looks pretty easy to do, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to do a braid and eventually given up because it just isn’t working. I’ve done all the work for you and gathered all the best tips from the experts for getting your braid just right. Here they are!
1 Comb Your Hair before Getting Started
If you want your braid to look polished and done, you must first comb out your strands so they can be smoothed down. You want to start at the top of your head and work your way to the ends of your hair. Work out any tangles so that you can separate the chunks of hair for the actual braid.
Frequently asked questions
2 Decide What Type of Braid You’re Going to do
Do you want a standard braid or a French braid? Do you want the braid to hang down your back or do you want a side braid? Once you have that figured out, you can move on to actually getting the braid done. What’s your favorite type of braid?
3 Divide Your Hair into Three Sections That Are Even in Size
If you’re doing a French braid, you’ll start at the top of your head with just a small bit of your hair because you’ll add to it as you go. For a low or side braid, divide your hair at the nape of your neck. Feel each section to be sure they are about the same so that you don’t have a lopsided braid.
4 Now for the Braid – You Can do This!
Firmly grasp one of your braid sections and fold it over the middle section, followed by the other side. Go back and forth moving your side sections over the middle alternating left and right sides. If you’re doing a French braid, gather a small bit of additional hair each time you fold the side section over. Continue braiding until you get toward the end of your strands.
5 Make Sure You Secure the Braid Well so It Stays Put
If you don’t put a strong elastic at the end of your braid, it is likely to start falling out before the day is over. That means a messy style or having to redo your braid several times throughout the day. Wrap an elastic around the end of your braid as many times as possible to keep it tight and secure.
6 Spritz the Braid with Product to Keep It in Place
When I do a braid, I usually use a small bit of hairspray once I’ve finished to make sure I don’t get flyaways and to help keep the braid where I want it. You can also use gel or mousse, though those products tend to work better if you put them in before you braid instead of after. Use just enough to hold the braid or you risk your style looking crunchy or greasy.
7 Now Have Some Fun with Your Braid
If you want to embellish your braid, go for it! Add a cute headband or a silk flower to give your look some personality. Use a cute barrette if some of the hair won’t stay in place. Bobby pins or clips are other cute ideas. What’s your favorite hair accessory?
Are you ready to do a fabulous braid now? Do you have any other tips to share?
