Braiding hair is an art form that has been passed down through generations. Plaiting can create a variety of styles, from simple three-strand braids to elaborate updos. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, there are a few basic techniques that will help you achieve beautiful, polished plaits every time.
The first step is to prepare your hair. Start by brushing or combing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. If your hair is dry, you may want to apply a leave-in conditioner or serum to help keep it smooth and prevent frizz.
Once your hair is ready, you can begin braiding. There are many different braiding techniques, but the most basic is the three-strand braid. To create a three-strand braid, divide your hair into three equal sections. Cross the left section over the middle section, then cross the right section over the new middle section. Continue crossing the sections over each other until you reach the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie or bobby pin.
Preparation and Tools
Preparation
Plaiting hair requires careful preparation to ensure smooth results and minimize damage. Follow these steps before you begin:
- Wash and dry your hair: Start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is particularly dry, apply a leave-in conditioner to enhance its pliability and prevent breakage.
- Detangle thoroughly: Use a wide-toothed comb or brush to remove any knots or tangles. Detangling will prevent snags and ensure even distribution of tension throughout the plait.
- Brush through: Use a natural-bristle hairbrush to distribute the hair’s natural oils, making it more manageable and less prone to tangling during the plaiting process.
- Section the hair: If plaiting the entire head, divide the hair into three sections: right, center, and left. Using hair elastics or clips, secure each section. This organization will help keep the hair manageable and prevent entanglement.
- Choose the right tools: Gather the necessary tools for plaiting, including a fine-toothed comb, hair elastics, clips, and a spray bottle filled with water to dampen the hair if needed.
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Fine-toothed comb | For sectioning, detangling, and keeping hair in place |
| Hair elastics | For securing the end of the plait and holding sections in place |
| Clips | To keep sections separate while plaiting |
| Spray bottle filled with water | To dampen hair if needed for smoothness and pliability |
Braiding Fundamentals
1. Gather Your Essentials
Before you begin braiding, gather your essential tools: a fine-toothed comb, hairspray or setting lotion, and hair elastics. Ensuring your hair is detangled and free of knots is crucial for a smooth braiding experience.
2. Know Your Braid Types
There are countless braid variations, each with its unique characteristics. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular types:
| Braid Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Three-Strand Braid | The most basic braid, it involves three strands of hair woven over and under each other. |
| French Braid | A variation of the three-strand braid, where new hair is added to the braid from the sides as you weave. |
| Dutch Braid | Similar to the French braid, except the strands are crossed under instead of over, creating a raised effect. |
| Fishtail Braid | A more intricate braid that intertwines two small outer sections into the main braid, resembling a fishtail. |
| Boxer Braids | Two parallel Dutch braids that start high on the head and end at the nape, commonly used for sports. |
Simple Three-Strand Braid
To begin, comb your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. Divide your hair into three equal sections: left, center, and right.
Cross the left strand over the center strand, creating a new center strand. Then, cross the right strand over the new center strand, forming a new left strand.
This process involves repeating steps 2 and 3 until you reach the end of your hair. Throughout the braiding process, hold the strands tightly to prevent them from slipping out of place. As you approach the bottom of your hair, you can gradually loosen your grip to create a more relaxed look.
To secure the braid, tie it off with a hair elastic, ribbon, or bobby pins. Once completed, you can gently pull on the sides of the braid to widen it and create a fuller, more voluminous look.
Here’s a detailed table explaining step 3:
| Step | Actions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Take the left strand and cross it over the center strand, creating a new center strand. |
| 2 | Take the right strand and cross it over the new center strand, forming a new left strand. |
| 3 | Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you reach the end of your hair. |
| 4 | Secure the braid with a hair tie, ribbon, or bobby pins. |
French Braid
French braids are a classic and intricate hairstyle that can be worn by people of all ages. They are versatile and can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for a variety of occasions. Here is a detailed guide on how to plait a French braid:
Step 1: Brush Your Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. This will make it easier to braid and will help the braid look smooth and polished.
Step 2: Divide Your Hair
Divide your hair into three equal sections: left, middle, and right. Use your fingers to create a clean part down the center of your scalp, from the front hairline to the back nape of your neck.
Step 3: Start Braiding
Cross the left section of hair over the middle section. Then, cross the right section of hair over the new left strand. Tighten the braid by pulling down on the two outer strands.
Step 4: Incorporate Hair
As you continue braiding, incorporate small sections of hair from the sides into the braid. To do this, take a small section of hair from the left side of your head, cross it over the left strand of the braid, and pull it through to the right side. Repeat this process on the right side, taking a small section of hair and crossing it over the right strand of the braid.
Tip: For a tighter braid, pull the incorporated hair strands snugly before tightening the braid. For a looser braid, leave the hair strands a bit looser.
Continue braiding down the length of your hair, alternating between crossing the left and right strands over the middle strand and incorporating new sections of hair from the sides.
Step 5: Finish the Braid
Once you reach the end of your hair, continue braiding without incorporating any more hair. When you have about 2-3 inches of hair left, secure the braid with a hair tie.
Fishtail Braid
Step 1: Divide the Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Then, divide your hair down the middle into two equal sections.
Step 2: Take Two Strands from the Outer Side
From the left section, take a small strand of hair from the outer edge and cross it over to the right section. Repeat this step with a small strand from the right section, crossing it over to the left side.
Step 3: Repeat the Crossovers
Continue crossing small strands of hair from the outer edges of each section, alternating sides with each crossover. As you braid, keep the tension even to create a smooth and cohesive look.
Step 4: Hold the Braid Securely
Once you’ve crossed all the hair, hold the braid securely with one hand to prevent it from loosening. This will help you maintain the shape and tightness of the braid.
Step 5: Gather Small Sections of Hair from the Remainder
Gather a small section of hair from the left side that has not yet been braided. Cross this section over to the right side, followed by a small section from the right side, crossing it over to the left. Repeat this process until all the remaining hair is incorporated into the braid.
Step 6: Cross the Top Two Strands
Once all the hair is braided, cross the top two strands over each other. Repeat this step until you reach the end of the braid.
Step 7: Secure the Braid
To finish, secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic or ribbon. For a more intricate touch, you can tie a bow or add a decorative accent.
Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid creates a beautiful, flowing effect that gently cascades down the hair. Begin by creating a side part and separating a small section of hair near the front of the head. Divide this section into three strands and begin braiding, crossing the left strand over the middle and then the right strand over the middle. After each braid, take a small section of hair from above the braid and add it to the right strand. Continue braiding and adding new hair until you reach the end of the section. Then, secure the braid with an elastic band or bobby pin.
Steps to Create a Waterfall Braid:
- Prepare your hair by brushing out any tangles and dampening it slightly to make it more pliable.
- Create a side part and section off a small amount of hair near the front of your head.
- Divide the section into three equal strands: left, middle, and right.
- Begin braiding by crossing the left strand over the middle, then the right strand over the middle.
- After each braid, take a small section of hair from above the braid and add it to the right strand.
- Continue braiding and adding new hair until you reach the end of the section, then secure the braid with an elastic band or bobby pin.
- Repeat steps 3-6 on the opposite side of your head.
- Join the two braids at the back of your head and secure them with an elastic band or bobby pin.
Tips for Creating a Waterfall Braid:
| Tip | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Use bobby pins to secure the braid at regular intervals. | This will help to prevent the braid from falling out or becoming loose. |
| Add hair extensions to the braid. | This will create a fuller, more voluminous look. |
| Experiment with different braiding techniques. | There are many different ways to braid hair, so don’t be afraid to try different techniques until you find one that you like. |
Dutch Braid
The Dutch braid, also known as an inside-out braid, adds a unique twist to the classic braid. It creates the illusion of hair being stacked on top of each other, giving it a voluminous and intricate look. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the Dutch braid:
Step 1: Brush and Section Hair
Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles. Divide the hair into three equal sections.
Step 2: Start the Braid
Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the new middle section.
Step 3: Add Hair from the Sides
Take a small section of hair from the right side and cross it under the right section, then repeat on the left side.
Step 4: Continue the Braid
Continue alternating between crossing the side sections under the middle sections and adding hair from the sides.
Step 5: Secure at the Base
Once you have braided all the hair, secure it at the base with an elastic band.
Step 6: Loose the Braid
For a more voluminous braid, gently pull on the edges of the braid to loosen the strands and create a fuller look.
Step 7: Styling Tips
To enhance the Dutch braid, consider the following tips:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Add Ribbons | Weave thin ribbons into the braid for a touch of color or embellishment. |
| Create a Fishtail Effect | Instead of crossing the side sections under the middle, cross them over the middle to create a fishtail effect. |
| Experiment with different Hair Textures | The Dutch braid works well on various hair textures, from straight to curly to wavy. |
Crown Braid
A crown braid is a beautiful and versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down. It’s perfect for special occasions like weddings or proms, but it’s also easy enough to wear every day. To create a crown braid, you’ll need to start with clean, dry hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles, and then divide it into three equal sections.
Creating the Braid
Take the right section of hair and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the left section of hair and cross it over the new middle section. Continue braiding in this manner until you reach the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair elastic.
Positioning the Braid
Once the braid is complete, position it on top of your head like a crown. Use bobby pins to secure the braid in place. You can also add hairspray to help keep the braid in place all day long.
Styling the Braid
There are many different ways to style a crown braid. You can leave it loose and flowing, or you can pin it up into a more elaborate style. You can also add hair accessories like flowers or ribbons to dress up the braid.
Additional Styling Options
- Add a touch of glamour to your crown braid by wrapping a ribbon around the base of the braid.
- For a more bohemian look, braid your hair into a loose, messy crown braid.
- If you have shorter hair, you can create a half-crown braid by starting the braid at the top of your head and finishing it at the nape of your neck.
Braiding Techniques
There are different braiding techniques that you can use to create a crown braid. The most common technique is the three-strand braid, but you can also try a four-strand braid or a five-strand braid. If you’re new to braiding, start with the three-strand braid and practice until you get the hang of it.
Tips for Beginners
If you’re a beginner, here are a few tips for braiding a crown braid:
Tip Instructions Start with clean, dry hair. Brushing your hair will help to remove any tangles and make it easier to braid. Use a mirror when you braid. This will help you to see what you’re doing and make sure that the braid is even. Take your time. Braiding can take some practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Twist Braid
The twist braid is a versatile and stylish hairstyle that can be worn by people of all ages and hair types. It is relatively easy to create, and with a little practice, you can master the technique in no time.
To create a twist braid, start by dividing your hair into two equal sections. Hold each section in one hand, and then begin twisting the two sections together away from your head. Continue twisting until you reach the ends of your hair, and then secure the braid with a hair tie.
9. Variations on the Twist Braid
There are many different ways to vary the twist braid. Here are a few ideas:
- French twist braid: A French twist braid is created by adding new hair to the braid as you go. To do this, start by taking a small section of hair from the top of your head and dividing it into three equal strands. Twist the strands together away from your head, and then add a small section of hair from the side of your head to one of the outer strands. Continue twisting and adding hair until you reach the end of your hair.
- Dutch twist braid: A Dutch twist braid is similar to a French twist braid, but the strands are twisted under each other instead of over each other. This creates a more voluminous and intricate braid.
- Pull-through twist braid: A pull-through twist braid is a quick and easy way to create a stylish braid. To do this, start by making a small twist with two sections of hair. Then, pull the two ends of the braid through the loop that you created. Continue twisting and pulling through until you reach the end of your hair.
Type of Twist Braid Variations Classic Twist Braid – Single twist French Twist Braid – Double twist Dutch Twist Braid – Triple twist Pull-Through Twist Braid – Flower braid Cornrow Braid
Cornrow braids are a type of protective hairstyle that originated in Africa. They are typically created by braiding the hair close to the scalp in neat, parallel rows. Cornrows can be worn in a variety of styles, including single braids, double braids, and more complex patterns.
Cornrows can be braided with different hair textures, but they are most commonly seen in African-American hair. They are a versatile style that can be worn by people of all ages and genders. Cornrows can be dressed up or down, making them a great choice for any occasion.
Steps to Braid Cornrows
1. Prepare your hair by washing and conditioning it.
2. Part your hair into small sections.
3. Start braiding at the base of one of the sections.
4. Cross the left strand of hair over the middle strand.
5. Cross the right strand of hair over the new middle strand.
6. Tighten the braid by pulling on the ends of the strands.
7. Repeat steps 4-6 until you reach the end of the section.
8. Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin.
9. Repeat steps 2-8 until all of the sections are braided.
10. Follow these additional tips for achieving a neat and even cornrow braid:Tip Description Use a fine-toothed comb to create clean parts. This will help to prevent the braids from looking messy or uneven. Braid the hair close to the scalp. This will help to keep the braids secure and prevent them from coming loose. Tighten the braids as you go. This will help to prevent the braids from becoming too loose and unraveling. Use a hair elastic or bobby pin to secure the end of each braid. This will help to keep the braids in place and prevent them from unraveling. How to Plait Hair
Plaiting hair is a versatile skill that can be used to create a wide variety of hairstyles. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there are always new braiding techniques to learn. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of plaiting hair, including how to create a simple three-strand braid, a French braid, and a fishtail braid. We’ll also provide some tips for troubleshooting common problems.
Before you start braiding, it’s important to prepare your hair. Brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. If your hair is dry, apply a leave-in conditioner to make it more manageable. You may also want to dampen your hair slightly to help the braids stay in place.
People Also Ask About How to Plait Hair
What is the difference between a braid and a plait?
The terms “braid” and “plait” are often used interchangeably, but there is actually a subtle difference between the two. A braid is created by weaving three or more strands of hair together, while a plait is created by weaving two or more strands of hair together. Braids are typically more complex than plaits, and they can be used to create a wider variety of hairstyles.
What is the best way to learn how to plait hair?
The best way to learn how to plait hair is to practice. Start with a simple three-strand braid, and once you’ve mastered that, you can move on to more complex braids. There are also many helpful tutorials available online and in books.
How do I keep my braids from falling out?
There are a few things you can do to keep your braids from falling out. First, make sure to braid your hair tightly. You may also want to use a hairspray or mousse to help hold the braids in place. If your hair is particularly slippery, you can try braiding it when it’s slightly damp.
