How to Braid

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang

Last Updated: June 5, 2024

Braiding is a simple weaving technique used for everything from hair to ribbon to flowers. Braiding your hair can be a huge timesaver while also creating a hairdo you can flaunt! Once you learn the basic technique, you can move on to more complicated braid types.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

The Basic Setting

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Brush your hair so it is light and fluffy. You want to get rid of any knots so your braid is silky smooth! This also makes the braiding process easier, so make sure you do it.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
Is it going to be at the back of your head on a pony tail? Is it going to be at the side or lower down near your neck? Decide this to determine where and how it will look best.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Braiding Hair

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Use a comb to part your hair in two places to create three sections with even amounts of hair. One section is on the right side of your head, one in the middle, and one on the left side. Use your fingers to hold the sections separate from each other.
Keep the sections tight, so the finished braid won't come loose. Now the right section has become the middle section.
Cross the left section over the middle section. You've now completed the first segment of the braid. Keep holding the sections taut and apart from one another.
Keep weaving the left section over the middle, then the right section over the middle, always holding all of the sections taut and separate. Keep braiding the sections together until you run out of hair.
Hold the braid in place by wrapping a hairband around the end, leaving a 1" unbraided tail to keep it secure.
6
Try other braiding styles. Now that you know the basic braiding form, try these gorgeous hairstyles to show off your new skills. They may take some practice, but you'll be pleased with the results.
- Do a French braid. French braids start at the scalp, incorporating hair from the sides of the head, and end in a braided tail secured with a hairband. Done correctly, a French braid will keep your hair out of your face all day and earn you plenty of compliments.
- Do a fishtail braid. This pretty braid looks more delicate than a regular braid, since you're working with smaller sections of hair.
- Try a Dutch braid. This looks like a French braid, only inside-out.
- Create a rope braid. This is made by twisting the strands of hair as you braid them.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Braiding Ribbon or String

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Whether you're using ribbon, string, or another long, thin material, start with three pieces that are all the same.
Use a knot to tie the pieces together about 1/2" from the ends. You can double knot the pieces to make sure they're secure.
Use a piece of masking tape to tape the ends above the knot to a board or other hard surface, to keep the pieces anchored while you braid.
One is the left piece, one is the middle piece, and one is the right piece.
Now the formerly left piece is in the middle. Continue holding all three pieces taut.
This completes the first section of the braid.
Alternate crossing the left over the middle, then the right over the middle, making sure the strings stay taut. Continue weaving the strings in this way until you've run out of string to weave.
Gather the three ends and make another knot to secure them.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Braiding Flowers

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Try to pick them so that the stems are all approximately the same length. You need flowers with sturdy, pliable stems, like dandelions or clover.
Lightly pinch them together with one hand to hold them in place.
Use the other hand to gently separate the three stems, so you have a right stem, a middle stem, and a left stem.
Keep handling the stems gently, and cross the right stem over the middle so that the right has now become the middle.
Now the left stem has become the middle stem.
Cross the right over the middle, then the left over the middle. Don't pull too hard, or the stems may break.
Once you've run out of stem to weave, secure the three ends together by tying a knot, if possible, or using a bit of string instead if you want to make sure not to break the stems.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Should I condition my hair before braiding it?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

Deep conditioning your hair will make braiding it easier by getting rid of tangles.

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What's the best way to prep your hair before braiding it?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

Wash and condition your hair, detangling it as you condition it. If there are still tangles after, brush your hair with a detangling product, working your way from the tips of your hair to the roots. Let your hair dry before you start braiding it.

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Question

Is it bad to sleep with your hair braided?

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

Ndeye Anta Niang

Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Answer

No, as long as your braids aren't too tight. Sleeping with your hair in braids can actually help prevent breakage when you toss and turn at night.

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Tips

Apply a detangling product to your hair before braiding it if you have a lot of tangles or knots.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Hair Stylist & Master Braider

Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}

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Don't get frustrated, you don't learn in a day.

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Use a good quality hair band so it doesn't snap.

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