How to Braid Black Hair

by Beauty Just For Youon May 13, 2023May 13, 2023Leave a Comment

Braiding black hair is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. Braids are not only a protective hairstyle for black hair, but they also have cultural significance and are a form of self-expression. If you’re interested in learning how to braid black hair, keep reading! In this article, we will discuss the basics of braiding black hair and provide step-by-step instructions on how to create a few different braiding styles.

Table of Contents

Section 1: Preparing the Hair

Before you begin braiding, you’ll need to prepare the hair. This includes detangling, washing, and moisturizing the hair.

Detangle the hair:

Starting from the ends of the hair, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the hair. Work your way up to the roots, being careful not to pull or tug too hard.

Wash the hair:

Clean hair is essential for creating neat and long-lasting braids. Use a gentle shampoo to cleanse the hair, and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Moisturize the hair:

Black hair is naturally dry, so it’s important to moisturize the hair before braiding. Apply a leave-in conditioner or a hair oil to the hair, focusing on the ends and the areas that are prone to dryness.

Section 2: Braiding Styles

There are many different braiding styles to choose from, and each style has its own unique look and feel. Below are instructions on how to create three popular braiding styles: box braids, cornrows, and twist braids.

Box Braids

Box braids are a popular protective style for black hair that involves sectioning the hair into small squares and braiding each section. Here’s how to create box braids:

Step 1: Part the hair into small squares using a rat-tail comb. The size of the squares will depend on how thick or thin you want the braids to be.
Step 2: Take a small section of hair from the square and divide it into three equal sections.
Step 3: Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the middle section.
Step 4: Take a small section of hair from the right side of the braid and add it to the right section. Cross the right section over the middle section, then take a small section of hair from the left side of the braid and add it to the left section. Cross the left section over the middle section.
Step 5: Continue braiding in this way, adding hair from the sides of the braid as you go. When you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a hair tie or a rubber band.

Cornrows

Cornrows are a traditional African hairstyle that involves braiding the hair close to the scalp. Here’s how to create cornrows:

Step 1: Part the hair into small sections using a rat-tail comb. The size of the sections will depend on how thick or thin you want the cornrows to be.
Step 2: Take a small section of hair from the front of the head and divide it into three equal sections.
Step 3: Cross the right section over the middle section, then cross the left section over the middle section.
Step 4: Take a small section of hair from the right side of the braid and add it to the right section. Cross the right section over the middle section, then take a small section of hair from the left side of the braid and add it to the left section. Cross the left section over the middle section.
Step 5: Continue braiding in this way, adding hair from the sides of the braid as you go. As you move towards the back of the head, be sure to keep the braid close to the scalp. You can also add extensions to the cornrows for a longer or more elaborate style.
Step 6: When you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a hair tie or a rubber band. Repeat this process with each section of hair until all of the hair is braided.

Twist Braids

Twist braids are a low-maintenance hairstyle that involves twisting two sections of hair together. Here’s how to create twist braids:

Step 1: Part the hair into small sections using a rat-tail comb. The size of the sections will depend on how thick or thin you want the twist braids to be.
Step 2: Take two small sections of hair and twist them together. Be sure to twist the hair tightly to prevent the twist from unraveling.
Step 3: Continue twisting in this way, adding hair to the sections as you go. When you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a hair tie or a rubber band.
Step 4: Repeat this process with each section of hair until all of the hair is twisted.

Section 3: Maintaining Braids

Once you’ve braided the hair, it’s important to maintain the braids to keep them looking neat and long-lasting. Here are some tips for maintaining braids:

Keep the hair clean:

Wash the hair every 1-2 weeks with a gentle shampoo and follow up with a moisturizing conditioner.

Keep the hair moisturized:

Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to the hair every few days to keep it moisturized.

Protect the hair at night:

Wear a satin or silk bonnet or scarf at night to protect the hair and prevent frizz.

Avoid tight styles:

Avoid pulling the hair too tight or wearing tight hairstyles, as this can cause damage to the hair and scalp.

Be gentle when removing braids:

When it’s time to remove the braids, be gentle and use a detangling spray or oil to make the process easier.

Conclusion:

Braiding black hair is a beautiful tradition that has been passed down through generations. Whether you choose box braids, cornrows, or twist braids, each style has its own unique look and feel. By following the steps outlined in this article and maintaining the braids, you can enjoy a beautiful and long-lasting hairstyle that celebrates the beauty of black hair.