Hair Braiding Techniques

Hair braiding is an ancient art, the history of which dates back almost 3500 to 4000 BC. It is believed that this ancient hairstyle originated in ancient Egypt and West Africa. Today, braid hairstyles are a popular choice for both men and women, simply for their cuteness and elegance. Depending on the style chosen, these styles can range from simple to relatively complicated, as in the case of the reverse French braid.

Hair Braiding Styles

They can vary from simple English braids to more complicated ones like French braids, fishtail braids, and the trendy African braiding styles. So, depending on the type of braid that you want to create, the techniques can differ considerably. However, regardless of the designs you choose, hair care is important and your hair has to be healthy and well moisturized to get the desired look. If practiced on dry and brittle hair, it can cause hair breakage. So, make sure that your hair is clean and well moisturized. Also make it free of tangles by using a good comb. If necessary dampen your hair by using water or use hair care products like hairspray, gel or conditioner in order to make it smooth and manageable.

Simple English Braid: As the name suggests, this is perhaps one of the simplest braids to make. For this, first comb your hair properly by using a wide toothed comb. Remove all tangles and make the hair as smooth as possible. Then part your hair into three equal sections, i.e. a right hand section, a left hand section, and a middle section. Place each of the right and left sections of hair between the index finger and thumb of each hand. Now, start with the right hand section or strand by crossing it over the middle section of hair, so that now it becomes the middle section. Or to put it in a different way, cross the middle section of hair underneath the right hand section, so that it becomes the right hand section. Now it is the turn of the left section of hair to be crossed over the middle section. In this way, repeat the process until the braid achieves a desirable length. Now tie it with a piece of rubber or a ponytail holder.

French Hair Braiding: It is a bit complicated, but its elegant look and intricate design and style is well worth the trouble. For creating a French braid, take a small section of hair at the top of the head or crown. Make three equal parts and begin with the right section. Cross this section of hair over the middle section, after which cross the left hand section in the same way. Now, pull a small section of hair on the right side and add it to the existing right hand section. Then cross this right hand section over the middle section. In the same way, take a small section of hair on the left side and add it to the existing left hand section, after which cross it over the middle section. In this way, the process has to be continued by adding newer and newer sections on both the sides and then crossing them over the middle section. Inverted French braid or Dutch braid is a variant of the French braid, which can be created by making a slight alteration. Here, each section of hair on either side has to be crossed underneath the middle section and not over it.

Fishtail Braid: This braid got its name for creating a braid that looks like the tail of a fish. For making this braid, take a small section of hair at the crown, and divide it into two equal parts. Now cross the right hand section over the left hand section. From this point the procedure resembles that of French braid, i.e. you have to take a small section of hair on the right and add it to the existing right hand section, after which it has to be crossed over the left hand section. Now repeat the process for the left side by lifting a small section of hair and adding it to the existing left hand section. Cross this left hand section over the right hand section. Repeat these instructions to make a really stunning braid that looks like a fishtail. If you want to make it more attractive, then adorn with rhinestone jewelry or hairpins.

African Hair Braid: There are several different types of African hairstyles, but cornrows are quite popular. Here, the hair has to be divided into two sections. Take a small strand of hair in one section and again divide this in three equal parts. Now start with the left strand by crossing it underneath the middle strand. Then, take the strand on the right side and cross it under the middle strand. As you work down the braid, do not forget to add new hair to the middle strand in each time. Repeat the same procedure for each section of hair. Cornrows can create a really trendy and unique black hairstyle, but can take a lot of time.

You can create various stunning hairstyles by making a lot of experiments with different technique. Hair braiding has evolved throughout the centuries by including some very complicated and intricate designs to become a world fashion trend.