Learn How to Braid Hair

Braiding is a style that has been passed on from mother to daughter since time immemorial. But in the last couple of years, it seems to have lost its roots. With latest trends and hairstyles being sported, the braid has been relegated to a corner somewhere. Why not change that and learn how to braid hair?

Braid Hairstyles

I'm sure you agree that there is nothing more elegant than a well knotted braid. It does not need one to go in for, or employ, extensive hair treatments and colorings, but can be done just as simply and yet look very graceful. There are braids which are simple plain braids and others which can be knotted that lend a glamorous look or spunk to one's persona (like the cornrow braid).

It is easy to braid hair, if you put your mind to it. There are many braid hairstyles that one can choose from. Given below are some designs.

The English Braid

This is the easiest braid to pull off. Here's how you go about it.

1. Comb you hair till it's smooth with a wide toothed comb. Then use a fine toothed comb to remove any knots.
2. Divide your hair into three separate and equal sections.
3. Bring the right hand section over to the middle section by crossing over it.
4. Similarly, bring the left hand section over to the middle section by crossing over it.
5. Tighten the plait by pulling each section away from each other. Do this at every step.
6. Continue to do this - that is bringing the right and left sections over the middle section.
7. Once there is no more scope left to braid the hair any further, secure it with a clip.
8. Your braid is ready! And you've learned how to braid hair.

French Braid

1. Choose a part of the hair where you want to braid the French braid. This is usually done at the crown of the head.
2. Once the spot is chosen, take a small section of hair and divide it into three equal parts.
3. After combing the hair straight, take the left section of hair over the middle section and tighten it.
4. Do the same for the right section of hair.
5. Tighten the plait as you continue with each step.
6. Now take the pointed end of the rat tail comb and lift a small section of hair from the right side. Do this by drawing a line from the hairline to the middle of the braid (it will be against the scalp).
7. This should be about an inch or half beneath the first plait.
8. Now add this new section of the hair to the existing section that is on the right and bring it over to the middle section by crossing it. Tighten the plait again.
9. Repeat the same action on the left side and tighten the plait.
10. Continue to do this till you reach the hairline.

The Rope Braid

1. Comb hair and make it smooth and untangled.
2. Make a triangular segment of a section of the hair at the crown of the head.
3. Then divide this triangular section into 3 equal sections. And hold them in one hand.
4. Start braiding the hair by crossing the right section over the middle. Then shift the sections to the opposite hand and cross the left section over the middle section. Now shift back to the original hand.
5. Holding the sections in your hand, 'flip' the 'holding' hand and twist the braid. Now get the sections into the original hand, but this time the order will be reversed.
6. Continue braiding by using a small section of the hair on the right side and combining it with the right section of hair. Then cross over to the center. Do the same on the left side.
7. Continue to do this till you have reached the edge of the neck.
8. Once there, tie the hair up or leave the rest of it free.
9. This is an excellent way to keep hair in place while indulging in household or outdoor activities. It is stylish and yet keeps your hair out of the face.

It's easy to braid hair, right? So then get set to try the different styles of braiding your hair and turn some heads already.