To minimize dryness and frizz, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
Blow-drying your hair will help stretch and relax the curls, reducing frizz and making the hair easier to manage during the braiding process.
Choose your braid hair in a color similar to your own, and get at least 2 large packages. The longer and thicker you want your braids to be, the more packages of braid hair you will need. If you want shorter braids, use fewer packages and cut the braid hair into halves or thirds. When you’re pulling the hair, gently tug at small strands rather than big portions of hair. Run your fingers through the hair when you’re finished evening out the ends to remove any knots that might have shown up.
You should be left with 3 strands of approximately equal size, which you can hold in 1 hand.
If you want to do basic box braids, you can section the hair into square “boxes. ” You can also get creative and make sections in other shapes, such as diamonds or triangles.
Reach your empty hand around your head and grab the third strand of braiding hair hanging behind the ones gripped in your hand. Simultaneously pull the 3rd strand of hair under and incorporate the hair from your scalp into the section between your thumb and index finger, and twist it over in the opposite direction. Pull the third loose section of hair into the middle, between the other 2 sections. You should now have 3 separate strands of hair that are held tight to your scalp, with your natural hair incorporated into 1 of the sections.
Section a 1-inch by 1-inch (2. 5 cm by 2. 5 cm) piece of hair from your scalp, and apply gel or edge control. Prepare your braiding hair and part it into 3 strands. Use the twisting method to combine your natural hair into your braiding hair. Complete the braid using a regular 3-strand method until you reach the ends. [4] X Research source
You may have to re-braid the same strand multiple times in order to get it just right. If your braid is uneven, you may have started with sections of differing thickness. You’ll have to take out your braiding hair and re-split it into 3 even sections. [5] X Research source
As you add in hair, pull the braid tight and keep your fingers close to your head. Don’t braid your hair away from your head, as this will make your cornrows loose and appear funny.
You can choose to use small, clear elastic bands to hold your cornrows in place if you’re worried about the braids coming loose. Some people choose to put beads on the ends of each braid as a decorative detail.
If your hair is sticking out from your braids, it is likely not moisturized enough and your braids aren’t tight enough. Add more styling product, such as gel, edge control, pomade, or mousse, to remedy this. You might need help from someone to make sure that all your rows are even and parallel, especially on the back of your head.
Your 2 strand twists will be easier to style if they are wet or at least slightly damp, so do not blow dry or air-dry your hair completely before styling. Use a comb to remove any tangles or knots that might be present.
Small twists will last much longer than large twists, but the process is obviously more time-consuming. Decide what size you want based on your personal style and the amount of time you have to work on your hair.
This method works best if your hair is naturally curly rather than chemically relaxed or permed.
Section a small piece of hair, comb it, and apply your gel or cream. Split your section into 2 equal strands. Wrap the strands around each other to form a rope-braid. Twist the ends of the 2-strand braid together to secure them and prevent the braid from unravelling. [8] X Research source
