Braiding hair is fun but can also be intensely frustrating, especially when you’re just starting out. Your fingers will act like they have a mind of their own and you’re sure to roll your eyes and sigh in frustration. Don’t give up, you can do it! For that we are going to talk about how to braid your own hair to the scalp easily.
How To Braid Your Own Hair To The Scalp — Braid Types
Some of the most popular braid types are:
- Ponytail
- Dutch braid
- French braid
- Herringbone braid
They are classical but there are also Viking braids that fit the “Game of Thrones” warrior princess theme, waterfall braids, hairdos with braids, flowers or bow ties and so much more. You can genuinely find an expression of your personality in how you do your braid but they are also meant to be practical. If a braid doesn’t help you keep your hair in check, it’s no good.
Double bun braids help keep up long hair and don’t let it stick to the body, especially during hot summer days. They do need some gel or moisturizer applied from root to tip so the hair is nourished and smooth so it doesn’t fray and tangle up or knot.
Crown braids have the braid running around the head, with some bangs or strands of hair carelessly pulled out and over the forehead down each side of the face. This nicely frames the face and makes it posh enough for fancy gathering but also practical enough for running after and playing with kids without tripping over yourself.
Chignon is a romantic braiding type that looks messy but also neat. It’s a braid that starts from the hairline and goes diagonally to the nape of the neck, weaving in some strands of hair from all over the head. Chignon ends up in a loose bun, which both keeps it in one place but also makes it feel casual and spontaneous. It’s perfect for those who feel youthful and ready to fall in love.
Video Tutorial
Basic Steps
Braids differ by difficulty, prep time, complexity and other factors. You can do them with clean or dirty, dry or wet hair or with any kind of hair you have at hand. No matter which you choose, there are always the same steps you’ll be doing and the same things you’ll be thinking about.
The hair should not have any knots or tangles. If they are there, the braid will turn out lumpy or uneven. Brush or comb the hair but don’t obsess over it, just make sure the largest ones are dealt with. Brushing will also increase the volume of the hair and make it smoother, which will make it much more comfortable to work it into a braid.
Tips and Tricks
Don’t stress out and take care not to fatigue yourself. If you want to learn how to braid your own hair to the scalp, you will need a lot of patience. Make yourself as comfortable as possible and don’t let yourself get cramped. Lean against a sofa or put a pillow behind your back so you don’t pull a muscle or you’ll be aching for days to come.
Don’t use rubber bands, since they tend to fray the hair. Instead, use elastic hair bands, which will keep your hair in place but can also be easily removed. If you have trouble keeping your hair in place, wet it a little bit using a wet towel, a hairspray or a spray bottle with some water. The hair shouldn’t be completely wet but just damp enough so it stays together.
Avoid looking in the mirror when working on your braid; you’re only going to confuse yourself. The ideal braiding style is one you can do with your eyes closed, because then you’ll have the perfect feel for how it’s done. You will also notice you do the majority of the work with your dominant hand. That’s fine and shouldn’t worry you.
If you do use a hair product before starting a braid, don’t overuse it. Braids shouldn’t feel right or brittle but have a flow to them, which is smothered by too much hair product. Keep it simple, don’t go overboard and just take your time. If you can do the braid without any products, great.
Starting Out
Use a small bunch of hair from the side, divide it into bunches and keep it nice and tight. As you reach your shoulder, you will have to reach further back and grab bigger bunches of hair. Grab what you can reach comfortably; you’ll later be much more adept with your fingers. You should finish with adding hair just before you reach the shoulders.
Don’t be afraid about messing up. When you feel unsure or like you’re stuck, just undo the braid, run your fingers through the hair and try again. You should be perfectly comfortable with doing the braid over and over again, without any hesitation or doubt.
How To Braid Your Own Hair To The Scalp — Make It Hold
Your braid should be strong enough to hold throughout the day, even when you move around or gesture. When your braid is done, you can use a hair product to fix it in place or just a bobby pin. You can eventually master braiding to the point you hide any band or pin inside the braid. Cool!
If you added extra dry shampoo to the hair, it will now have much more volume, which will make the braids look fuller and they will hold much better. When you eventually undo them, the hair will still look gorgeous.
