Braiding someone's hair is not a very challenging task. But doing a braid alone, in your own hair, can generate a result that is a little different than expected. The length of the strands, the position of your hands and even the texture of your locks can compromise the result.
In order for you to prepare yourself and not be disappointed with your braid, we are going to give you some fundamental tips that will help you when it comes to investing in this very traditional hairstyle that goes well in any situation.
How to do a braid by yourself
It is a joker hairstyle, which can be used both for work and for a chic or formal event. Plus, it's quick and easy to make. Therefore, invest without fear and get to work!
- Divide dry and combed hair into three sections of equal volume.
- Start braiding at the nape of the neck, passing the right corner strand over the center strand.
- Do the same process with the strand on the left, going over the strand that was on the right and is now in the center.
- Repeat the same action to the ends of the hair and secure with an elastic band.
Extra tip: apply similar pressure in all movements so that the braid buds are the same size. If you pull some too tightly and leave others too loose, the braid will be uneven.
If this is too difficult for you, make the process easier by making a ponytail before starting the hairstyle. From there, braid only the length of the hair, bringing it to the side of the head so that you can visualize what you are doing.
How to do a built-in, or root, braid by yourself
It is a style that, without a doubt, requires a lot of practice. But the result pays off! If you need to, start training with just a lock of hair, on the side, until you can make a built-in braid in all the hair.
- Pull a section at the top of the head, as if you were going to pin only the top part of the hair.
- Divide this hair into three parts that have the same volume.
- Braid only the first two sections, from right to center and then from left to center, or vice versa.
- When you are going to braid the next section, add another strand to the hair to be braided, just below it, and braid it.
- Repeat the process with the strand on the other side, so you will, with each braid, add more hair to the braid.
- Remember to add similar amounts to each new section so that the braid is even.
- When you reach the nape of your neck and you run out of new strands, finish off like a traditional braid.
- Secure with a very firm elastic band.
How to do a boxer braid yourself
The boxer braid is nothing more than a pair of built-in braids that start at the root and go down similarly, along the side of the head. However, making the two sides symmetrical can be a challenge. Nothing you can't improve with a little training and practice. Come on!
- Part the hair in half, pin one side and start the braid from the side that is loose.
- Divide the top part of this hair half into three equal-volume sections, right at the top side of the head.
- Braid only the first two sections, from right to center and then from left to center or vice versa.
- When you are going to braid the next section, add another strand to the hair to be braided, just below it, and braid it.
- Repeat the process with the third section, adding another handful of hair.
- Remember to add similar amounts to each new section so that the braid is even.
- When you reach the nape of your neck and you run out of new strands, finish off like a traditional braid.
- Secure with a very firm elastic band.
- Repeat the same process on the other half of the hair, trying to make two braids with similar positioning.
Some information that will help you to make a braid by yourself:
- Apply an anti-frizz spray to your hair to make your hair more even.
- Comb your hair well.
- Have rubber bands, a comb, bobby pins, and barrettes nearby.
- Stand in front of a large mirror and use a hand mirror so you can see the back of your head when necessary.
- It's important to know that the longer and straighter your hair is, the easier it will be to braid.
- Layered or layered hair will leave a few loose ends along the braid. In this case, it is important to leave the sections very tight so as not to undo the hairstyle.
- If your hair is very fine or thin, you may have a harder time getting the French braid or boxer braid done on your own.
- If you can't braid all your hair, don't give up! Invest in hairstyles that braid small strands of hair.
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