How to Make an English Braid With Short Hair
Just because your hair doesn't flow down your back doesn't exclude you from donning a sleek English braid. The English braid, sometimes referred to as a classic braid or a three-strand braid, is the same style and technique the entire length of the braid. Additionally, an English braid works anywhere on the head, from the neck nape to the forehead hairline. Making an English hair on someone with hair shorter than her shoulders isn't difficult, but it does require the right starting point. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Comb the entire head of hair to remove any tangles or snarls. Smooth hair without knots makes braiding easier and less painful.
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2
Gather a section of hair measuring 4 to 5 inches wide and 2 to 3 inches deep from the center of the forehead hairline. Hold the gathered hair in one hand and comb it again so the starting point of the braid is smooth. Starting the braid directly behind the hairline provides more hair for braiding than beginning at the nape of the neck.
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3
Divide the section of hair into three equal pieces — A, B and C — and keep them separated with your thumb, pointer and middle fingers.
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4
Place A over B so B is the central piece. Place C over A, and then B over C. Pull the pieces sideways after each overlap so the braid becomes tight and secure.
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5
Repeat step four until only 1 or 2 inches of hair remains at the bottom of the braid. Hold the end of the braid between two fingers so it doesn't unravel.
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6
Wrap a hair elastic around the tail end of the braid two or three times until the elastic is secure.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid washing your hair the day of braiding. That silky smooth texture of freshly shampooed locks causes your hair to slip out of a braid more easily than oily hair.
Wrapping a hair elastic at the top of the section before braiding makes starting the braid easier.
References
- Photo Credit James Woodson/Digital Vision/Getty Images
