How to Teach Yourself to Braid Your Own Hair

If you have long hair, but no one around who will braid it, or you just want to be able to do it yourself, here's how to teach yourself.

Things You'll Need

• rubberbands
• brush or comb
• patience

Instructions

1. Pick a spot on the floor close to a couch or chair.
   Sit with your back to the couch or chair. Lean against the couch or chair for support.

2. Brush or comb out your hair and separate into 3 long strands -- left side, middle, right side. If you want you can make a pony tail at the base of your neck to start, but I would recommend trying to doing this without making that initial pony tail. It's more challenging but will give you better results in the end.

3. Grab the 3 strands in your hands, keeping the hair as tight as you can make them, close to the back of your neck, propping up your elbows on the chair or couch as needed, when your arms get tired.

4. To do a basic 3 strand braid, remember that you are basically switching the middle strand with the right, and then with the left, in a consistent pattern, with the left and right strands always being passed over (not under) the middle strand.

5. When you get to the end, secure with a rubberband.

Tips & Warnings

• You may not get very far the first time as it's very trying on the arms when first starting out. But as you get better at it, you will be able to make the braid further up on the head (french braid style).

• If you get frustrated, just try doing it when you find yourself watching t.v. Sit on the floor, and try braiding it whenever you have free time on your hands. You'll be amazed how quickly it'll come if you devote some time to it.