How to Use a Braiding Machine

Braids are an attractive way to keep hair looking neat and they are easy to maintain. However, it is difficult to braid one's own hair and it is not always convenient, or affordable, to go to a professional hair stylist. A braiding machine, also called a hair braider, is moderately priced and creates a variation on braids called twists.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 AA batteries
• Braiding machine
• Comb
• Hair band
• Hair clips

Use a Hair Braider

1. Insert batteries into the battery compartment of the braiding machine. Hair braiders usually require two AA batteries.

2. Use a comb to divide your hair into sections. Make the sections as big as you want your twists to be.

3. Divide this section into the number of twisted strands you want. A majority of the hair braiders can make twists with two strands but some can make twists with up to four strands.

4. Attach the strands, at the ends, to the pins at the top of the braiding machine. For braiders that can twist three or more strands, you will have to adjust the clips on the machine to suit the number of strands you want to braid. Leave about 1 inch of hair sticking out to make sure that the machine has a firm grip on your hair.

5. Feed a smaller amount of hair into the clips if your hair is thick.

6. Hold the machine straight out, away from your head, to create tension.

7. Turn the machine on to begin twisting. Push the button one way to make the machine twist each strand. When this is done, push the button in the opposite direction to twist the strands together. Hold the machine firmly if you want tight twists.

8. Remove the twist and hold the end tightly with your fingers. Secure the end with a clip or hair band.

9. Learn the different styles you can create with your braiding machine. Your braiding machine will come with either an illustrative poster or a video, depending on the brand you purchase. These will give you a range of ideas about what you can do with the hair braider.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't make your strands too big or they will come off the clips on the hair braider.
• Moisturize your hair before you begin for an easier hold and smoother twists.
• This product will be difficult to use on very long hair.
• Patience is required when learning to use a braiding machine.
• Braiding machines appear to work better on straight hair.

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