How to Braid in Hair Extensions

Hair extensions are a popular choice among hair products. Braiding in hair extensions is a much less invasive and less damaging method than weaving or gluing and can be accomplished by most people with a little knowledge on how to properly braid hair. Braiding extensions can be a lengthy process, but it is well worth the time.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Extensions
• Hair clips
• Spray water bottle
• Small comb
• Thread or other thin string
• Scissors

1. Divide the hair into small sections, beginning with the hair on the underside. Separate the hair on the top from hair on the bottom and clip the top section of hair up out of the way.

2. Hold the hair extension near the bottom of the natural hair and divide a very small section of the hair into two strands. Place the two small sections on either side of the extension piece and begin your braid. You will want to braid the section of the weave in with your two natural hair sections.

3. Continue braiding the natural hair and weave section to the very end of the hair and secure the end of the braid with a small section of string. Tie the string tightly and be sure that you avoid tangling any of the hair up in the knots for your string.

4. Move onto the next extension section and continue with the braiding and tying of the braid sections. You can keep your braid sections very short, or you can leave them longer if you prefer. Leaving them longer will require that you keep your hair in that braided style, but it is your choice.

5. Check over the extensions once you complete one section of your hair. Be sure that all of your braids are tight and that none of the strands are loose or too tight and that all of your knots are securely in place.

6. Finish the remaining sections of hair, using the water bottle to dampen the hair to make braiding easier. Pull your braids tight to secure them, but not overly tight as this will cause breakage and damage to your natural hair.

7. Remove the hair clips and comb through the loose sections of hair once you are finished with your braiding. The natural hair should lie over the top of the small braids and hide them from view so that the extensions lay underneath the remainder of your natural hair.

8. Wash your hair and recheck the braiding. Washing can tighten up the braids so let the hair dry naturally and ensure that the extensions are well braided and holding tight. Feel free to style your hair as you normally would and enjoy your newly braided extensions.

Tips & Warnings

• Use only human grade hair extensions. Other types of hair can be damaged or destroyed by normal wear and styling.

• Braid your extensions in very small sections. The smaller the sections, the less noticeable the extensions will be.

• Do not pull your braids too tight. Braiding the hair too tight will cause breakage and can lead to permanent hair loss.