How to Easily Braid Black Hair

Proper braid care improves the life of the braid and promotes hair growth

Braids and twists are a popular style among African American men and women. They provide a convenient method of transition from chemical processes to natural. The period of rest from the everyday use of curling irons and blow dryers strengthens the hair, allowing it to grow without interruption. However, improper care can damage the hair and contribute to hair loss.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizing shampoo
• Conditioner
• Towel
• Light hair oil
• Wide-tooth comb
• Small rubber bands
• Hairpins
• Barrettes
• Silk scarf
• Astringent
• Cotton swabs

Instructions

Pre-Braid Care

1. Wash and rinse hair at least two to three times with a moisturizing shampoo. Remove all traces of shampoo from hair before applying conditioner.

2. Cover hair with conditioner; massage conditioner into the scalp. Leave conditioner in hair five to 10 minutes. Oscar James, professional stylist, suggests Crème of Nature's Professional Detangling/Conditioning Shampoo.

3. Rinse conditioner from hair with lukewarm water. Gently run your fingers through the hair without tugging or pulling to remove all traces of conditioner.

4. Towel dry and apply a dime-size amount of oil to scalp. Debra Smalls, haircare expert and salon owner for over 20 years says, "Put on light oil, like jojoba oil or olive oil to create moisture retention". Massage scalp gently.

5. Apply a light hair lotion to the hair itself. Jane Carter Solution Products work well on braided styles. Remove tangles with a wide-tooth comb by gently combing from the ends to the root of the hair. Chris Crenshaw, hairstylist, encourages the use of wide-tooth combs to maintain a healthier hair shaft.

Three Strand Braid

1. Section a portion of hair to braid. Divide the portion into three even sections: left-hand, middle, and right-hand. Comb each portion to remove tangles.

2. Grasp a section in the left hand. Hold the middle section with the left index finger and thumb. Grasp the right section with the right hand. Cross the right section over the middle section. The right section is now the middle section. Tighten the braid by gently spreading the three sections outward.

3. Cross the left hand section over the middle section. The left hand section is now the middle section. Tighten the braid.

4. Continue the braid by alternating right and left hand sections over the middle section until the end of braid. Secure end of braid with a non-break rubber band or barrette. Section another portion of hair and repeat process. Three strand braids can be worn up to three months with proper care. Smaller braids last longer than large ones.

Two-Strand Twists

1. Use a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles from hair. Part a small section of hair, about one inch in diameter, at the nape of the neck.

2. Apply a setting lotion from the roots to the end of hair. Do not apply to scalp. Jane Carter Condition & Sculpt setting lotion works well on two-strand twists.

3. Separate the one-inch section into two smaller sections. Grasp left section between left thumb and index finger. Grasp right section between right thumb and index finger.

4. Cross left section over right section and gently push upward while twisting. Repeat process until end of twist.

5. Place a rubber band or hairpin on the end of the twist to keep it from unraveling. Allow hair to dry naturally. Once hair is completely dry remove rubber bands or hairpins. Twists last for about three months. However, very coarse hair will begin to loc in about two to three months. If locs are not desired remove twists before the loc process begins.

Day and Night Maintenance for Braids and Twists

1. Apply light oil to hair at least two times a week. Use a braid spray to help with itching and apply an astringent with a cotton swab to clean scalp.

2. Apply an oil sheen spray to braids and twists for a fresh look. Sleep in a silk or satin scarf at night to keep braids and twists smooth.

3. Remove braids and twists after three months. Braids and Twists left in hair longer than three months can lead to permanent locs.

Tips & Warnings

• If your hair is breaking, braiding may cause further damage.

• Small-tooth combs can break coarse hair.

• Locs are permanent and must be cut out. If you do not desire locs remove braids before three months.

• Cotton scarfs lead to breakage.

References

• Essence: Hair-Growing Pains
• Essence: The Black Woman's Guide to Hair Loss
• Essence: 8 Great Best-Kept Hair Secrets from the Experts
• Essence: Commentary: Living with Alopecia
• Essence: No Fuss Styles

Resources

• Creme of Nature Professional Detangling and Conditioning Shampoo
• Jane Carter Solutions
• Traction Alopecia: Causes & Treatment Options