How to Make Braid Extensions
Hair extensions are becoming increasingly popular with all ages and races. While hair extensions originated in the African culture, the trend has grown in popularity, Braid extensions are especially popular. Braid extensions allow you to change the length, texture and color of your hair in a few hours. Braid extensions can make your hair appear longer than it really is by braiding or weaving fake or real hair into your own hair. In a few simple steps, you can create a bond between the new hair and your own hair which will withstand a few shampoos. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Clarifying shampoo
- Conditioner
- Synthetic hair
- Hair clip
- Spirit gum
- Heat Clamp
Instructions
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How to Make Braid Extensions
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Gather materials. Like any project, braid extensions do require certain materials. You will need synthetic hair extensions, a hair clip, spirit gum and a heat clamp. Spirit gum is an adhesive typically used for fixing wigs. Any type of synthetic hair or real hair will work on a braid extension. Synthetic hair will not last as long as the sun can damage it but it is much more affordable than real hair. You can purchase all of these items at your local beauty store.
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Prepare your hair. This is a very important step in the extension process. If your hair is not prepared properly, your new extensions can start smelling and collecting mildew after a couple of days. First, use a clarifying shampoo to get your hair very clean. Follow with a clarifying conditioner and style as normal. You will also need to prepare your extensions. Fill a sink with warm water and submerge the synthetic hair. Add an intensive repair conditioner to the water and let it soak for one hour. Remove the synthetic hair and rinse thoroughly. Hang to dry.
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Begin braiding. To begin braiding, take two sections of your hair, about 1/4 inch, that are side by side and hold them apart. In between them, put a piece of the synthetic hair. Clip the synthetic hair against your scalp. Braid as you would any other hair by crossing the pieces of real hair over the piece of synthetic hair. Repeat until you have braided the synthetic hair into the real hair. Apply a small amount of spirit gum to the braided section. Use a heat clamp to hold the braid in place for no more than seven seconds. Continue this process until all of your desired extensions are attached.
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Take care of the extensions. Now that you have your braid extensions placed, it is very important to properly take care of your extensions. Wash your braids once very two weeks. This will allow the braids to keep their strength.
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Tips & Warnings
Use extensions that match the color of your hair so that your roots don't show.
After each wash, use coconut oil to soften and strengthen undergrowth. Three times a week treat your braids with shea butter, an all purpose moisturizer that will give your hair shine and intense moisture. Following these simple steps will leave you with hydrated and beautiful breads and promote the growth of your natural hair.
References
Resources
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