5 Easy Steps to Master Box Braids for Beginners

5 Easy Steps to Master Box Braids for Beginners

Venturing into the charming world of field braids may be an thrilling endeavor, significantly for these embarking on this creative journey as learners. Embracing the essence of those intricate braids, adorned by numerous people all through historical past, affords a singular alternative for self-expression and cultural appreciation. Put together your self for a transformative expertise as you delve into the artwork of field braiding, a talent that may empower you to create head-turning hairstyles that exude each class and flexibility.

Earlier than embarking on this braiding expedition, it’s crucial to collect the important instruments that may function your devoted companions all through the method. These embody a fine-toothed comb, hair clips, hair moisturizer, a bottle for water, and naturally, the star of the present – braiding hair. Along with your arsenal of provides assembled, now you can embark on the journey of making field braids, a method that has transcended time and continues to captivate fashion-forward people worldwide.

As you embark on this braiding journey, it’s important to meticulously put together your hair, making certain it’s clear, detangled, and moisturized. This preparatory step will lay the inspiration for braids which might be each sturdy and visually interesting. Sectioning your hair into manageable segments will even simplify the braiding course of, permitting you to deal with one part at a time. Armed with persistence, precision, and a contact of creativity, you are actually able to embark on the artwork of field braiding, a talent that may undoubtedly elevate your hairstyling repertoire.

Selecting the Proper Hair Extensions

Deciding on appropriate hair extensions is essential for attaining stunning and sturdy field braids. Listed here are some important components to think about:

Hair Kind

Matching the hair extensions to your pure hair kind is essential. When you’ve got wonderful or broken hair, go for lighter extensions to keep away from weighing down your strands. For coarse or thick hair, you’ll be able to select heavier extensions that may present higher grip and quantity.

Hair Kind Extension Kind
High quality or Broken Kanekalon, Toyokalon
Coarse or Thick Brazilian, Indian Remy

Size and Thickness

Decide the specified braid thickness and size earlier than choosing extensions. The size ought to prolong past your pure hair size by at the very least 5-6 inches for snug braiding. In order for you voluminous braids, select thicker extensions. For a extra pure look, go for thinner extensions.

Hair Texture

The feel of the extensions ought to complement your pure hair texture. For straight or barely wavy hair, Kanekalon or Toyokalon extensions present a easy end. When you’ve got curly or coily hair, Indian Remy or Brazilian extensions mimic the pure texture and mix seamlessly.

Shade

Shade coordination is important for a natural-looking end result. If you’re not sure of the precise colour match, select extensions which might be barely lighter than your pure hair, as they have a tendency to darken barely when braided. You may also mix a number of shades to create a extra custom-made look.

Making ready Your Pure Hair

1. Shampoo and Situation Your Hair

Begin by completely washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any dust or product buildup. Comply with with a deep conditioning remedy to hydrate and strengthen your hair. This can assist forestall breakage in the course of the braiding course of.

2. Part Your Hair

Sectioning your hair into smaller, manageable elements will make the braiding course of simpler. Half your hair into 4 quadrants: entrance left, entrance proper, again left, and again proper. Safe every part with a hair clip or rubber band.

3. Divide Every Part into Smaller Squares

Inside every quadrant, proceed dividing the hair into smaller, square-shaped sections. The dimensions of the squares will decide the thickness of your field braids. Use a rattail comb or your fingers to create clear, even partings.

4. Create a Parting for the First Braid

Utilizing a rattail comb or the尖端of a big crochet hook, create a horizontal parting in one of many entrance sections of hair, close to the hairline. The parting must be at the very least 2 inches vast and 1 inch deep. This would be the start line in your first braid.

5. Safe the Remaining Sections

After you have parted out the hair for the primary braid, safe the remainder of the sections with hair clips or rubber bands to maintain them out of the way in which.

Sectioning Information
Entrance left: Divide into 4-6 squares
Entrance proper: Divide into 4-6 squares
Again left: Divide into 6-8 squares
Again proper: Divide into 6-8 squares

Sectioning Your Hair

As soon as your hair is prepped and prepared, it is time to part it into smaller sections for braiding. This can make it easier to create even, neat braids and forestall tangles or unevenness.

1. Decide the Measurement of Your Braids

The dimensions of your braids will rely in your private choice and the thickness of your hair. For learners, it is advisable to start out with smaller braids till you grow to be extra snug with the method. Use a comb or your fingers to part off a small piece of hair, about 1/2 to 1 inch vast, on the entrance of your head.

2. Create the Entrance Half

Use a hair clip to separate the entrance part from the remainder of your hair. You may both braid this part individually or depart it out for later. For learners, it is simpler to depart the entrance part out till you have mastered the fundamental braiding method.

3. Divide the Remainder of Your Hair into Equal Sections

Now, you may must divide the remaining hair into equal sections to make sure even braids. Here is a extra detailed step-by-step information:

Step Description
a Use a rattail comb or your fingers to create a clear half down the middle of your head, from the entrance to the nape of your neck.
b Use a hair clip to safe the hair on one facet of the half.
c Create one other half parallel to the primary one, about 1 to 1.5 inches away.
d Safe the hair on one facet of this new half with a clip. Proceed creating elements till you have divided your total head into equal sections.

The variety of sections you create will decide the dimensions and variety of braids you may have. For learners, it is advisable to have fewer, bigger sections to make the braiding course of simpler.

Braiding the Basis

1. Part Hair: Start by dividing your hair into small, even sections. Use a comb or brush to separate the hair and maintain every part with a hair tie or clip.

2. Half Hair: Create a small, square-shaped parting within the heart of the entrance part of your hair. This would be the start line for the primary braid.

3. Braid the Beginning Row: Take three small strands from the entrance heart part of your hair and braid them collectively for 3 or 4 inches. Safe the tip of the braid with a rubber band or thread.

4. Create Feed-in Braids:

  • Divide Hair into Three Strands: Separate the remaining hair within the entrance part into three even strands.
  • Add Hair Extensions: Take a small part of hair extensions and fix it to one of many three strands by wrapping it across the base of the strand and crocheting it in.
  • Incorporate Hair Extensions: Mix the hair extension with the unique strand and feed it into the braid as you proceed to braid.
  • Repeat Course of: Repeat steps a-c for the remaining two strands, including hair extensions to every one.
  • Braid to Desired Size: Proceed braiding the feed-in braids till they attain the specified size, securing the ends with rubber bands or thread.

Including the Hair Extensions

Now that your hair is prepped and sectioned, it is time to begin including the hair extensions.

Step 1: Measure and Reduce the Extensions

Measure out a bit of hair extensions that’s roughly the identical size as your pure hair. Reduce the extensions to the specified size.

Step 2: Create a Small Braid

Take a small part of your pure hair on the root and braid it down for about an inch. This braid will function the bottom for the field braid.

Step 3: Add the Extension

Fold the minimize hair extension in half and place it over the pure braid. Maintain the extension in place with one hand and use your different hand to proceed braiding the pure hair.

Step 4: Safe the Braid

As soon as the extension has been totally integrated into the braid, safe it with a rubber band or thread.

Step 5: Repeat the Course of

Repeat steps 1-4 for every field braid. Listed here are some further ideas for this step:

a. Maintain the braids even and constant. Use a measuring tape or hair ruler to make sure accuracy.

b. Braid tightly to stop the extensions from slipping out.

c. Safe the braids securely with rubber bands or thread. Don’t overtighten, as this could injury your hair.

d. Be affected person and take your time. Field braids may be time-consuming, nevertheless it’s value it to realize the specified look.

Tightening the Braids

As soon as the extensions are braided in, it is time to tighten the braids to safe them. Here is an in depth step-by-step information to make sure your braids keep neat and safe:

  1. Begin with the bottom: Maintain the bottom of the braid firmly with one hand and use the thumb and index finger of your different hand to softly squeeze the braid collectively, shifting from the basis to the tip.

  2. Tighten steadily: Apply mild stress and work your method down the braid, steadily tightening it with out overdoing it. Keep away from pulling too arduous, as this could injury the extensions or your hair.

  3. Examine the stress: As you tighten, gently tug on the braid to make sure it has the specified tightness. The braids shouldn’t be too unfastened or too tight, permitting for a snug match.

  4. Safe the ends: As soon as the braid is sufficiently tightened, fold the unfastened finish of the extensions below the braid and tuck it in or use a rubber band to safe it.

  5. Do it in sections: Divide the braids into smaller sections for simpler tightening. Work on one part at a time to keep away from tangles and guarantee a fair end.

  6. Use a hairspray (elective): For added maintain, you’ll be able to calmly mist hairspray alongside the braids, specializing in the basis space and any unfastened ends. Enable the hairspray to dry utterly earlier than manipulating the braids additional.

Tightening the braids correctly not solely secures the extensions but in addition prevents them from changing into unfastened or falling out. By following these steps, you’ll be able to be sure that your field braids keep neat, tidy, and last more.

Sealing the Ends

The ultimate step in creating field braids is to seal the ends to stop unraveling and keep the braids’ integrity. This requires a little bit of persistence and precision however could make a world of distinction within the longevity of your braids.

Supplies Required

To seal the ends of your field braids, you will have the next supplies:

Materials
Lighter or match
Petroleum jelly or hair wax
Rat-tail comb (elective)

Step-by-Step Directions

Comply with these steps to seal the ends of your field braids:

  1. Put together the ends. Calmly brush by means of the ends of the braid to take away any unfastened strands.
  2. Apply petroleum jelly or hair wax. Take a small quantity of petroleum jelly or hair wax and rub it between your thumb and forefinger.
  3. Clean the ends. Apply the petroleum jelly or hair wax to the ends of the braid and easy them down utilizing your thumb and forefinger. This can assist to seal the hair and forestall frizz.
  4. Repeat for every braid. Repeat the method for every braid in your head.
  5. Trim any extra. If any strands of hair are nonetheless hanging exterior the braid, fastidiously use scissors to trim them off.
  6. Safe unfastened strands. If any unfastened strands are nonetheless current, use a rat-tail comb to tuck them again into the braid.
  7. Use a lighter or match to seal the ends. Maintain the lighter or match about an inch away from the tip of the braid and shortly go it throughout the sealed finish. This can soften the ends of the hair collectively, making a seal that may assist to stop unraveling.

    Be aware: Be very cautious when utilizing a lighter or match to seal the ends. Maintain the flame at a protected distance and don’t maintain it in a single place for too lengthy, as this could injury the hair.

Styling Your Field Braids

Moisturizing Your Braids

Maintain your field braids hydrated by making use of a moisturizing lotion or cream to them repeatedly. This can assist forestall them from changing into dry and brittle, which may result in breakage. Search for merchandise that comprise pure oils, similar to coconut oil or argan oil, to nourish and situation your hair.

Trimming Your Braids

As your field braids age, they could begin to look frizzy and unkempt. To maintain them trying contemporary, trim the ends each few weeks. You are able to do this your self with a pair of sharp scissors or have it executed by a stylist.

Sleeping with Your Braids

Sleeping with field braids is usually a problem, however there are some things you are able to do to make it extra snug. First, strive sleeping on a satin pillowcase. This can assist forestall your braids from tangling and matting. You may also braid your hair right into a unfastened bun or ponytail earlier than mattress to maintain it out of your face.

Washing Your Braids

Washing field braids is a bit totally different than washing pure hair. First, you might want to dilute your shampoo with water. Then, apply the shampoo to your braids and gently therapeutic massage it into your scalp. Rinse completely with cool water after which apply a conditioner to your braids. Go away the conditioner in for a couple of minutes after which rinse once more.

Blow-drying Your Braids

If you wish to blow-dry your field braids, make sure to use a low warmth setting and maintain the blow dryer at the very least 6 inches away out of your hair. Over-drying can injury your braids and make them frizzy. You may also use a diffuser to assist distribute the warmth evenly.

Flat-ironing Your Braids

Flat-ironing field braids may also help give them a glossy and polished look. Nevertheless, it is very important use a low warmth setting and to use a warmth protectant spray to your braids beforehand. Over-ironing can injury your braids and make them extra vulnerable to breakage.

Styling Your Braids with Equipment

There are various other ways to model your field braids with equipment. You may add beads, ribbons, and even jewellery to your braids to create a singular look. You may also braid your hair into totally different kinds, similar to buns, ponytails, or updos.

Styling Field Braids with Shade

Field braids are additionally a good way so as to add a pop of colour to your hair. You may dye your braids any colour you need, however it is very important use a semi-permanent or everlasting dye. Non permanent dyes will wash out shortly and should not present up on darkish hair.

Shade Impact
Blonde Creates a sun-kissed look
Pink Provides a fiery contact
Blue Creates a daring and distinctive look
Inexperienced Provides a contact of caprice
Pink Creates a mushy and female look

Sustaining Your Field Braids

To maintain your field braids trying neat and wholesome, comply with these upkeep ideas:

1. Cleanse Often

Wash your braids with a clarifying shampoo each 7-14 days. This removes product buildup and prevents dust and oil from clogging your scalp.

2. Situation Deeply

Situation your braids as soon as per week with a deep conditioner or hair masks. This helps preserve them hydrated and prevents dryness and breakage.

3. Moisturize Day by day

Apply a light-weight oil or moisturizer to your braids every day to maintain them from drying out. Coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil are good choices.

4. Seal Your Ends

To forestall cut up ends, seal your braid ends with a beeswax or Shea butter-based product.

5. Keep away from Warmth Styling

Reduce the usage of warmth styling instruments as they will injury your braids and dry them out.

6. Defend Whereas Sleeping

Put on a satin or silk bonnet or scarf whereas sleeping to scale back friction and forestall tangles.

7. Retouch Often

Each 4-6 weeks, ask your braider to tighten any unfastened braids and add any needed extensions.

8. Cowl with a Swim Cap

When swimming, cowl your braids with a swim cap to stop chlorine and salt injury.

9. Number of Hair Care Merchandise For Field Braids

Here’s a desk of assorted hair care merchandise appropriate for sustaining field braids:

Product Description
Clarifying Shampoo Removes product buildup and dust
Deep Conditioner/Hair Masks Hydrates braids and prevents dryness
Oil/Moisturizer Maintain braids moisturized and forestall frizz
Beeswax/Shea Butter Seals braid ends to stop cut up ends
Satin/Silk Bonnet Protects braids from tangles whereas sleeping
Swim Cap Shields braids from chlorine and salt injury

Eradicating Field Braids

Eradicating field braids requires persistence and care to keep away from damaging your pure hair. Here is an in depth information on do it:

Step 1: Soften the braids
Apply heat water or a conditioning spray to the roots and lengths of the braids to make them simpler to take away.

Step 2: Reduce the elastic bands
Use scissors to fastidiously minimize the elastic bands that safe the underside of the braids.

Step 3: Regularly loosen the braids
Gently pull the braids aside from the ends, working your method up in direction of the roots. Keep away from yanking them or making use of an excessive amount of power.

Step 4: Detangle the bottom
As soon as the braids are largely eliminated, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle any knots or tangles on the base of your pure hair.

Step 5: Wash and situation
Wash your pure hair with shampoo and conditioner to take away any product buildup from the braiding course of.

Step 6: Deep situation
If desired, apply a deep conditioning remedy to replenish moisture and restore any injury brought on by the braids.

Step 7: Model as desired
Model your pure hair as you want as soon as it is clear and conditioned. It’s possible you’ll select to air dry, blow dry, or use warmth styling instruments.

Step 8: Trim any cut up ends
After eradicating the field braids, it is advisable to trim any cut up ends that will have occurred in the course of the braiding course of.

Step 9: Moisturize repeatedly
Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair lotion to maintain your pure hair hydrated and forestall dryness.

Easy methods to Do Field Braids for Newcomers

Field braids, also referred to as sq. braids or cornrows, are a well-liked protecting coiffure that’s typically worn by folks with pure hair. They’re a flexible model that may be worn up or down, on quick or lengthy hair, and they are often styled in a wide range of methods.

When you’re a newbie, studying do field braids is usually a bit daunting, however with a bit apply, you’ll create stunning, intricate braids that may final for weeks and even months. Listed here are the steps you might want to comply with:

  1. Begin with clear, detangled hair: This can make it simpler to braid and assist forestall breakage.
  2. Part your hair: Divide your hair into small, even sections, utilizing clips or hair ties to carry them in place.
  3. Start braiding on the roots: Take three small sections of hair from the entrance of the pinnacle and begin braiding overhand, as you’d an everyday braid.
  4. Add hair from the edges as you go: As you braid down the part, take skinny items of hair from the edges of the part and add them to the braid.
  5. Proceed braiding till you attain the tip: After you have added all the hair to the braid, proceed braiding till you attain the tip of the part.
  6. Safe the tip of the braid: Use a small elastic band or hair tie to safe the tip of the braid.
  7. Repeat steps 3-6 for every part: Proceed braiding every part of hair till all the hair is braided.

After you have completed braiding all the hair, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your new coiffure! Field braids are a good way to guard your hair from injury, they usually will also be a enjoyable and classy option to change up your look.

Folks Additionally Ask

How lengthy does it take to do field braids?

The time it takes to do field braids will differ relying on the size and thickness of your hair, nevertheless it usually takes anyplace from 2 to eight hours.

How do you keep field braids?

To keep up field braids, you need to wash your hair repeatedly, utilizing a delicate shampoo and conditioner. You must also keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or warmth styling instruments in your braids.

Are you able to sleep in field braids?

Sure, you’ll be able to sleep in field braids, however it is very important use a satin pillowcase to guard your hair from friction.