5 Easy Steps to Master Box Braids for Beginners

5 Easy Steps to Master Box Braids for Beginners

Venturing into the fascinating world of field braids could be an thrilling endeavor, notably for these embarking on this inventive journey as freshmen. Embracing the essence of those intricate braids, adorned by numerous people all through historical past, affords a novel 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 can empower you to create head-turning hairstyles that exude each magnificence and flexibility.

Earlier than embarking on this braiding expedition, it’s crucial to collect the important instruments that can function your trustworthy 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, guaranteeing 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 can even simplify the braiding course of, permitting you to sort out one part at a time. Armed with endurance, precision, and a contact of creativity, you are actually able to embark on the artwork of field braiding, a talent that can undoubtedly elevate your hairstyling repertoire.

Selecting the Proper Hair Extensions

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

Hair Sort

Matching the hair extensions to your pure hair sort is essential. When you have effective or broken hair, go for lighter extensions to keep away from weighing down your strands. For coarse or thick hair, you may select heavier extensions that can present higher grip and quantity.

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

Size and Thickness

Decide the specified braid thickness and size earlier than deciding on extensions. The size ought to lengthen past your pure hair size by not less than 5-6 inches for snug braiding. If you’d like 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 have curly or coily hair, Indian Remy or Brazilian extensions mimic the pure texture and mix seamlessly.

Shade

Shade coordination is crucial for a natural-looking outcome. If you’re not sure of the precise shade match, select extensions which might be barely lighter than your pure hair, as they have an inclination to darken barely when braided. It’s also possible to mix a number of shades to create a extra custom-made look.

Getting ready Your Pure Hair

1. Shampoo and Situation Your Hair

Begin by completely washing your hair with a clarifying shampoo to take away any filth or product buildup. Comply with with a deep conditioning therapy 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 ought to be not less than 2 inches vast and 1 inch deep. This would be the place to begin to your first braid.

5. Safe the Remaining Sections

After getting 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 best way.

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 assist you create even, neat braids and stop tangles or unevenness.

1. Decide the Measurement of Your Braids

The dimensions of your braids will rely in your private desire and the thickness of your hair. For freshmen, it is beneficial to begin 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 possibly can both braid this part individually or depart it out for later. For freshmen, it is simpler to depart the entrance part out till you’ve got 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 aspect 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 aspect of this new half with a clip. Proceed creating elements till you’ve got divided your total head into equal sections.

The variety of sections you create will decide the scale and variety of braids you may have. For freshmen, it is beneficial 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 place to begin 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 connect 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 piece 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 absolutely 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. Preserve 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 may injury your hair.

d. Be affected person and take your time. Field braids could be time-consuming, nevertheless it’s value it to attain 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 foundation to the tip.

  2. Tighten steadily: Apply mild strain and work your approach down the braid, steadily tightening it with out overdoing it. Keep away from pulling too arduous, as this may 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 good end.

  6. Use a hairspray (non-compulsory): For added maintain, you may calmly mist hairspray alongside the braids, specializing in the foundation 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 may 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 preserve the braids’ integrity. This requires a little bit of endurance 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’ll need the next supplies:

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

Step-by-Step Directions

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

  1. Put together the ends. Evenly 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. Easy 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 stop 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 outdoors 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 cross it throughout the sealed finish. This can soften the ends of the hair collectively, making a seal that can assist to stop unraveling.

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

Styling Your Field Braids

Moisturizing Your Braids

Preserve your field braids hydrated by making use of a moisturizing lotion or cream to them frequently. This can assist forestall them from changing into dry and brittle, which may result in breakage. Search for merchandise that include pure oils, equivalent 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 wanting contemporary, trim the ends each few weeks. You are able to do this your self with a pair of sharp scissors or have it completed by a stylist.

Sleeping with Your Braids

Sleeping with field braids generally is 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. It’s also possible to 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, it’s worthwhile 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. Depart 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, be sure you use a low warmth setting and maintain the blow dryer not less than 6 inches away out of your hair. Over-drying can injury your braids and make them frizzy. It’s also possible to use a diffuser to assist distribute the warmth evenly.

Flat-ironing Your Braids

Flat-ironing field braids may also help give them a smooth and polished look. Nonetheless, 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 liable to breakage.

Styling Your Braids with Equipment

There are various alternative ways to model your field braids with equipment. You possibly can add beads, ribbons, and even jewellery to your braids to create a novel look. It’s also possible to braid your hair into totally different types, equivalent to buns, ponytails, or updos.

Styling Field Braids with Shade

Field braids are additionally an effective way so as to add a pop of shade to your hair. You possibly can dye your braids any shade you need, however it is very important use a semi-permanent or everlasting dye. Momentary dyes will wash out shortly and will not present up on darkish hair.

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

Sustaining Your Field Braids

To maintain your field braids wanting neat and wholesome, observe these upkeep ideas:

1. Cleanse Commonly

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

2. Situation Deeply

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

3. Moisturize Every day

Apply a lightweight oil or moisturizer to your braids each 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

Decrease the usage of warmth styling instruments as they’ll 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 stop tangles.

7. Retouch Commonly

Each 4-6 weeks, ask your braider to tighten any unfastened braids and add any essential 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 varied hair care merchandise appropriate for sustaining field braids:

Product Description
Clarifying Shampoo Removes product buildup and filth
Deep Conditioner/Hair Masks Hydrates braids and prevents dryness
Oil/Moisturizer Preserve braids moisturized and stop 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 endurance and care to keep away from damaging your pure hair. Here is an in depth information on tips on how to 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: Steadily loosen the braids
Gently pull the braids other than the ends, working your approach up in direction of the roots. Keep away from yanking them or making use of an excessive amount of pressure.

Step 4: Detangle the bottom
As soon as the braids are principally 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 therapy to replenish moisture and restore any injury attributable to the braids.

Step 7: Fashion as desired
Fashion your pure hair as you would like as soon as it is clear and conditioned. You might 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 which will have occurred in the course of the braiding course of.

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

The best way to Do Field Braids for Newcomers

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

In case you’re a newbie, studying tips on how to do field braids generally is a bit daunting, however with a bit of apply, you can create stunning, intricate braids that can final for weeks and even months. Listed here are the steps it’s worthwhile to observe:

  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’ll a daily braid.
  4. Add hair from the perimeters as you go: As you braid down the part, take skinny items of hair from the perimeters of the part and add them to the braid.
  5. Proceed braiding till you attain the tip: After getting added the entire 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 the entire hair is braided.

After getting completed braiding the entire hair, you may get pleasure from your new coiffure! Field braids are an effective way to guard your hair from injury, and so they will also be a enjoyable and trendy 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 fluctuate relying on the size and thickness of your hair, nevertheless it usually takes wherever from 2 to eight hours.

How do you preserve field braids?

To keep up field braids, it is best to wash your hair frequently, utilizing a mild shampoo and conditioner. You also needs to keep away from utilizing harsh chemical substances or warmth styling instruments in your braids.

Are you able to sleep in field braids?

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