When it comes to classic hairstyles, braids always top the most elegant list of options. Not only is it an option that keeps hair in place at all times, but there are no rules for braids, as they can be worn in many different ways depending on the time of day or event. In this case, the root braid, also called the French braid, is a variant that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially in the summer. If you also love the sophistication of this braid but you can’t make it correctly, don’t worry. In this article, we explain how to do braids.
How to do braids?
If you are wondering how to braid easily, you should know that the first step will always be to have the necessary utensils on hand. This will allow you to focus on styling and not have to constantly search for combs and bands. You will need to:
- A hairbrush
- A fine comb
- Small hair bands (if possible, plastic)
- Tweezers to separate hair
- Gel or spray fixative
- Forks (optional)
- A hair straightener (optional)
Comb and straighten your hair
Tangled hair can complicate the weave or result in a very messy and disheveled braid, so untangling your hair will be essential when starting to make root braids, African braids, boxer braids, etc. If you want, you can add a little gel or fixer to your hair for a neater finish.
If you have a hair straightener at home, straightening your mane will be of great help, since it will allow you to weave your hair more easily and achieve more professional French braids.
Separate the first line of hair
With the help of the fine comb, take the first line of hair from the forehead. Be very careful when separating your hair, both the one you will reserve for later and the one you will be weaving, since you could easily tangle it. If you want your braid to start later, take less hair, but if you want it to start further back, take a little more.
Separate this first line into 3 strands to make your 3- strand root braid. Its thickness will depend on the style you are looking for, but keep in mind that the thinner the locks, the more closed the segments of your braid will be and the longer the weaving time will be.
Start weaving your braid the traditional way
To learn how to make a root braid, the basic thing is to know how to make a traditional braid. If you master the classic braid, this process will only be a matter of practice! You know how it works: the left strand passes over the middle one, becoming the middle one, then the right strand goes above it, and so on.
It is important that you do not miss a beat to avoid mistakes and that you keep the braid tight at all times.
Incorporates tufts from the sides
When you have made a traditional weave, it is time to incorporate strands from the sides to your braid. To do it easily, stop when you are going to pass the right strand over the one in the middle and add a little hair to that strand. It is as simple as adding more hair to that end and making it thicker before passing it to the center.
When you go to pass the left lock to the center, do the same; add a little more hair to that end and then move it to the middle. And so on! As you do this, keep the following points in mind:
- The thickness of the locks: We recommend that the locks that you are joining to the braid are the same thickness between them because otherwise, it would be unbalanced.
- The tension of the braid: As you knit, tighten the strands so that the braid is well attached to your head.
- Critical points: Take into account the critical points where the braid is most often undone. These are the crown, the nape of the neck and the end, so pay special attention to these movements.
Finish with a simple braid
When you have reached the nape of the neck, only the final braid will be completed. If you have a very long mane, you can bring that part of the hair forward and braid it to the height of your shoulder, because this way you can rest your arms a little.
So that the braid does not fall apart, you must tie it with a good rubber band that, preferably, is discreet and disguises with the color of your hair. If you have loose hair, you can add some bobby pins and fix them. If you like, spray a little spray fixative at the crown and along the braid to ensure it stays in place.
Other variations of the root braid
The best thing about root braids is their versatility, so here are some small changes to achieve a more original or elegant style from the classic root braid that we have shown you.
How to make side root braids?
The weaving process for combing side root braids is the same as before, only instead of taking the first strands in front, we will take them from the side we want. Divide a large strand into three ends and start weaving them as you would a traditional braid. After the first round, start adding strands from above or below, depending on the line you are going to pass to the center.
When you get to the nape of the neck, tie the braid with a small elastic rubber band and hide it with bobby pins. In addition, these 10 other easy braids to make yourself will help you discover which is the best style for you.
How to make a pigtail root braid?
Another variant you can try is the pigtail root braid. This option is as easy as weaving the braid as we have taught you before but this time tightening the locks on the top of your head much more (these should be smaller than those of a normal root braid).
When the top of your head is well stretched, you just have to tie the braid and give it the design you prefer (you can add bobby pins, use a lock of your ponytail to wrap the rubber to cover it, add an original ponytail to your braid, etc.)
