Basic Braiding Methods Part 1

 Basic Braiding Methods Part 1 

                Basic braiding is the foundation of most mainstream hair styles. In this article I seek to inform the general public basic techniques that can help take some of the guesswork out of braiding.  I will start out with 3 basic braiding techniques that involve only braiding natural hair. The final part of this series will concern using add on. The three techniques most commonly used in braiding is the basic rope braid, French braiding, and inverted French braid.

Basic Rope Braid

For people who can’t braid a rope braid to save they’re life this article is for you. Basic rope braiding is a foundation of many hairstyles. In fact rope braids can be used to create locs as well if administered and aged appropriately. But lets begin with the basic braiding process, to create the basic braid , part hair in desired method as was explained deeply in Part 1 Twisiting Methods : The Parts .  Now split the hair into three sections. Hold two sections in your right hand ad the last section in your left. Cross the right section over the top of the middle section( while stile keeping a grip on the middle section with your right hand) and this will become your new left end . Repeat this process for the left end ( cross over to the right as this will become your new right piece). Keep crossing over the side pieces towards the middle until you reach the end of your newly created braid. Repeat this process over the entire head.  Braids DONE:) Here's a vid for all you visual people:)

French Braiding/ Cornrowing


French braiding follows the same method as basic rope braiding , but the braid is attached to the scalp. To begin a french braid first part the scalp in a method that would make the resulting braid attach to the scalp, my favorite for beginners is parting straight back cornrows ( taking the comb from the front of the scalp all the way to the back in a curved "L" fashion).  Once you have your desired part , take 3 sections like you did in creating the basic rope braid. Instead of simply braiding down you are going to braid across the new part you just made. You will cross over sections as explained earlier, but you will pick up the middle hair as you go along and incorporate it into the french braid by crossing over the top as usual. Make as many braid as you like and you are done. Note: This technique is the foundation of all sew ins which is a great protective still for natural hair. Once again a vid to demonstrate what I'm talking about.

Inverted Braiding

The only difference between a french braid and an inverted braid is you take the strands UNDER the middle section versus on top. The vid below shows in detail what I mean by that.

Ok!! you now have the basics of braiding natural hair. You should be very proud of yourself..... I am:). The next of the braiding series will cover braiding tecniqes that involve adding on hair. Be on the look out!!!:)

By M Kyles of Kyles Natural