How to Braid with Attachments: A DIY Hairstyle Tutorial

Ever wonder about those amazing box braids? They’re not just a cool style, they’re a cherished tradition for Black women and women of color. Box braids help hair grow strong and healthy by protecting your natural strands. This braiding technique comes in many forms, from knotless to triangle, micro to curly, so you can find a style that suits you perfectly. Box braids are a beautiful part of African culture, with roots in Nigeria and traditions that have spread throughout the diaspora.

Ready to try box braids yourself? This guide will take you on a step-by-step braiding adventure! We’ll explore classic methods like cornrows, goddess braids, and French braids, along with modern favorites like fulani and boho braids. With clear instructions, you’ll be braiding your own stunning hairstyles in no time!

Preparing Your Hair for Braiding

Initial Cleansing and Detangling

Wash Your Hair: Start by washing your hair with a moisturizing shampoo to ensure that your scalp and hair are clean. This helps in removing any product buildup and prepares your hair for the braiding process.
Condition and Detangle: After shampooing, apply a generous amount of conditioner. Detangle your hair gently from ends to root using a wide-tooth comb. This step is crucial to prevent any knots and ease the braiding process.
Deep Conditioning: For extra hydration, apply a deep conditioning hair mask. Leave it on for the recommended time before rinsing it out thoroughly. This step helps in maintaining the health of your hair under the braids.

Hair Preparation Techniques

Dry and Stretch Your Hair: If your hair is prone to shrinkage, use a blow dryer with a comb attachment to gently stretch out your curls. Apply a heat protectant before blow drying to protect your hair from heat damage.
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into four box-shaped sections to manage it easily. Secure each section with clips or bands to keep them separated.
Bantu Knots for Sectioning: After stretching, twist each section into Bantu knots. This not only helps in keeping your hair detangled but also stretches the roots effectively.

Final Touches Before Braiding

Ensure Scalp is Clean: Make sure your scalp is completely clean and free from any flakes or residue. Use an exfoliating shampoo if necessary, especially if your scalp is dry or flaky.
Avoid Scalp Products: Before starting the braiding process, ensure no products are applied directly to the scalp to prevent buildup under the braids.
Pre-Braiding Check: Finally, ensure that each section of your hair is detangled, stretched, and ready for braiding. Avoid washing your hair just before braiding to prevent tangles and breakage.

By following these steps, your hair will be well-prepared for installing box braids, ensuring a smooth braiding session and healthy hair throughout the duration of wearing your braids.

Choosing the Right Attachments and Tools

Essential Tools and Attachments for Braiding

Selecting Synthetic Hair: For those looking to add length or volume, purchasing 6-8 packs of synthetic hair is recommended. Pre-stretched hair, like Lush hair wow braids which offers lengths up to 82 inches, simplifies the braiding process by reducing preparation time.
Hair Tools and Accessories:
- Combs and Brushes: Utilize a wide-tooth comb for detangling and a specific brush for smoothing out the hair before braiding.
- Clips and Bands: Sectioning clips and hair rubber bands are necessary to separate and hold hair sections during the braiding process.
- Styling Products: Moisturizing shampoos and conditioners keep the hair healthy, while hair holding and smoothing styling products help in managing and finishing the braids.
Professional Tools and Additional Supplies:
- Blending Shears and Brushes: Blending shears are ideal for cutting layers without removing length, and boar bristle round brushes can help achieve desired curls or waves.
- Heat Styling Tools: A lightweight blow dryer and curling irons are essential for preparing the hair and creating various styles.
- Styling Accessories: Scrunchies, silk scarfs, and headbands not only add style but also help in managing hair during and after braiding.

Hair Preparation and Maintenance Products

Conditioning and Strength: Apply a hair conditioner and a leave-in strengthener to the braiding hair to enhance its manageability and protect it during styling.
Moisturizing: Adding coconut oil to the edges of the hair can provide shine and keep it moisturized, ensuring the hair remains healthy under the braids.

Professional Hair Styling Options

Shop Hair Solutions: Explore ready-to-wear and semi-permanent options like clip-ins, ponytails, and wigs for varied styling needs.
Professional Tools: Invest in high-quality tools and accessories from categories like hair care and pro supplies to ensure the best results and care for hair extensions and braids.

Step-by-Step Braiding Techniques with Attachments

Starting the Braid with Attachments

Sectioning and Base Preparation: Begin by tying back all hair except the section at the front of your head. This keeps the rest of your hair out of the way while you focus on one section at a time. Divide this front section into three parts using your fingers for precision.
Adding the Braiding Hair: Position the synthetic hair at the roots of the natural hair. This is crucial for achieving a seamless blend between the natural and synthetic hair. Secure the base with a small rubber band, ensuring it’s tight enough to hold but not so tight that it causes discomfort.

Braiding Process

Creating the Box Braid Foundation: Divide the sectioned hair into three strands, with one slightly thinner than the others. Start by crossing the rightmost strand over to the center, then the left strand over to the center, continuing in this pattern. This method helps in maintaining an even tension and keeps the braid neat.
Incorporating Hair to Build Volume: Gradually add more synthetic hair to each strand as you braid down. This technique not only adds length but also volume, making each braid fuller and more pronounced.

Securing and Finishing the Braid

Closing Off the Braid: Once you reach the desired length, secure the end of the braid with a tiny elastic band wrapped several times to ensure it doesn’t unravel.
Dipping for Durability: To ensure the braids lie flat and stay intact longer, dip the ends in boiling water. This step also gives the braids a sleek, finished look. Handle this step with care to avoid burns.

By following these steps, each braid will not only be secure and stylish but also comfortable to wear.

Maintaining and Styling Braided Hairstyles

Nightly Care and Moisture Retention

Silk or Satin Protection: Always wrap your braids in a silk or satin scarf before sleeping to reduce friction and prevent frizz. This simple step helps maintain the neatness of your braids and protects your edges.
Moisturizing Routine: Regularly apply a light oil or a hydrating spray to your braids and scalp.

Styling and Maintenance Tips

Avoid Over-tightening: Ensure braids around the hairline are not too tight to prevent breakage. Regularly redo the front and perimeter of your braids to keep them looking fresh.
Styling Variations: Experiment with different updos, buns, or ponytails to diversify your look without stressing your scalp. Use accessories like ribbons or barrettes to add a personal touch.
Routine Maintenance: Keep your braids for no longer than six to eight weeks to avoid excessive tension and breakage. Schedule routine maintenance appointments to keep your braids and scalp in optimal condition.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we have gone through the journey of braiding with attachments, from the initial steps of preparing your hair to selecting the right tools, implementing braiding techniques, and ensuring proper maintenance of your braided hairstyles. This tutorial not only aimed at equipping you with the practical knowledge to create different and protective braided styles but also sought to deepen the appreciation for a cultural heritage that has flourished within communities around the world. The detailed steps provided serve as a bridge, connecting traditional practices with modern style preferences, and empowering individuals to take control of their hair care routine in a creative and personalized manner.

As we conclude,So, to wrap things up, remember this: healthy hair is key when rocking braids! All the techniques and tricks we covered are meant to give you the confidence to create stunning braids that look amazing and keep your natural hair strong and happy. Whether you’re a braiding beginner or a braiding boss, keep practicing, try new styles, and have fun with it! The more you learn, the better you’ll get, and braiding will become a fun way to express yourself while celebrating its rich history. Let your braids be a reflection of you and the beautiful culture they come from!

FAQs

1. What is the proper method to attach braiding hair? To attach braiding hair, start by dividing your natural hair into sections and securing each with a small rubber band. Take the braiding hair, fold it in half to create a loop at the midpoint, and hook it under the rubber band. Then, braid the artificial hair together with your natural hair, ensuring it blends seamlessly.

2. How can I add accessories to my braids? To add accessories to your braids, select items such as beads, rings, or clips. Slide beads onto the ends of the braids, use a crochet hook or a beader to pull the hair through the beads if needed. Clip-on accessories can be attached directly onto the braids at your preferred locations.

3. What are some simple braiding techniques for beginners? For beginners, start with basic braids such as the three-strand braid. Divide the hair into three equal sections, alternately cross the right and left sections over the middle one until you reach the ends. Secure with a hair tie. As you become more comfortable, you can try more complex styles like French or Dutch braids.

4. How do you incorporate synthetic hair into braids? To incorporate synthetic hair into braids, begin by selecting a synthetic hair match close to your hair texture and color. Attach the synthetic hair to a small section of your natural hair using a method similar to attaching braiding hair. Continue to braid as usual, incorporating the synthetic hair into the three strands as you go along to ensure it integrates well with your natural hair.