Struggling to flawlessly braid in hair extensions? Believe me, you’re not alone. Through personal experience and extensive research, I’ve discovered that although braiding in hair extensions can be time-consuming, it is quite achievable with the right techniques (Fact: they’ve been helping women achieve beauty and status since ancient times).
This enlightening blog unpacks different types of popular braids such as box braids, cornrows, and crochet braids with step-by-step guides on each one. Get ready for a transformative journey towards achieving flawless braided hairstyles with hair extensions!
3 Different Ways to Braid Hair Extensions
There are several different ways to braid hair extensions, including box braids with hair extensions, cornrows with hair extensions, and crochet braids with hair extensions.
Box Braids with Hair Extensions
Box braids have become a go-to hairstyle for women who want to add length, volume or just change things up. Hair extensions play a crucial role in creating eye-catching box braid styles.
The process starts with folding the extension near the top like a candy cane, keeping three inches hanging on the short end. I ensure that extension is securely hooked over your natural hair at this point.
Then, I weave and interlock your real tresses with these extensions into neat square-shaped braids from roots to ends in a systematic manner. With colored or highlighted hair extensions in place, you can enjoy an array of dazzling hairstyles without causing any harm to your natural locks.
Cornrows with Hair Extensions
Let’s dive into Cornrows with hair extensions. As one of the most traditional methods, cornrows offer a classic look while accentuating your natural beauty. This technique involves braiding small sections of hair close to the scalp in a continuous raised row, achieved by using an underhand, upward motion.
The result? A tight and neat style that lasts for weeks.
Attaching hair extensions is quite simple in this process due to its tight structure. You fold human hair extensions near the top like a candy cane – remember three inches should hang down on the short end as per our crucial facts above.
Securely hook these extensions over your natural hair to ensure they stay put throughout the braiding procedure.
Here’s another awesome benefit; cornrow styles not only maintain their fresh appearance but can also stimulate healthy hair growth since they keep your strands protected and undisturbed.
You might even want to spice things up by incorporating colored or highlighted extensions – offering you a wide array of stunning hairstyle options right at your fingertips! And remember ladies, cornrows are not just stylish; they’re an emblem of cultural pride and power you can wear every day!
So why wait any longer? Try out some feedin hair extension techniques with your cornrows today and flaunt those luscious locks with confidence!
Crochet Braids with Hair Extensions
Hooking hair extensions over the top of your natural strands is a popular technique for creating crochet braids. These weaved wonders offer an impressive way to add volume and length—perfect for those who desire a full-bodied mane without waiting months, or even years for growth.
With crochet braids, you can enjoy various hairstyles by incorporating colored or highlighted hair extensions into the mix! This can transform your look entirely while protecting your natural hair underneath – aiding in healthy hair growth as it remains undisturbed during this styling process.
Mastering techniques like this allows me to create visually striking styles that seamlessly blend in with any existing locks! Once styled, maintaining these crochet braided hair extensions can be simple too; just remember an occasional light wash should suffice!
How to Braid Box Braids with Hair Extensions
Box braids with hair extensions are a popular and versatile hairstyle that can give you a fabulous look. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to braid box braids with hair extensions:
- Start by washing and conditioning your hair to ensure it’s clean and moisturized. This will make the braiding process easier.
- Section your hair into manageable parts using clips or hair ties. This will help you work through the braiding process more efficiently.
- Take a small section of your natural hair and divide it into three equal strands – left, middle, and right.
- Hold the extension hair alongside the natural hair section, making sure they are aligned at the top.
- Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the new middle strand.
- Keep repeating this pattern, adding in new sections of extension hair with each cross – over motion.
- Continue braiding until you reach the desired length of your box braid. It’s essential to maintain even tension throughout for neat and uniform braids.
- Secure the braid with a small elastic band or tie – off thread at the end.
- Repeat these steps for each section of your hair until you have achieved box braids all over your head.
- After completing all the box braids, you can dip them in hot water to seal them if desired or use edge control gel to sleek down any flyaways near your edges for a polished look.
How to Braid Cornrows with Hair Extensions
Cornrows are a classic and versatile hairstyle that can be enhanced with the addition of hair extensions. Follow these simple steps to create beautiful cornrows with added volume and length:
- Prepare your hair: Start by thoroughly washing and conditioning your natural hair. Detangle it using a wide-toothed comb or a paddle brush to remove any knots or tangles.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into neat sections using a tail comb. Make sure the sections are even in size and shape. Use clips or rubber bands to secure the rest of your hair while you work on one section at a time.
- Prep the extensions: Take the desired length of hair extensions and trim them if necessary. The extensions should be slightly longer than your natural hair, as this will allow for seamless blending.
- Start the braid: Take a small section of your natural hair from the front, near your forehead, as an anchor point. Add some gel or edge control product to help smooth out any flyaways and keep the braid neat.
- Add extensions to the braid: Place the folded end of the extension over your natural hair, just below the anchor point. Begin braiding by crossing sections of hair over one another, incorporating the extension into each twist.
- Continue braiding: As you braid down, continue adding small amounts of natural hair from each side to create an intricate pattern with the extensions. This will ensure a tight and secure cornrow.
- Repeat: Continue braiding in this manner until you reach the end of the section or desired length. Secure the end with a small elastic band or wrap it tightly around itself to keep it in place.
- Repeat for other sections: Release another section of natural hair, ensuring it is parallel to the previous cornrow braid you created. Repeat steps 4-7 until all sections are complete.
- Maintain and style: To keep your cornrows looking fresh and neat, apply a small amount of styling gel or edge control product to the edges and roots. You can also accessorize with beads or hair jewelry for added flair.
How to Braid Crochet Braids with Hair Extensions
Crochet braids are a popular and versatile hairstyle that allows you to achieve various looks with added volume and length. Follow this simple step-by-step guide to learn how to braid crochet braids with hair extensions:
- Start by preparing your natural hair. Wash and condition it thoroughly, ensuring that it is clean and free of any tangles. Allow your hair to air dry or use a blow dryer on low heat.
- Choose the desired crochet braid style and select the appropriate type of hair extensions. Synthetic hair is commonly used for crochet braids since it is lightweight, affordable, and available in a wide range of colors.
- Section your hair into small parts using a rat – tail comb. The size of the sections will depend on how thick you want your crochet braids to be.
- Take one section of your natural hair and apply a small amount of edge control or gel along the roots to help smooth down any flyaways or frizz.
- Insert the latch hook tool from your crochet braid kit through the loop at the top of the pre – made crocheting hair extension.
- Hold onto the looped end of the extension and close the latch hook tool securely.
- Place the hook underneath your natural hair section, close to the root, and pull it through until only about an inch or two of loops remains on top.
- Open up the loops using your fingers or a comb to create space for securing them onto your natural hair.
- Take both ends of the extension (the looped end and loose ends) and thread them through the open loops, creating a tight knot around your natural hair.
- Gently pull downwards on both ends of the extension until it feels secure but not too tight against your scalp.
Tips for braiding in hair extensions
As someone who specializes in hair extensions and braiding techniques, I’ve gathered some valuable expert tips and answers to commonly asked questions about braiding in hair extensions.
Here are some insights to help you achieve stunning results with your own braided hairstyles.
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right type of hair extensions for your desired braid style. Synthetic hair extensions work well for box braids or cornrows, while human hair extensions offer a more natural look and feel.
Experiment with different textures and colors to create unique looks that suit your personal style.
To ensure a seamless blend between the natural hair and extensions, consider using kanekalon or toyokalon hair for box braids. These types of synthetic fibers closely resemble the texture of Afro-textured hair and are perfect for achieving those beautiful long box braids.
When attaching clip-in extensions for a ponytail braid or any other hairstyle that requires added volume, make sure to place them on an angle so that there is enough length for the braid itself.
This will prevent the clip-ins from being visible when you secure your braid.
One crucial tip is not to forget about caring for your scalp while wearing braided hairstyles with added hair. Keep your scalp clean by washing it regularly with a diluted shampoo mixture or using dry shampoo if necessary.
Moisturize your scalp with lightweight oils or serums that won’t weigh down the roots of your natural hair.
Braiding can be beneficial for promoting healthy growth as it protects and keeps the strands undisturbed. However, don’t keep your extensions in for too long – allow at least three weeks between each installation session to give your natural tresses a breather.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with colored or highlighted extension options! Adding pops of color can transform even simple styles into eye-catching statement looks.
Remember these tips as you embark on perfecting various braid styles using extensions – from timeless box braids to intricate cornrows or crochet braids. With the right techniques and a little practice, you’ll be able to achieve stunning results that turn heads wherever you go.
FAQs
1. Can I braid in hair extensions on my own?
Yes, you can braid in hair extensions on your own with a little practice and patience. However, it may be easier to seek assistance from a friend or professional hairstylist for more complex braiding styles or if you’re new to the process.
2. What type of hair extensions are suitable for braiding?
Various types of hair extensions can be used for braiding, including synthetic and human hair options. Synthetic extensions are generally more affordable, while human hair extensions provide a more natural look and feel.
3. How do I properly prepare my natural hair for braiding in extensions?
Before starting the extension process, it’s important to wash and condition your natural hair thoroughly. Ensure that your scalp is clean and free from any residue or product buildup that could affect the durability of the braids.
4. How long can I keep braided-in hair extensions before taking them out?
The duration depends on various factors such as the quality of the installation, maintenance practices, and personal preference. On average, individuals tend to keep their braided-in hair extensions between 4-8 weeks before removing them to prevent potential damage to their natural strands. It’s essential not to leave them in too long to avoid matting or tangling of both your real and extension hairs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to braid in hair extensions opens up a world of endless possibilities for your hairstyling. Whether you choose box braids, cornrows, or crochet braids, these techniques allow you to add length, volume, and different colors to your natural hair with ease.
With the step-by-step guides provided and expert tips shared, you’ll be able to achieve stunning braided hairstyles that are not only stylish but also protect and promote the growth of your own hair.
So why wait? Start experimenting with braiding in hair extensions today and elevate your hairstyling game!
