Lockdown Deals: Braiding Tutorial 101

Hairdresser Braiding Hair

Ever since the lockdown began, a lot of us have been doing our own hair. I mean for some people going to the saloon on a monthly basis is an unnecessary expense, especially during this difficult time. So, some women have resorted to doing their own hair at home. In this article we’ve compiled ways in which you can do your own braids at home. The trick really is to watch as many tutorials as possible, so as to get a good hand in this.

So first off, you might want to make sure your hair is washed and oiled. Then for most people, plait ‘buns’ for a good foundation, so that the braids will not get loose easily. ‘Buns’ in the African context are plaited knots, these knots are a protective hairstyle. So as you tie these knots, tie at the bottom and leave out the top hair.

Then take out the strands that you may need for that single braid and divide the strands into three. Plant your braid by going over and up maybe twice. Continue to braid, going on a three way motion.

After you’re done with the whole head, steam the ends of the braids so that they won’t get undone. Depending on whether or not you oiled your scalp at the beginning of the process, you may want to oil your scalp. The same process, with a slight difference, goes for cornrows or as Zimbabweans love to call it “freehand”. Depending on the direction of the cornrows, and the size thereof, open ‘lines’.

Use your comb to hold back the unwanted hair. Plant your braid on to the hair, pick a small portion of the hair. As you go, the portion of the hair gets bigger. Finish off the tail by box braids and then steam the ends.

The same process for twists is the same as box braids.

So really for those that would like to try out doing their hair at home, here are a couple of tips and tutorials.