Elevate your braiding artistry and achieve stunning, salon-quality weaves at home. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a braiding novice, this comprehensive guide will empower you with the essential techniques and tricks to master the art of braiding with weave hair. From preparing your natural hair to selecting the perfect type of weave, we’ll guide you through every step of the braiding process, ensuring you create braids that are both beautiful and long-lasting.
Before embarking on your braiding adventure, it’s crucial to prepare your natural hair to create the perfect foundation. Start by thoroughly washing and conditioning your hair to remove any dirt or product buildup. Once your hair is clean, detangling is essential to prevent breakage during the braiding process. Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush to gently remove any knots or tangles, ensuring your hair is smooth and manageable. Additionally, applying a leave-in conditioner or hair cream can help moisturize your hair and make it more pliable for braiding.
Choosing the right type of weave hair is fundamental to the success of your braids. Consider the texture, length, and color of your desired style. Synthetic weave hair is a popular choice due to its affordability and versatility. However, human hair weave offers a more natural look and feel, but it typically comes with a higher price tag. Once you’ve selected your weave hair, you’ll need to prepare it by stretching it to remove any kinks or tangles. This will help create a smooth, even braid that will last longer.
Measuring and Sectioning the Hair
Properly measuring and sectioning your hair is crucial for successful braiding with weave hair. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a neat and even braid:
Determining the Length
Measure the length of your natural hair from the roots to the desired length of the braids. Add the length of the weave hair to this measurement to determine the overall length of the braids. This will ensure that you have enough weave hair to complete the braiding process.
Sectioning the Hair
Divide your hair into small sections to make the braiding process more manageable. Use a comb or brush to create a clean part along the center of your head, extending from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
From the center part, section the hair into two equal halves. Further subdivide each half into four smaller sections. This creates eight even sections that will serve as the base for the braids.
| Section | Location |
|---|---|
| 1 | Front left |
| 2 | Front right |
| 3 | Mid left |
| 4 | Mid right |
| 5 | Back left |
| 6 | Back right |
| 7 | Crown left |
| 8 | Crown right |
Creating a Foundation Braid
The foundation braid is the backbone of any braided weave. It provides a sturdy base for the weave extensions and helps to distribute the weight of the hair evenly. To create a foundation braid, you will need:
- A comb or brush
- A mirror
- Hairspray (optional)
Follow these steps to create a foundation braid:
1. Start with clean, dry hair. Comb or brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots.
2. Divide your hair into three equal sections. The front section should be about 2 inches wide, and the back section should be about 4 inches wide.
3. Cross the left section over the middle section.
4. Cross the right section over the new middle section.
5. Continue crossing the sections over each other until you reach the end of your hair.
6. Secure the end of the braid with a rubber band or hair tie.
7. Spray the braid with hairspray (optional). This will help to keep the braid in place.
Adding the Weave Hair
Begin by parting the hair into three sections: left, middle, and right. Clip the left and right sections out of the way for now.
Start braiding the middle section using a three-strand braid. Add a small section of your natural hair to the right strand of the braid before crossing it over the middle strand. This will help to blend your natural hair and the weave.
Continue braiding in this manner until you reach the nape of your neck. Then, unravel the braid and open it up like a fan. Secure the braid with an elastic band or bobby pin.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the left and right sections of your hair.
Now, it’s time to attach the weave hair. Take a weft of weave hair and fold it in half. Place the folded edge of the weft at the base of the braid and sew it on using a needle and thread. Sew the weft on securely, but not too tightly, as you don’t want to damage your natural hair.
Continue adding wefts of weave hair until you have reached the desired fullness. Trim any excess hair from the wefts.
Finally, style the weave hair as desired. You can straighten it, curl it, or leave it natural.
Braiding with Three Strands
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before braiding with weave hair, it’s essential to detangle your natural hair thoroughly. This will prevent knots and breakage during the braiding process. Apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray to make the process smoother.
Step 2: Section Your Hair
Divide your hair into small sections to make braiding easier. Start with a small section at the front of your head and secure the rest of your hair away with clips.
Step 3: Start the Braid
Separate the sectioned hair into three equal strands. Hold the left strand in your left hand, the right strand in your right hand, and the middle strand between your index and middle fingers. Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the new middle strand.
Step 4: Incorporate the Weave Hair (Detailed)
French Braiding with Weave
French braiding with weave is a versatile and stylish technique that can create a variety of looks. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Prepare Your Hair and Weave
Before you begin, make sure your natural hair is clean and free of tangles. You can also apply a leave-in conditioner to help smooth and moisturize your hair. Next, gather your weave hair and section it into three equal parts.
2. Start the French Braid
Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and divide it into three strands. Cross the left strand over the middle strand and then the right strand over the new middle strand. Repeat this process, adding hair from the sides of your head as you go.
3. Incorporate the Weave Hair
Once you have a few inches of natural hair braided, start incorporating the weave hair. Take a small section of weave hair and add it to the left or right strand. Cross this strand over the middle strand as before.
4. Continue Braiding
Continue braiding, alternating between adding natural hair and weave hair until you reach the nape of your neck. Once there, finish the braid with a regular three-strand braid.
5. Secure and Style
Secure the end of the braid with a hair elastic or bobby pin. You can then style the braid as desired. For a sleek look, brush the braid and apply a finishing spray. For a more voluminous look, gently pull apart the strands of the braid.
| Tools and Materials | Instructions |
|---|---|
| – Weave hair – Hair elastic – Bobby pin – Brush – Finishing spray |
– Prepare your hair and weave. – Start the French braid. – Incorporate the weave hair. – Continue braiding. – Secure and style. |
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Start by washing and conditioning your hair to remove any dirt or product build-up. Towel dry your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner to help keep it moisturized during the braiding process.
Step 2: Create Partings
Use a rat-tail comb to create a clean part down the center of your head. Then, create horizontal partings across your head, starting at the nape of your neck and working your way forward. The width of your partings will determine the size of your braids.
Step 3: Attach the Weave
Take a piece of weave hair and fold it in half. Use a needle and thread to sew the folded end of the weave hair to the part closest to your scalp. Make sure to sew it tightly so that the weave hair will stay in place.
Step 4: Start Braiding
Take three strands of hair, one from your natural hair, one from the weave hair, and one from the next part over. Braid the three strands together, starting at the scalp and working your way down. Repeat this process until you have braided all of your hair and weave.
Step 5: Secure the Ends
Once you have finished braiding, use a rubber band or hair clip to secure the ends of the braids. You can also dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them and prevent them from unraveling.
Step 6: Cornrowing with Weave
Cornrows are a type of braid that is created by tightly braiding the hair in rows. Cornrows can be done with natural hair or with weave hair. To cornrow with weave hair, follow the steps below:
- Start by creating a part down the center of your head. Then, create horizontal partings across your head, starting at the nape of your neck and working your way forward.
- Take three strands of hair, one from your natural hair, one from the weave hair, and one from the next part over. Braid the three strands together, starting at the scalp and working your way down.
- Repeat this process until you have braided all of your hair and weave. Make sure to keep the braids tight so that they will stay in place.
- Once you have finished braiding, use a rubber band or hair clip to secure the ends of the braids. You can also dip the ends of the braids in hot water to seal them and prevent them from unraveling.
Dutch Braiding with Weave
Dutch braids, also known as inside-out braids, create a unique and intricate look that adds depth and volume to your weave. Here’s how to master Dutch braiding with weave:
Materials:
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Weave hair | Desired length and texture |
| Comb | 1 |
| Hair clips (optional) | As needed |
| Spray bottle with water | 1 |
Step 1: Prepare the Weave
Separate the weave into small, equal sections and secure them with hair clips if desired.
Step 2: Start the Braid
Take three sections from the top-center of your head. Cross the left section over the middle section, then the right section over the new middle section.
Step 3: Add New Weave
Take a small piece of weave hair from the left side and add it to the left section of the braid. Cross the enhanced left section over the middle section.
Step 4: Repeat on the Right
Repeat step 3 on the right side by adding a piece of weave and crossing it over the middle section.
Step 5: Continue Braiding
Repeat steps 3 and 4, alternating adding weave and crossing sections over the middle until you reach the nape of your neck.
Step 6: Dutch Braid the Sides
Separate the weave on the sides of your head into three sections each. Dutch braid these sections as described in steps 2-5, but start from the back and work forward.
Step 7: Join the Braids
Once you have Dutch braided the sides, join them to the center braid at the nape of your neck using hair clips or elastic bands. Secure the ends of the braids with hair clips.
Intricate Updo with Braided Weave
Step 1: Section the Hair
Part the hair into three sections: top, middle, and bottom. Secure the top and bottom sections with hair clips.
Step 2: Braid the Middle Section
Braid the middle section of hair tightly, starting at the nape of the neck and working your way down.
Step 3: Secure the Braid
Tie the end of the braid with an elastic band or hair tie.
Step 4: Loosen the Braid
Gently loosen the braid by pulling apart the strands slightly.
Step 5: Attach the Braid to the Top Section
Divide the top section of hair into two equal parts.
Place the braid between the two sections and secure it with hair pins.
Step 6: Cover the Braid
Pull the two sections of hair over the braid and secure them with hair pins.
Step 7: Style the Rest of the Hair
Style the rest of the hair as desired, such as by curling or straightening it.
Step 8: Secure the Updo
Use a variety of hair pins and bobby pins to secure the updo and prevent it from falling apart. Focus particularly on securing the area where the braid is attached.
| Pin Type | Placement |
|---|---|
| Hair Pins | Insert them vertically into the hair to hold the braid in place and prevent it from slipping out of the sections. |
| Bobby Pins | Use them to crisscross over the hair pins and provide additional support and stability. |
Edgy Side Braid with Weave
Step 1: Section the Hair
To start, divide your hair into two even sections: one large section on the top and one smaller section on the side (for the braid).
Step 2: Begin Braiding
Take a small section of hair from the top of the side section and divide it into three strands. Braid these strands together, adding in small amounts of weave hair as you go along.
Step 3: Continue Braiding
Keep braiding down the side of your head, adding in weave hair as needed to create a thick, edgy braid.
Step 4: Secure the Braid
Once you reach the end of the braid, secure it with a hair tie. You can also add some hairspray to keep it in place.
Step 5: Add Volume
If desired, you can add some volume to the braid by gently pulling on the sides or teasing it with a hairbrush.
Step 6: Create a Side Braid
Take a section of hair from the top of your head and braid it into a side braid. Secure it with a hair tie.
Step 7: Connect the Braids
Overlap the ends of the side braid and the edgy side braid. Secure them together with bobby pins.
Step 8: Style the Rest of the Hair
You can now style the rest of your hair however you like. Some popular options include leaving it down, putting it up in a ponytail, or creating a bun.
Step 9: Finish the Look
To complete the look, you can add some hairspray or other styling products to keep everything in place. You can also use a headband or other hair accessories to add a personal touch.
Bun with Weave
Create a sleek and sophisticated bun using weave hair. Secure the weave in place, braid the hair into a ponytail, and wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail to form a bun.
10 Detailed Steps for Bun with Weave:
1. Prepare the weave by combing it through to remove any tangles.
2. Section off the top and bottom layers of your hair at the crown.
3. Clip or pin the top layer out of the way.
4. Create a ponytail with the bottom layer of hair, securing it with an elastic band.
5. Braid the ponytail, securing the end with an elastic band.
6. Unclip or unpin the top layer of hair.
7. Smooth the top layer of hair over the braid.
8. Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail, securing it with bobby pins.
9. Smooth the top layer of hair over the bun and secure with additional bobby pins.
10. Use a hairspray to set the bun in place and add shine.
Braids
Enhance the beauty of your weave hair with intricate braids. Experiment with different braid styles, such as cornrows, box braids, and French braids, to achieve a unique and eye-catching look.
10 Different Braid Styles for Weave Hair:
| Braid Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Cornrows | Tightly braided rows that can be styled in various patterns |
| Box Braids | Square-shaped braids that add volume and length |
| French Braids | Elegant braids where sections of hair are gradually added from the sides |
| Fishtail Braids | Delicate braids that resemble a fish’s tail |
| Bohemian Braids | Loose and flowing braids with a carefree, beachy vibe |
| Jumbo Braids | Large, chunky braids that create a bold statement |
| Micro Braids | Tiny, intricate braids that offer versatility and longevity |
| Ghana Braids | Flattened braids that originate from West Africa |
| Fulani Braids | Cornrows embellished with beads and accessories |
| Tree Braids | Multiple braids that are wrapped around a central braid, resembling a tree trunk |
How To Braid With Weave Hair
Braiding with weave hair is a great way to add length, style and volume to your natural hair. It’s also a relatively low-maintenance style that can last for several weeks. If you’re new to braiding with weave hair, don’t worry – it’s not as difficult as it looks. With a little practice, you’ll be able to create beautiful braids that will turn heads.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to braid with weave hair:
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Prepare your hair. Before you start braiding, it’s important to prepare your natural hair. Wash and condition your hair, then detangle it thoroughly. You may also want to apply a leave-in conditioner to help keep your hair moisturized.
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Section your hair. Once your hair is prepared, you need to section it into small, even sections. The size of the sections will depend on the thickness of your hair and the type of braid you want to create.
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Attach the weave hair. Once you have your hair sectioned, you can start attaching the weave hair. There are several different ways to attach weave hair, but the most common method is to use a braiding needle and thread. To attach the weave hair, simply thread the needle with the thread and then sew the weave hair to your natural hair.
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Braid your hair. Once the weave hair is attached, you can start braiding your hair. There are many different types of braids you can create, so choose the one that you like best. To braid your hair, simply start at the top of your head and braid down towards the nape of your neck. Once you reach the end of your hair, secure the braid with a hair elastic.
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Style your braids. Once your braids are complete, you can style them however you like. You can leave them down, put them up in a bun, or add accessories. The possibilities are endless!
People Also Ask About How To Braid With Weave Hair
How long does it take to braid with weave hair?
The time it takes to braid with weave hair will vary depending on the length and thickness of your hair, the type of braid you want to create, and your skill level. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect to spend anywhere from 2 to 8 hours braiding your hair.
How do I keep my braids in place?
There are several things you can do to keep your braids in place. First, make sure to use a strong thread and needle to attach the weave hair. Second, braid your hair tightly, and secure the ends with hair elastics. Finally, avoid washing your hair too often, as this can loosen the braids.
Can I braid my own hair with weave hair?
Yes, you can braid your own hair with weave hair. However, it’s important to have some basic braiding skills before you start. If you’re not sure how to braid, you can watch tutorials online or ask a friend or family member to help you.
