Hair extensions can be serious game-changers. With the right look, you go from a zero to a hero, honey. Braiding in hair extensions is a popular method that can help you achieve those ultimate #hairgoals. But how?
If you are looking to skip the visit to the hair salon and braid in hair extensions on your own, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I will be sharing a few different ways to braid in hair extensions.
Keep in mind that it might take a bit of a learning curve, but you’re well worth the time, girl. Don’t give up! Just follow these directions and enjoy your new long, braided, and beautiful locks.
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How to Braid in Hair Extensions
Now, there are a few methods you can use to successfully braid hair extensions. Which method you choose depends on your ultimate goals for your look, so be picky when selecting with technique that is right for you.
Method 1: Box Braids
Box braids are gorgeous braids with a box-like architecture. If you’re looking to spruce up your strands with some lovely, intricate box braids, then this section is for you. Below, you will find the step-by-step instructions to braid hair extensions into box braids. There’s even a video to help, too!
Step 1. Get Your Hair and Extensions Ready
First and foremost, it’s important to start with clean hair. Your box braids will likely be settled into your mane for a lengthy period, so start with a clean slate. At this point, you should also cut your extensions to the desired length, so you don’t have to do it later.
Step 2. Separate Your Mane
The next step is to start the ‘boxing’ process. To do this, separate small areas of hair into little box shapes. Tie the hair so that you have a clean and clear working space.
Step 3. Start the Blending Technique By Wrapping the Hair Extension Around the Hair
You want to apply the hair extensions from the get-go for a flawless finish. To do this, you will need to wrap the hair extensions around your natural hair.
To do this, hold your natural strands in one hand and loop the extension halfway around it. You should end up with three pieces, two being the hair extension.
Step 4. Twist the Hair Extension Around Your Real Strands
Be extra picky with this part, as this will be the base for your box braid. Basically, you want to hold onto your natural hair tightly as you twist the two extension pieces around the base of your real mane.
Step 5. Start Braiding!
Now that the base is ready, you can start the braiding process. Braid like usual, but make sure that the initial braid includes your natural hair and one hair extension piece. If you need to, spritz the hair with water to ensure the braid doesn’t suffer from flyaways.
Don’t forget to continuously push the extensions up towards the scalp to ensure it’s secured.
Step 6. Blend a Bit More
When you’ve got a good braid going, it’s time to secure the hair extensions and natural hair a bit more. To do so, split the natural strands and one hair extension strand into two. Then, combine one of each until you’ve reached three sections of hair once more.
Step 7. Finish and Secure
Continue braiding until you’ve reached the bottom of your mane. Then, seal the hair by whichever method you prefer. You can use hair ties, hot water method, hot iron, fire, glue, etc.
For a wonderful step-by-step tutorial with visuals, check out this top-notch video:
Method 2: Cornrows
Cornrows have been around in the Black community for eons, and the style never loses interest.
This popular style is worn on men and women of all ages. Just look at actors like Ruth Negga, Mel B., and ASAP Rocky.
While there’s a lot of ways to style this fab ‘do, today, we’re focusing on braiding extensions into your cornrows.
Step 1. Begin By Sectioning a Straight Line of Hair
To start your cornrows, section off a narrow area of your hair. Ensure that the line is straight from the front of your scalp to the nape of your neck. Clip away the rest of your mane, so it does not get in the way of your plaiting.
Step 2. Separate a Thin Section Up Front
After sectioning off an entire section, you will want to separate a thin area up in the front next to the scalp.
Step 3. Add the Hair Extension
Right off the bat, before braiding, you will need to add the hair extension. To do this, place the hair extension around the natural strands. The natural hair should be in-between the extension, producing three equal parts.
Step 4. Start Braiding!
Now, it’s time to start braiding your cornrows. Start as close to the scalp as possible for a tight, secure finish.
Make sure that you begin with a natural strand of hair tightly braided into the extension. You will want to wrap the hair around to create a secure base. Continue this process, but wrap in the opposite direction each time.
Step 5. Finish and Secure!
After you have created a tight base, you no longer have to worry about wrapping the hair. Instead, you can start plaiting like a box braid for the rest of the head. Continue braiding until the end of the mane, then secure with your preferred method.
It can be kind of tricky to understand with just words. That said, here is a great video that shows you how it’s done:
Method 3: Crochet
There is also the ever-popular crocheting technique! To do this method, you will need to start with your preferred braid and pattern. From there, you will essentially be threading the hair extensions into your braids. It’s a super-easy way to style your locks!
To see how it’s done, take a look at this handy video:
Final Thoughts
Braiding in your hair extensions is a process that takes a bit of a learning curve, but you will be thrilled with the results. There are so many different ways to braid in hair extensions, whether you’re going the box braid, cornrow, or crochet method.
Enjoy your new hairstyle, ladies!
