How To Braid Hair: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

How to braid your own hair to the scalp

Cornrows, also known as scalp braids, are a great way to give natural or relaxed hair a rest from chemical treatments while protecting your delicate strands. These beautiful braids can be as simple or as intricate as you want to make them. For braid beginners, it’s a good idea to start with basic front-to-back cornrows.Follow these steps to braid your own hair to the scalp:Step #1: Prep your hair. Wash, deep-condition and detangle your hair with a wide tooth comb. Apply Leave-In Conditioner to your damp hair and blow dry, or allow it to air-dry.Next, apply a small amount of Styling Paste to your palms and work it into your hair from tips to roots. This will give your braids better grip while reducing frizz.Step #2: Section the hair. You can create any size of braids that you prefer-- just be sure to keep your sections consistent. Use the tail of your comb to separate a section of hair from your face to the back of your head. Starting on either the left or right side (by sectioning the hair just above your ear) is generally easier than starting in the center. Secure the rest of your hair with clips to keep your sections neat.Step #3: Prepare to braid. Part off a small piece of hair at the front of your section, next to your hairline. Divide this hair into three equal pieces.Hold the left and center pieces in your left hand, and grip the right piece in your right hand. Maintain a firm grip, but avoid pulling on the hair, which could result in painfully tight cornrows.Step #4: Start with a three-strand braid. Bring the left section UNDER the center section, then bring the right section UNDER the new center section.Step #5: Add hair to your cornrow. As you continue this underhand braid, begin adding small pieces of hair from each side before bringing the hair under the center section. Use your index finger as a “hook” to reach under the center section, pick up more hair and add it to the side section. Then bring the side section UNDER the center section. Pick up the same amount of hair each time for a balanced shape.Step #6: Detangle as you go. If you find your hair gets tangled while you braid, use your fingers to gently comb through any knots.Step #7: Finish the braid. Once all the hair from the section has been braided to your scalp, finish your cornrow with a three-strand braid (if your hair is long). If needed, secure the ends of the braid with a small hair elastic.Step #8: Repeat with the rest of your hair. Follow Steps Two-Seven until all of your hair has been braided to the scalp. For classic cornrows, create straight parts and uniform sections so that the braids look even. Once you master the basic cornrow technique, there are endless styling possibilities to try out!