Q&A for How to Make a Rope Braid

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  • Question
    What is a twist out?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A twist out is when you use a rope braid to create structured waves in the hair. You twist the hair into braids when it is wet and remove the braids after it dries.
  • Question
    How do you braid hair?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    You can braid hair by dividing it into sections and then folding those sections over each other in a pattern. Some braids also use twisting.
  • Question
    What are twist braids?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    A twist braid is the same thing as a rope braid. It is made by twisting the hair one direction and then wrapping it the opposite way.
  • Question
    How do you do a rope braid?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Divide the hair you wish to braid in half. Twist each half counterclockwise, then wrap the two twists together clockwise.
  • Question
    Could you do a fishtail rope braid?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    No. The fishtail and the rope braid are separate and incompatible techniques.
  • Question
    How long will the braid stay together?
    Community Answer
    It usually depends on what you are doing that day. Going to the mall should keep your braid lasting long, while vigorously working out or running will loosen it.
  • Question
    Why are braids complicated?
    Community Answer
    Because you're essentially weaving your hair together, like a basket is woven. Also, the more complex it looks, typically, the prettier it is.
  • Question
    How do I keep my braid tight?
    Community Answer
    Braid your hair when it is slightly damp and use a leave-in conditioner or other styling product to help your braid maintain its shape. (I would recommend using a leave-in conditioner as it not only holds the braid, but helps the health of your hair too.)
  • Question
    Can I do this with short hair?
    Community Answer
    It depends on how short you hair is. You could certainly try.
  • Question
    How do I tighten my rope braid?
    Community Answer
    As you are doing your rope braid, put your hands closer to your head; it will be a lot better and tighter.
  • Question
    Does it matter which way you twist it? Or do they have to go opposite directions?
    Community Answer
    You can try different directions, but it looks better with the braid going one direction the whole time.
  • Question
    Can I sleep in the braid?
    HamsterDiva101
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will be very hard to brush your hair the next day. Your ponytail (if you're using one) may get stuck in knots. If you're going somewhere the next day, you probably shouldn't sleep with it.
  • Question
    What braid is the best for beginners?
    Community Answer
    A normal rope braid or a 3 strand braid are the ones I find easiest. The ending of a rope braid is slightly more difficult, so I suggest starting with a 3 strand braid.
  • Question
    Do I add hair in to both sides or only one?
    Kh3347
    Community Answer
    First take from the right, twist, then left, twist and repeat the same pattern until you get to the very end.
  • Question
    How do you make the twist stay at the end and not untwist?
    Community Answer
    Use a clear elastic band, wrapping it around the hair multiple times, or knot the hair at the bottom of the braid.
  • Question
    Can I just do a side rope braid?
    Community Answer
    Yes, it will be easier and will still look nice.
  • Question
    How can I see what I'm doing?
    Isabelle Yu
    Community Answer
    Use two mirrors. Put one behind you and the other in front of you. Adjust the mirrors if you can’t see very well.
  • Question
    Isn't it possible though to do a fishtail rope braid if I make 2 fishtails then twist them counterclockwise and create a rope braid?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that is logical and it should work. If you do what you said, then you should be able to make a fishtail rope braid if that is what you want. However, trying it is the only proof, so give it a go.
  • Question
    When I tie the normal rope braid, my hair twists back to normal. What can I do to prevent my hair from doing that?
    Community Answer
    You could try twisting each separate section of hair before you twist them together. Or, you could do a French rope braid if your hair is long enough.
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