How to Braid Your Hair With Thread

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang

Last Updated: September 30, 2022 References

Braiding your hair with thread, also called a hair wrap, is an easy way to add some temporary fun to your hair. All you need is hair long enough to braid, embroidery floss, and an elastic band. Depending on the method you use to secure it, the braid can stay in for as long as you want—from a few hours to a few months. Grab some thread and get to braiding!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Braiding Your Hair

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1
Comb your hair thoroughly. First, decide where you want the braid. Use a comb to section off a neat square 1–2 centimeter (0.4–0.8 in) across. It's advisable to position the braid a few centimeters away from your parting so that the top will not be visible. ^{[1]
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- Make sure to wash your hair with shampoo and conditioner before you start braiding—this helps it to not tangle. If it's still tangled after washing, use a detangler while brushing from the tips to the roots of your hair.
You can also use a hair band if that’s easier for you. This will make it easier to focus on your braid. As you do this, it’s a good idea to secure any wispy strands around your sectioned hair out of the way with bobby pins. ^{[2]
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Braid your preferred section of hair. Divide it into 3 sections, cross the right section over the middle section, then the left section over the middle section, and repeat to the end. Secure with a dab of hair gel . You can also use a hair elastic to secure the braid. ^{[3]
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If you want your braid to last as long as possible (a few months), take an extra hair elastic and tie it about 1 centimeter (0.4 in) from the top of the plait. Hold the plait flat against your head as you do this, or your braid will stick up in the air. If you only want to keep it a short while, don't use the hair elastic. ^{[4]
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Part 2

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Adding the Thread

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1
Hold the 3 strands of embroidery floss by their ends. Pass the ends through the hair above the elastic, or through the top of the plait next to the scalp. Pull them through until the same length of thread hangs on each side. ^{[5]
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- The length of the strands depends on the length of your hair. You should use enough floss so that it extends several inches (cm) past your own hair.
You should now have 6 strands of thread next to your plait. Select 2 (different colors will create a striped effect), pull them to the left of the plait, and smooth the other 4 down next to it. ^{[6]
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3
Begin braiding the threads. Hold them so you can see strand A on the left, strand B in the middle, and the plait with the rest of the thread on the right. Pass B over the plait and bring it back to the middle. Then, pass A underneath B, then over the plait, and into the middle position. Next, pass B underneath A, over the plait, and into the middle position. Repeat these steps until you reach the end of your hair. ^{[7]
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- You must wrap the thread as tightly as possible, so that it sits horizontally across the plait, leaving no visible hair.
- You can either stop braiding at the end of your hair, or continue past it, keeping the 4 unused strands on the right hand side.
If you wish to add beads, just slip them over the end of the braid. Then, tie an overhand knot at the bottom of the braid. Make sure it's big enough that the beads won't slip off. ^{[8]
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Make sure not to cut off any hair when you cut off the excess thread. If there’s enough thread left, you can save it for a future craft project. ^{[9]
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Part 3

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Removing the Braid

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To remove your braid, take a pair of sharp scissors, and cut off the knot. This will cause the thread to fall away from the plait. Then cut off the elastic if used, or just pull the thread away from the top of the hair. ^{[10]
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When undoing the braid, you will need to separate the different bits of thread. You can begin undoing the braid once the strands of thread have been separated. Continue until your braid is completely undone. ^{[11]
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This is especially important if your hair has been under the thread for more than a few weeks. First, comb out your hair thoroughly, as it may have become knotted during the unbraiding process. Then, wash, condition, and dry your hair as normal. ^{[12]
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Question

Do I use more colors for longer hair?

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No, you would just use a longer piece of thread. If you want more colors, just add more thread.

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How long should the thread for the braid be?

Community Answer

Make the thread approximately twice the length of your hair.

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How do I make pretty patterns like the professionals do?

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You just need to practice you techniques. Take your time and see if you can find internet videos that can give you help.

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Tips

Limit the use of hairspray and styling if you plan to keep your braid in for more than a few days. ^{[13]
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When you wish to change color, simply knot the left hand strand around the plait, and pick up 2 new strands. Continue as above, alternating colors to create patterns as you wish.

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Warnings

Be careful when brushing your hair, as the bristles may snag in the braid if it gets in the way.

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If the braid is left in for a long time, your hair will grow at the top, and this is prone to matting. Once you've removed the braid, gently work out the tangles with a comb. Shampooing and conditioning your hair will help with this.

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Things You'll Need

Comb
Mirror (not hand-held)
A small hair elastic (snag-free rubber band)
Hair gel
Hair scrunchie and kirby grips (or other hair clips)
Embroidery floss in 3 contrasting colors, cut to 4 times the length of the hair you want to braid
Scissors
Beads for the end (optional)

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How to Braid Your Hair With Thread

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Braiding Your Hair

Adding the Thread

Removing the Braid

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Community Q&A

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