Q&A for How to Side Braid Hair

Return to Full Article

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I stop my side braids from falling out?
    Ndeye Anta Niang
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.
    Hair Stylist & Master Braider
    Expert Answer
    One thing you can do is a knotless braid by tying your braid with a strand of hair at the end and then using an elastic band on top of that. Also, wash, condition, and dry your braids without adding extra products or oils. This should help your braids stay in place for longer.
  • Question
    How do you do a fishtail 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
    A fishtail braid starts with splitting the hair into two sections. Then, divide off a small piece from one section and cross it over to the other section. Then repeat on the opposite side. Continue crossing small pieces back and forth to create the braid.
  • Question
    How do you Dutch braid your own 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 create a Dutch braid by feel. Start with three strands at the top of the head and braid as if you are creating a French braid, but cross the outer sections under the center section, not over it. You can use a pair of mirrors to help you see the back of your head if needed.
  • Question
    How do you do a French braid on the side into a ponytail?
    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 create a French braid anywhere on the head, just pull the hair into the area where you want the braid to sit. To make a ponytail, simply stop braiding where you want the ponytail to sit, gather all hair together, and secure with an elastic.
  • Question
    How do you braid short 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
    To create a braid, the hair needs to be long enough to gather and fold. On short hair, instead of making one big braid, try creating multiple braids or add small braids as accents.
  • Question
    Will it look bad if tiny strands come out of my braid?
    Community Answer
    No at all! Many people actually try to make their side braids look messy on purpose. If it really bothers you, you can always smooth them down with some hairspray, or secure them with bobby pins.
  • Question
    How do I make a side fish braid?
    Community Answer
    Sweep all your hair to one side. Separate your hair into two sections, and take a small strand of hair from one side to the other. Keep repeating until your hair runs out.
  • Question
    Can I braid my hair after a shower?
    Community Answer
    Of course! It will make your hair wavy when it dries.
  • Question
    Can I still make a side braid if I have thick hair?
    Stellt35
    Community Answer
    Yes. Thick hair looks really good in a loose braid, but you can experiment with whatever works for you.
  • Question
    What if my hair is too short to go around my head?
    Community Answer
    You can leave it as a half up/half down side braid by securing it with a bobbing pin.
  • Question
    Is there a way to make it easier to french braid my own hair?
    Community Answer
    Get your hair wet and part it with a comb.
  • Question
    Is there an easier way to do braids if I have thick and oily hair?
    Community Answer
    You can use hairspray and comb your hair out before braiding. Be sure to comb vigorously. You can also try using the anti-grease sprays available in many drugstores and salons.
  • Question
    How do I make my hair thinner in order to braid it?
    Community Answer
    Add a lot of conditioner, then while it's wet, comb it out and do the braid of your choosing.
  • Question
    How can I do a simple braid without plaiting?
    Community Answer
    Instead of plaiting it at the end, you can just braid the desired amount and then secure it with a hair tie.
  • Question
    What do I do about the little hairs sticking out of the braid?
    Community Answer
    You can use hairspray, or gel even, but if you braid your hair wet, it looks cleaner when it dries.
Ask a Question

      Return to Full Article