How to Braid Beads Into Your Hair

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Braids with beads is a fun way to jazz up your hair. You can create all kinds of variations on braids with beads once you get the basic style down. Try using floss to create this style. A threading tool will work well, too. If you don’t have much on hand, you can use just the beads and a little ingenuity to create this hairstyle.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Braiding Beads with Floss

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    These are the strands that you are going to braid. You may pick strands on one side of your head or at the back of your head. It may be easier to start with strands on one side. Pick thin strands if you are using narrow beads and thicker strands if the beads are wide in diameter. [1]
    • You may braid the strands a bit so the bead sits in the middle of the braid.
    • Alternatively, you can put the bead in your hair first and then braid the rest of your hair.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Loop the floss around two to three strands of your hair. Then, tie the floss around the strands. Make a simple knot with the floss. [2]
    • The strands should form a V-shape, if they are not already braided.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Slide the bead through the ends of the floss. Pull the bead down so it sits just above where the floss is tied onto your hair.
    • You may start with plastic craft beads that are narrow and round. Over time, you can try using professional metal beads that are larger or narrower.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Pull the bead through the floss until it slides onto your hair. Gently pull your hair through the bead along with the floss. Your hair may make a “pop” sound as you slide it through the bead.
    • If your hair does not slide through the bead with the floss easily, you may need to use a wider bead or use less hair in the braid. Start over with a wider bead or less hair.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Once the bead slides onto your hair, remove the floss and use a clear elastic band to secure the bead to your hair. You can then slide the bead over the elastic to keep it in place.
    • Alternatively, if your hair is thick enough, you may not need an elastic to secure the bead.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Once the bead is secure, braid the rest of your hair and secure it with an elastic. You can also add more beads and then braid your hair, if you’d like. [3]
    • Try braiding half way down your hair, then secure a bead, and continue braiding. Vary the types of braids you use in your hair, integrating beads as you go.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Braiding Beads with a Threading Tool

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Braid your hair . Start by braiding your hair as you’d like. Create thick braids if you are using wide beads. Make the braids thinner if you are using narrow beads.
    • Leave half of the braid undone if you'd like the bead to appear in the middle of the braid. Finish the braid and leave the bottom undone if you'd like the bead to appear at the end of the braid.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Threading tools for hair are thin, short hooks made of wire. Loop the hook part of the threading tool around a portion of your braided hair. [4] [5]
    • You can find threading tools online or at beauty supply stores. Sometimes they come in a kit with hair beads and pins that keep the beads in place.
    • You can also make your own threading tool at home using craft wire or jewelry wire.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Take the bead and slide it through the two ends of the threading tool. Pull the bead through the tool until it sits just above your braided hair. [6]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Next, pull your hair and the bead through the threading tool. You may need to gently tug on your hair to get it through the bead and the threading tool. [7]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Remove the threading tool from your hair and check that the bead sits firmly on your braid. Use a clear elastic band to secure the bead. Tie the elastic band to your braid and slide the bead over it so it stays in place.
    • You can also use a bead pin to keep the bead in place. Clip the bead pin to your braid and slide the bead over it so it stays put.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Just the Beads and Water

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Start by braiding your hair in an area of your choice. The side of your head may be the easiest area to start with. Make the braid thick if you are using wide beads and use a thin braid if you are using narrow beads.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Leave the end of the braid loose. Then, twist the end with your hand so it forms a narrow strand of hair. [8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Use your mouth to wet the twisted end of hair. You can also run the end under running water or use a spray bottle of water to wet it. [9]
    • Wetting the end will make it easier to thread through the bead.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Take the bead and carefully thread it through the wet, twisted end of hair. Try to get all of your hair into the opening of the bead. [10]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Braid Beads Into Your Hair
    Slide the bead up the braid to where you’d like it to sit. Then, tie a clear hair elastic onto your hair. Pull the bead over the hair elastic so it stays in place. [11]
    • You can then braid the rest of your hair or add more beads as you see fit.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I keep beads in my hair without rubber bands?
    Amber Rose
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.
    Amber Rose
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    If you use a threading tool to add your beads, you just need to continue your braid as normal and they'll stay in place.
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    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 29
  • Question
    Do you have to take these out the same day or can you leave them in while you sleep, shower or swim?
    Emmecarque
    Community Answer
    It depends on your activities. You can keep them in until they come out on their own, but make sure that if the beads fall out, it won't affect the activity.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Things You’ll Need

      • Dental floss
      • Threading tool for hair
      • Running water or a spray bottle
      • Beads
      • Clear thin hair elastics

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHzrm6kNw9U
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHzrm6kNw9U
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIT5niaLPLA
      4. ↑ Amber Rose. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atiYirSFmM0
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83vk9Lm8Xj4
      7. ↑ Amber Rose. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HmfOqFkvUs
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HmfOqFkvUs
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1UAfirMrQ
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI1UAfirMrQ

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Braiding beads into your hair with floss is a fun and easy way to create a unique style. Start by picking 2 to 3 thin strands of hair to braid. Next, loop your floss around the base of all 3 strands and tie it off with a simple knot. Slide the bead through the end of the floss, then pull it down so it sits just above where the floss is tied onto your hair. Then, braid your hair, weaving the floss with the bead on it into your braided strands. Continue to slide beads onto the floss to braid more into your hair as you go. Once you're done braiding, use a clear elastic band to secure your braid. To learn how to braid beads with a threading tool, keep reading!

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        Dec 28, 2020

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