Whether you're looking to switch up your look, protect your natural hair, or simply embrace a new style, braids are a black girl’s superpower (well, one of the many).

Unfortunately, you can’t always get braids when you want them, or how you want them. For instance, you moved to a new region and you haven’t found your braider yet, braiders around you are much too expensive, or you’re just that girl and you like to Nara Smith your way through life. Whichever is your case, learning how to install braids at home is a game-changer. 

In this step-by-step guide, we'll walk you through the process, making it straightforward, practical, and oh-so-easy!

How to Make Your Own Braids at Home

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

First things first, let's make sure you have everything you need:

- Braiding hair extensions (choose your preferred color and length)

- Rat-tail comb for parting hair

- Hair clips to section off hair

- Moisturizing hair oil or leave-in conditioner

- Hair ties or rubber bands

- Hair gel or edge control for sleek edges (optional)

- A mirror and good lighting

Step 2: Prep Your Natural Hair

Start by washing and conditioning your hair. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to moisturize and protect your natural hair. Detangle gently with a wide-tooth comb to ensure smooth braiding.

Step 3: Section and Part Your Hair

Using your rat-tail comb, create clean partings to section off your hair. You can go for a middle part, side part, or any style you prefer. Secure each section with hair clips or ties to keep them out of the way.

Step 4: Prepare the Braiding Extensions

If your braiding extensions come in long strands, cut it into smaller sections for easier handling. Separate a manageable amount of hair for each braid, depending on your desired thickness and length.

Step 5: Start Braiding

Take a small section of your natural hair and divide it into three equal parts. Begin braiding by crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle. Continue braiding, adding small sections of braiding hair as you go for length and thickness.

Step 6: Secure the Ends

Once you've reached the desired length, secure the ends of your braid with a hair tie or rubber band; or twist the ends together till they're one unit. Repeat the braiding process for each section of your hair until you've completely braided all your hair. This depends on the type of braids and the type of braiding extensions. For instance, curl-tipped extensions don't require any work on the ends

Step 7: Finishing Touches

For a polished look, apply a small amount of hair gel or edge control to smooth down any flyaways and baby hairs along your edges. Then, apply mousse or hair foam on your braids, to make them shiny. Use a mirror to check for any loose or uneven braids, and make any necessary adjustments.

Step 8: Flaunt Your Fabulous Braids!

Congratulations, you've mastered the art of braiding! Now it's time to show off your new look to the world in any style you choose, because braids are very versatile. For every occasion, whether work, a date, going to a concert, or hanging out with friends, braids will have you feeling confident and comfortable.

Now that you know how to do it, go ahead and experiment with different braid styles, colours, extension styles and lengths to express your unique personality and style. 

However, if you realise braiding is not actually your passion, and you don’t have to DIY everything, be sure to check out our braided wigs that look exactly like the real thing. For real, most people can’t tell they’re wigs.

Go ahead, take a look. 

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