Braiding guide

Wash Your Hair

Properly cleansing Afro-textured hair is key to keeping it healthy and ready for braiding. Follow these steps for a gentle yet effective wash routine:

Pre-detangle: Before washing, section your hair into 4-6 parts. Gently detangle each section using a wide-tooth comb or fingers, starting at the ends and working your way up. This prevents breakage and makes washing easier.


Shampoo: Use a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo and work through one section at a time. Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips to remove buildup, focusing on your roots. Avoid rough scrubbing. Rinse each section thoroughly.


Deep Condition: Apply a deep conditioner or hydrating hair mask to your hair, focusing on the ends. Detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush while the conditioner is in. Leave the product in for 10-15 minutes or according to the product instructions, then rinse it out with cool water.


Rinse: Once all product is rinsed out, gently squeeze excess water from your hair using a microfiber towel or a cotton t-shirt. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz and tangling.


Moisturize and Stretch: Apply a leave-in conditioner or light oil to lock in moisture. You can also stretch your hair by twisting or braiding it in large sections to keep it detangled and ready for the braid installation.

This routine will leave your hair soft, moisturized, and tangle-free, ensuring it’s ready for braiding without damage.

Section Your Hair for Braids

Now that your hair is clean and moisturized, it’s time to section it for braiding. Follow these steps to create clean, even parts:

Sectioning: Use a rat-tail comb to create neat and precise sections in your hair. Depending on the size and style of the braids you want, divide your hair into small or medium sections. Start by parting the hair in half, and then divide each half into smaller sections. Ensure the parts are clean and straight for a polished look.

Apply Braiding Gel: Once a section is parted, apply braiding gel or edge control along the part and around the roots of the section. This helps to smooth the hair, reduce frizz, and keep the braids neat and secure. Be sure to distribute the gel evenly for a sleek finish.

Secure Each Section: After applying the braiding gel, either clip or twist each section to keep it separate and tangle-free while you continue sectioning the rest of your hair.

Repeat this process for all sections until your entire head is divided and prepped for braiding. This step ensures your braids will be neat, well-defined, and long-lasting

Begin Braiding

With your hair neatly sectioned and prepped, you can now start braiding. Follow these tips to ensure your braids are even and secure:

Start Braiding: Take one section of hair and begin braiding from the root. Divide the section into three equal parts, and braid tightly enough to secure the hair but not so tight that it causes discomfort or tension on the scalp. Braiding too tight can lead to hair breakage and scalp irritation, while braiding too loose may cause the braids to unravel quickly.


Maintain Consistency: As you continue braiding down the length of the hair, ensure the tension remains consistent. This will give your braids a uniform appearance and prevent lumps or uneven sections.


Check for Comfort: Throughout the process, make sure the braids feel snug but comfortable. If you experience any discomfort or pulling at the scalp, loosen the braid slightly to avoid damaging your hair or causing tension headaches.

Repeat this process for each section, making sure all the braids are uniform and secure, without being too tight or too loose.

Set and Finish the Braids

Now that all the braids are complete, it’s time to lock in moisture and ensure long-lasting, neat braids with the following steps:

Apply Hair Mousse: Once all the braids are done, apply a generous amount of alcohol-free hair mousse over the braids. This helps to smooth down any flyaways, reduce frizz, and give the braids a polished look. Be sure to distribute the mousse evenly across all the braids.


Cover with a Durag: After applying the mousse, cover your hair with a durag or a silk/satin scarf. This helps to set the braids and keep them flat while they dry.


Blow Dry: Using a blow dryer on a low to medium heat setting, gently blow dry your hair over the durag. This will help the mousse set and dry without disturbing the braids.


Finish with Oil Spray: Once your hair is fully dry, remove the durag and finish by spraying a light oil mist over your braids. This adds shine and seals in moisture, helping your scalp stay hydrated and your braids look sleek.

This final step will give your braids a smooth, long-lasting finish, while keeping your hair moisturized and frizz-free.