In the last blog, we shared the top 20 answers about braiding hair to help you address common braiding challenges. In this article, We’ll guide you through how to add extension braiding hair to braids for all hair lengths—short, medium, and long—so you can find the most efficient method, especially if you’re a beginner.
What Are the Common Issues That Beginners Face When Adding Hair to Braids?
When beginners add braiding hair to braids, they often face a few common issues. Here are some of the most frequent ones we've seen in social media comments and on Reddit hair boards:
1.Bulky or Unflat Braids
Issue:Braids can become bulky or unflat when adding extension braiding hair, especially if the hair is added in uneven sections, with inconsistent tension, or if too much hair is added at once.
Solution: To avoid this, section braiding hair in small, even pieces and gradually feed the hair in small portions to create a smooth, flat braid. Also, be mindful of maintaining consistent tension as you braid.
2. Uneven Braid Strands
Issue: Uneven sections of added hair can cause parts of the braid to look thicker or more prominent than others.
Solution: Divide both the natural hair and added extension braiding hair into equal sections. Start by adding smaller portions of hair to maintain even distribution throughout the braid. This can prevent one strand from looking bulkier than the rest.
3. Inconsistent Braiding Pattern
Issue: Beginners may struggle to maintain a consistent braiding pattern, leading to irregular shapes or gaps in the braid.
Solution: Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and tension while braiding. Practice the basic techniques, like crossing over strands in a consistent manner, and ensure you're adding hair evenly to each side to create a uniform braid.
4. Slippage or Loosening
Issue:For short natural hair (under 1.5 inches), if you don't use styling gel or securely lock the hair when adding braiding hair extensions, it may slip or loosen as you braid.
Solution: You can tie a knot or wrap braiding hair strands tightly around the root base. Alternatively, apply a small amount of gel or holding cream at the roots to keep the hair in place.
How to Add Hair to Braids for All Natural Hair Lengths?
The natural hair length can be a challenge when braiding, especially if you're new to braiding. If your natural hair is very short, you might even struggle with gripping the roots with extension braiding hair. Learning how to add hair to braids is an essential skill to master. Here, we’ve gathered various methods for adding hair to braids, tailored to all natural hair lengths, to help you master the process.
How to Add Braiding Hair to Medium-Length and Long Hair (6 Inches+)?
Regular method:
For girls with natural hair longer than 6 inches when stretched, you can add hair to braids by using the standard feed-in method with the following steps:
- Divide the Natural Hair:Start by dividing a small strand of your natural hair into three even sections using your fingertips.
- Position Your Fingers:Hold the left and right sections of hair in place using your index and thumb as "pincher" fingers to provide support as you braid.
- Start the Braid:Begin by going underneath the middle section of hair with your thumb to grab the left side.Take the new middle piece and place it on the left side, using your index finger to press it down and secure the grip.
- Add the Right Section: Go underneath the braid again with your thumb to grab the right side.Repeat this process one more time to ensure the braid is tight and secure.
- Add Braiding Hair:Loop the braiding hair around your pincher fingers and insert it between the two pincher fingers holding the braid.Place your natural hair on top of the braiding hair, then use your index finger to fasten it tightly.
- Continue Braiding: Continue braiding and add pieces of extension braiding hair only on the right side.Add about 5 to 8 pieces of braiding hair, keeping in mind that the more you add, the thicker your braid will be.
Easy method to simplify the process:
If you hair silky or light yaki hair and find it difficult to grip braiding hair exensions with your natural hair,using a latch hook to add hair to braids can make the process much easier:
- Create a Short Braid Base:Start by braiding about 2 inches of your natural hair.
- Use Crochet Hook to Add Braiding Hair:Use a crochet hook to insert braiding hair extensions into the root of the braid.Fold the braiding hair extensions in half, place it onto the hook, and pull it through the braid.
- Braid with the New Hair:Begin braiding with the braiding hair extensions and use your natural hair as the third strand in the braid.
- Feed in Hair Gradually:Use the normal feed in method shared above to gradually add more braiding hair as you continue to braid, adding hair until you achieve the desired thickness.
How to Add Braiding Hair to Short Natural Hair (2-4 Inches)？
For girls with short natural hair around 2-4 inches, if you're still mastering how to flawlessly add braiding hair strands with short roots, try this method with the following steps:
- Prepare the Natural Hair:Moisturize and manage your natural hair roots with styling gel to provide extra grip for the braid base.
- Add the Braiding Hair:Fold the braiding hair strands and place it at the root of your natural hair.Wrap it tightly around the base to secure it in place.
- Feed in Braiding Hair:Gradually feed in more strands of braiding hair as you braid, continuing until you reach your desired thickness and length.
Make sure to choose braiding hair with a matching texture to support a good grip and blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Our kinky straight hair is perfect for braids, while afro kinky hair works best for twist braids.
How to Add Braiding Hair to Super Short Natural Hair (1-2 Inches)？
If you have super short, coarse natural hair, like curly kinky coils under 2 inches, the easiest way to add extension braiding hair to braids is using the rubber band braid method, as follows:
- Create Elastic Band-Secured Roots for Braiding:Section your natural hair into small, even strands using a rat-tail comb, then secure each root with an elastic band.
- Add Braiding Hair Using a Crochet Hook:Fold the braiding hair in half and use a crochet hook to insert it into the roots where the elastic band is tied.
- Wrap and Braid:Place another strand of braiding hair over the elastic band and wrap it around.Cross the strands to form 3 sections, then braid tightly with consistent tension.
- Feed in More Hair:Gradually feed in more strands of braiding hair until you reach the desired thickness and finish the braid.
Now that we’ve shared different methods for adding braiding hair to your braids, are you excited to try them out and explore some amazing braided hairstyles? Check out our previous blog for inspiration:20 Attractive Boho Braids Hairstyles for Black Women
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!