In most American Indian tribes, hair braids were an essential part of life and could signify status. It is said that in some tribes that only a chief, medicine man, warriors or women were allowed to wear braids.
We owe a great deal of thanks to American Indians for introducing us to braids. Braiding is an important part of today’s hair styles and most every girl (and woman!) loves braids.
- To begin making braids, you should start with clean, dry hair. If your hair is curly you may want to add pomade to smooth it down.
- Brush out hair and divide it into three even sections. Allow the middle section to hang. Grasp the left section between your left thumb and index finger. Grasp the right section with your right thumb and index finger.
- Next, grab onto the middle section of hair that is hanging with the free fingers on your right hand. Pull it so it passes under the right section of hair. This will make the right section of hair become the middle section.
- Do the same with the left section of hair. Pull the middle section with the free fingers of your left hand. Pull the hair under the left section. This will make the left section of hair become the middle section.
- To ensure even and secure braids, you should try to keep the tension consistent. If you do not, one side of your braid may start to twist and it will not be flat.
- Repeat this process until you have the length of braid that you want. Secure the end with an elastic band.
Keep in mind that it may take a lot of practice before you are comfortable braiding hair.