For many generations, braids have symbolized unity, culture and beauty, especially within the Black community. The art of braiding is not just about styling hair. Instead, it’s about celebrating one’s identity. From cornrows to box braids, each style tells a unique story. Among these, the French braid have risen in popularity for Black girls. This is not only for its elegance and versatility, but also for its protective styling. Here’s everything you need to know about how to execute the style.
What Are French Braids?
French braids are a classic braid style characterized by the gradual incorporation of additional hair into the braid as you work your way down the scalp. Unlike traditional braids, which start with three sections of hair and stay the same size, French braids start with three small sections at the crown of the head and progressively add hair from the sides as you continue braiding.
The French braid is versatile and can be worn in a variety of ways. You can choose to make one long braid down the back or two braids along either side of the head. It’s particularly popular because it keeps hair neatly in place, works well with various textures and is flattering for both short and long hair. For Black girls, French braids can be styled to accommodate natural or textured hair, providing a protective option that helps maintain hair health.
How to Do French Braids for Black Girls
Creating French braids for Black hair requires some extra attention to texture and technique. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you achieve a flawless finish.
Materials Needed
- Wide-tooth comb: To detangle hair and ensure it is smooth and free of knots.
- Rat-tail comb: To create neat sections and parting.
- Edge control: To keep flyaways in place and create a clean, polished look.
- Hair ties or clips: To temporarily hold sections of hair in place as you braid.
- Leave-in conditioner: To hydrate and smooth out the hair, making braiding easier.
- Styling cream: To add extra hold and sleekness, especially for coarser textures.
- Braid spray: To keep the braid intact and frizz-free throughout the day.
French Braids Tutorial
- Prep Your Hair: Begin by washing and conditioning your hair. It’s important to start with clean, damp hair for manageability. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair, removing any knots or tangles. Apply a leave-in conditioner to ensure your hair is smooth and hydrated. For tighter coils, consider applying a curl cream.
- Section the Hair: Using a rat-tail comb, create a clean part down the middle of your head, or opt for a side part, depending on your preference. You can also decide to braid one or two French braids depending on the look you want. Clip away the hair that you’re not working with to keep it out of the way.
- Start Braiding: Take a small section of hair from the top of your head (near the crown) and divide it into three even sections. Begin a regular braid by crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the middle strand. As you continue, begin adding small sections of hair from the sides to each strand before crossing them over. This is what differentiates the French braid from a regular braid, as you’re gradually incorporating more hair into the braid from both sides of the scalp.
- Maintain Tension: For the best results, make sure the braid is tight but not too tight to avoid tension on the scalp, which can lead to breakage. Continue braiding down the head, adding hair in small sections as you go. Keep the braid as neat as possible, making sure the sections of hair are even and smooth.
- Finish the Braid: Once you reach the nape of your neck or the end of your hair, finish off the braid with a traditional three-strand braid. Secure the end with a small hair tie. For an added touch of sleekness, you can use a little edge control around the hairline to smooth any flyaways and create a polished finish.