How to Cornrow or French Braid

Braiding; an art form taking on many shapes and designs. Watch the videos to learn the form then allow creativity to flow and develop your own style. In this tutorial, I will explain french braiding and cornrows. Both follow the same concept except the direction of the hair exchange; this explained in detail throughout the tutorial. All types of hair will look great in braids and when master the technique creation is at your fingertips; making fancy designs or elegant updo’s.

Prior to learning the french braid begin with the basic plat. A plat is a single braid such as braiding the hair in a ponytail; this is the foundation to any braid no matter what the desired result might be. To successfully plat you will need three strands of hair; moving the outside pieces toward the middle by using either over hand or underhand movements. Underhand braiding is moving the strands under the others; this is the technique used in cornrow braids. Overhand is placing the strands of hair over the others; used in a French braid. Below is a display of the three strand basic plat method.

Now that the basic braid step is complete lets learn to add strands of hair. By adding strands of hair will produces a cornrow or french braid.

FRENCH BRAID

Beginning at the top of the head take 3 small pieces of hair this will serve as your beginning point. Using the 3 strand overhand technique take the right strand and place it over the middle strand, (the right strand becomes the new center strand and the center strand becomes the right side strand) now place the left strand over the middle strand (plat explained above). Now you are ready to begin to pick up hair making the french braid. Holding the hair between the fingers of your non dominant hand (if you are right handed), use your dominant hand to pull up a strand of hair on the right side beginning from the hairline to the middle of the head in a path motion(the smaller the strand the smaller the braid will appear to be). Add this path of hair to your strand on the right and move the entire strand to the middle. Repeat this on the left side holding the hair in your right hand. That is it, repeat this technique until you run out of hair to pick up then braid the remaining hair to the end of the hair strand and attach a ponytail fastener at the end. Watch the attached video for further assistance.

CORN ROW

Cornrows are achieved by using the same concept as in the french braid except the hair is directed in a motion underneath the strands versus above the strands. Cornrows are a very popular hairstyle and can be achieved through one braid or by sectioning the hair and creating multiple braids. Creating multiple braids have endless possibilities and depend solely on neat partings in the hair creating the pattern through the partings of hair. To do this you section the hair in small strips or the pattern of your choice only braiding one partition at a time. When doing smaller braids I have an easier technique. Once the small strip of hair is sectioned, grab your three beginning strands and begin to braid underhand. A personal choice, I always start picking up hair from the right since I am right handed. I only use my thumbs, pointer and middle fingers; using a pinching motion like crab claws. Taking my left forefinger and place it under the hair and your original 3 strand piece, grab the right strand of hair and pull it into the middle while grabbing a little hair all in one swoop. This takes a little practice but you will be a speed braider in no time. Repeat this step by taking your right forefinger, go under the hair, and grab the left strand pulling it to the middle sneaking a little extra hair. Keep your hand as close and flat to the head making sure you are not picking up too much hair and helps to keep the braid tight. Voila. Watch this video as it provides some visual support.

Just finishing my daughter hair prompted me to do this tutorial. The options are endless with a little technique and imagination. With maintenance, your braids will look great. I recommend wearing a head wrap to bed or using a silk pillowcase allowing the braids to stay intact and not fuzz. Adding your favorite products in your hair help maintain them; if you find your hair to be thin a small amount of gel added in the strands while braiding can help them stay luxurious.

Have Fun with your braids. The easiest way to practice if you do not have a live model a doll will work just fine. Sit on the sofa with her firm between your knees and practice away while watching your favorite show.