Braiding and Braiding Extensions

Braiding and Braiding Extensions

By Krissy Miller

Learning Objectives

​•Know the general history of braiding.

•Recognize braiding basics and the importance of a consultation.

•Explain how to prepare the hair for braiding.

•Describe the six types of braiding techniques.

•Demonstrate the procedure for cornrowing.

•Explain the techniques for textured sets and styles.

•Demonstrate the procedures for starting locks and lock grooming.

Introduction

​•This art form can require an enormous investment of time, with some elaborate styles taking up to an entire day to complete.

•Braiding salons have sprung up in many areas in the United States.

•These salons practice what is commonly known as natural hairstyling, which uses no chemicals or dyes, and does not alter the natural curl or coil pattern of the hair.

Some text here about the topic of discussion

Open Ended

Describe a braided hairstyle that you have seen recently and/or have recently worn.

•How long did it take to complete?

•Were extensions added?

•What was it like to maintain it?

•How long did they wear it before it needed maintenance?

•What if any drawbacks did they experience?

•What were others' reactions to their braided style?

•Would they consider wearing one again? Why, or why not?

Understand the Basics of Braiding

•Hair and scalp analysis

•Texture determination

•Elasticity and porosity test

•Style determination

•Product recommendations

Braiding and textured hairstyling consultation

Fill in the Blank

What do you look for in a hair and scalp analysis?

Open Ended

How can you tell if the hair has poor elasticity and low porosity?

Fill in the Blank

Name tools for braiding.

Implements and Materials for Extensions

•Extension fibers

•Hackle

•Drawing board

Poll

What are the different types of extension hair?

• Yak

• Yarn

• Grass

• Lin

• String

Prepare the Hair for Braiding

•Dry is best for braiding.

•Shrinkage as hair dries can cause breakage.

•Allow for shrinkage when braiding wet.

•Shampoo first.

•Towel-blot without rubbing.

•Apply leave-in conditioner.

•Detangle from ends to scalp.

•Blowdry hair.

•Use pomade, gel, or lotion to hold.

•Brush with a paddle brush beginning at the ends.​

Visible Braid Single Braid

Invisible Braid Rope Braid

Fishtail Braid Single with Extension

​Halo Braid Cornrows

Tree Braid​

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Braid The Hair

Open Ended

What are different types of textured sets and styles?

•Also known as dreadlocks or locs.

•Separate networks of curly, textured hair that have been intertwined and meshed together.

•Achieved without the use of chemicals.

•Several slow phases, which can take from six months to a year depending on the length, density, and coil pattern of the hair.​

​

​Locks

Poll

Different types of Lock techniques

• Coil Comb

• Palm Roll

• Braid or extension

• Sisterlocks

• Backcombing

Summary and Review

•Natural hairstyling which uses no chemicals or dyes, and does not alter the natural curl or coil pattern of the hair, has become popular with people of all ethnicities who can appreciate the beauty and versatility of their natural hair texture.

•Braiding the hair is an art form and it can take many hours to complete but these complex styles; with proper care, they can last up to three months, with six to eight weeks being preferable.

•The investment in time and money is high for both the client and stylist. After you spend hours braiding a client’s hair, the last thing you want is to have the client reject it and demand that all the braids be re-moved.

•All professional cosmetologists should be prepared to work with every type of hair texture and hairstyle trend.

•Working with braid extensions exposes cosmetologists to the fundamental techniques of adding hair extensions, which is another lucrative service for the stylist and the salon.

Open Ended

What is the most effective way to prepare hair for braiding?

Open Ended

List several types of braiding techniques.

Open Ended

List several types of braiding techniques.