You know what they say - when in doubt, start braiding. What? That isn't a saying? Well, you get the gist of it. Once you understand how to tie them, braids are simple to try out, heatless and don't damage the hair at the risk of looking fabulous. Before you try your hand at a braided hairstyle, learn the 7 basic types of braids which further, can be styled differently into miniature braids, double braids, braided buns etc. so read on.
1. Three Strand Braid
This barely doesn't need any introduction because the three strand braid is one most of us learned as children and sometimes, even wore with our school uniforms. It involves simply plaiting three hair sections over the centre one until the hair is used up.
2. Fishtail Braid
This elegant looking braid is a staple on the red carpet and for bridal hairdos. To tie a fishtail braid, divide the hair into two large sections. Take small sections from the outermost area of both larger sections and keep crisscrossing until you reach the end.
3. Rope Braid
If regular braids seem like too much effort, the rope braid is your answer. To make a rope braid, you just need two thick sections of hair intertwined tightly around each other until the end to create the rope-like appearance.
4. French Braid
Now here's a classy one. The French braid is charming and sophisticated enough to even be worn to a formal occasion. To tie a French braid, start braiding three sections from the hairline by placing the sections under each other. Add more hair to the outermost sections with each loop and braid backwards until the end.
5. Dutch Braid
While many confuse a Dutch braid with a French one, there's a minute difference. The method is almost exactly the same to tie both except, in a Dutch braid, the sections are placed over each other while braiding which creates a pronounced effect.
Watch this expert guide to weave a Dutch braid with ease.
In no time, you'll be an expert at it.
6. Waterfall Braid
The fabulous waterfall braid is a great hairstyle for long hair but does require some skills to put together. The waterfall braid consists of a dutch braid being tied across the head with a new section being added in with every loop and the old section being left loose, thus creating the flowing 'waterfall' effect.
7. Four Strand Braid
Yes, a four strand braid exists and as expected, it's kind of tricky to pull off as it involves crisscrossing sections two and four over each other followed by sections one and three and then repeated till the end. A four strand braid is also known as a 3D braid because the thickness of the interwined strands creates an almost embossed, 3D-like effect with the hair.
So give that three strand a rest and try one of these other funky new braids right away.
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