Braid Your Hair With Thread

Braids are an easy way to add some temporary funk to your hair, and they're not just for kids! With the right choice of colours they can finish off an outfit, and are guaranteed to make your 'do look interesting and individual. They can be done on any length of hair and, depending on the method you use to secure them, can stay in for as long as you want them to, from a few months to a few hours. Grab some thread and get braiding!

Steps

  1. Comb your hair thoroughly. Decide where you want the braid, and using the comb, section off a neat square {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} across. (It's advisable to position the braid at least 5cm from your parting so that the top will not be visible. You can also hide your braid for school or work if necessary.)
  2. Tie the rest of your hair back with the scrunchie, and secure any wispy strays around your sectioned hair out of the way with kirby grips.
  3. Tightly plait the section you're going to braid (divide into three sections, cross the right section over the middle section, then the left section over the middle section, and repeat to the end). Secure with a dab of hair gel.
  4. If you want your braid to last as long as possible (a few months), take the hair elastic and tie it about {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} from the top of the plait. Hold the plait flat against your head as you do this, or your braid will stick up in the air. If you only want to keep it a short while, don't use the hair elastic.
  5. Take the 3 strands of embroidery floss and hold them at one end. Pass the end through the hair above the elastic, or through the top of the plait next to the scalp. Pull them through until the same length of thread hangs on each side.
  6. You should now have 6 strands of thread next to your plait. Select 2 (different colors will create a striped effect), pull them to the left of the plait, and smooth the other 4 down next to it.
  7. Hold them so you can see strand A on the left, strand B in the middle, and the plait with the rest of the thread on the right.
  8. Pass B over the plait and bring it back to the middle.
  9. Pass A underneath B, then over the plait, and into the middle position.
  10. Pass B underneath A, over the plait, and into the middle position. Repeat these steps.
    • You must wrap the thread as tightly as possible, so that it sits horizontally across the plait, leaving no visible hair.
  11. You can either stop braiding at the end of your hair, or continue past it, keeping the 4 unused strands on the right hand side. If you wish to add beads, just slip them over the end of the braid. Then tie an overhand knot at the bottom of the braid, and make sure it's big enough that the beads won't slip off.
  12. Cut off any excess thread, and save it for a future craft project.



Tips

  • When you wish to change color, simply knot the left hand strand around the plait, and pick up 2 new strands. Continue as above, alternating colors to create patterns as you wish. Be creative!
  • If the braid is left in for a long time, your hair will grow at the top, and this is prone to matting. Once you've removed the braid, gently work out the tangles with a comb. Shampooing and conditioning your hair will help with this.
  • Braiding is straightforward, but it does take practice, so don't worry if your first attempt is a little messy. Ask a friend to help you, or offer to give them a braid so you can practice without having to look in a mirror the whole time.
  • Take care when brushing your hair, as the bristles may snag in the braid if it gets in the way.
  • Removing the braid: The braiding technique used above will create a smooth, ultra-secure braid with a seam running along the entire length. To remove your braid, take a pair of sharp scissors, and simply cut off the seam, so that the thread falls away from the plait. Then cut off the elastic if used, or just pull the thread away from the top of the hair. Undo the plait and your hair will be back to normal.
  • When undoing the braid you will need to separate the different bits of strings. With the strings you will need to undo the braid. Once you have undone the braid you will need to comb the hair well and wash it with shampoo and conditioner.

Things You'll Need

  • Comb
  • Mirror (not hand-held, you'll be needing both your hands)
  • A small hair elastic (snag-free rubber band)
  • Hair gel
  • Hair scrunchie and kirby grips (or other hair clips)
  • Embroidery floss in 3 contrasting colors, cut to 4 times the length of the hair you want to braid
  • Scissors
  • Beads for the end (optional)

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