The 5 most popular types of braids (and how to do them).

A brief summary of the most popular types of hair braids, with instructions.

Although long hair gives a lot of versatility to achieve different looks, sometimes it becomes a problem because we do not know how to style it and end up collecting it in a ponytail, wearing it loose or in a chongo, or even end up thinking about cutting it and avoid the problem of combing it daily.

A good way to help us with this eternal dilemma is to use different types of braids. use different types of braids. Sometimes we avoid it because they seem difficult or laborious, but the secret is to learn the basic types of braiding to, with a little practice, have in 10 minutes a hairstyle that fits the style you are looking for.

The easiest types of braids to do

One of the advantages of braids is that they can look casual, elegant, sporty and even romantic. Given their versatility, it's worth knowing several ways to wear them. Here are the easiest types of braids to get you started and achieve amazing looks.

1. The "base" braid

Almost every woman in the West knows it and has done it. It is the basis for all types of braids. All you have to do is divide the hair into three parts and pass the lock on the right to the middle part, then the lock on the left to the center and so on. You can tie it into a ponytail first and then braid it or start at the nape of the neck.

2. Twist braid

This is the simplest braid, but not all hair types can be styled this way.Because it is not so tight, it can easily fall apart if your hair is too thick and heavy. First tie a ponytail, either high or low, then divide it into two sections and twist to one side only. At the end, tie the end of the braid.

3. French braid

Of all the types of braids, this is the most complex, but it is the basis for many types of braids. is the basis for many types of braided hairstyles.. It really only requires a little practice, do not despair and you will see that in less time than you think, you will achieve a perfect braid.

To begin, take a section of hair from the top of your head. Divide it into three sections and start braiding as we do with the base braid. Do this a couple of times.

The next step is to take a strand of hair left over from the right side, add it to the strip on the right side and pass it over the top to the left side, adding it to the right side of the braid.adding it to the strand that was left in the middle of the base braid.

Then we take a strand of hair left over on the left side and add it to the left strand and pass it over the top towards the middle strand. In this way it will be braided until it reaches the nape of the neck, from there we continue braiding normally.

The strands that are added to the hair can be thin, very thick, tight or loose. Each of these alternatives achieves different effects depending on the look you want to achieve.

A good option to start practicing is to braid the braid on one side of the head and not necessarily in the middle. This way you will get less tired, you will be able to see in front of the mirror how the braid is coming out and you will have a different type of braid that you can also use.

Side braids have a more romantic and elegant style and can be combined with a ponytail at the end or twisted towards the center of the nape of the neck. Without a doubt, the French braid is one of the most popular types of braids.

4. Dutch braid

The procedure for this braid is almost identical to that of the French braid; the only difference when styling is that the strands and sections are not passed over the top but underneath the other strands. This small difference achieves a different effect as the braid is "bulky", standing out from the rest of the hair and the head..

As with the French braid, you can experiment with looser, tighter, thinner or thicker strands to achieve different styles.

5. Herringbone braid

This braid is made using only two strands; divide two main parts of the hair and then take a small strand from the right side and pass it over the top to join it to the left strand. The same with the left side: take a thin strand, pass it over the top to the right side and join it to the rest of the hair. This braid forms thinner segments that can look great in elegant hairstyles.

Conclusion

You can combine any of these braid types with pigtails or experiment by leaving them looser, tighter, make two braids or take just a small strand from the side and leave the rest of the hair loose, form a headband, braid several braids together, tighten the sections and then loosen them to give another effect. In short, once you have mastered the basic braid types, you can experiment to achieve different hairstyles to suit your look for the day.