Hey guys! Ever wanted to rock those gorgeous feed-in braids you've seen all over Instagram but thought they were too complicated to do yourself? Well, guess what? You totally can! Feed-in braids are not only super stylish and versatile, but they're also a fantastic protective style that can help your natural hair thrive. Plus, mastering this technique opens up a whole world of braid styles you can experiment with. In this guide, we're going to break down the process step-by-step, making it easy for you to achieve flawless feed-in braids right at home. So, grab your braiding hair, a comb, some gel, and let's get started!
What are Feed In Braids?
Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly cover what exactly feed-in braids are. Feed-in braids are a braiding technique where you gradually add synthetic hair extensions to your natural hair as you braid. This creates a seamless and natural-looking braid that appears to grow directly from your scalp. The beauty of this method is that it avoids the bulky look that can sometimes occur when braiding with extensions, giving you a sleek and polished finish. This technique differs from traditional braiding methods where the extension hair is attached at the beginning of the braid. Instead, the hair is "fed in" gradually, creating a more natural transition. The result is a braid that looks less bulky at the base and more like your own hair. Feed-in braids can be styled in various ways, such as straight back cornrows, curved designs, or even combined with other braiding techniques like knotless braids. They offer a versatile and protective styling option that can last for several weeks with proper care.
The appeal of feed-in braids extends beyond just aesthetics. Because the extensions are seamlessly integrated, there is less tension on the scalp, reducing the risk of breakage and hair loss. This makes them an excellent choice for individuals looking to protect their natural hair while still enjoying a stylish look. Furthermore, feed-in braids can be customized to suit different hair types and lengths, making them a universally flattering option. Whether you have short or long hair, the feed-in method allows for a natural and comfortable braid that blends beautifully with your own hair. The versatility of feed-in braids also makes them suitable for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events. They can be styled in simple, straight-back rows for a classic look or elaborated with intricate designs and patterns for a more unique style. The ability to add different colors and textures of extensions also means you can create a personalized look that reflects your individual style. Overall, feed-in braids are a fantastic option for anyone seeking a protective, stylish, and versatile hairstyle that is both gentle on the hair and visually appealing.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
Okay, so you're ready to braid! First, let's gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything within reach will make the process smoother and less frustrating. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Braiding Hair: This is the most crucial element! Kanekalon hair is a popular choice because it's lightweight, easy to work with, and comes in a variety of colors and textures. You'll want to choose a color that closely matches your natural hair or go for a fun, contrasting shade. The amount of hair you need will depend on the length and thickness of the braids you desire, but generally, 3-5 bundles are sufficient for a full head of braids. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough. When selecting braiding hair, consider the texture as well. Some synthetic hair is designed to mimic the look and feel of human hair, while others have a more synthetic sheen. Choose the texture that best suits your desired outcome and personal preference. High-quality braiding hair will not only look better but will also be easier to braid and maintain, ensuring your braids look fresh for longer.
- Comb: A wide-tooth comb and a rat-tail comb are essential. The wide-tooth comb is perfect for detangling your hair before you start braiding, while the rat-tail comb is ideal for creating clean parts and sections. Precise parting is crucial for achieving a neat and professional look, and the rat-tail comb will help you create those crisp lines. The wide-tooth comb, on the other hand, gently detangles your hair without causing breakage, ensuring your hair is smooth and manageable before you begin braiding. Using the right combs will make the braiding process much easier and contribute to the overall quality of your finished style.
- Hair Gel or Braid Cream: These products help to smooth down your edges and keep your braids neat and frizz-free. A good holding gel will provide a firm grip for the braids, making them last longer and look polished. Braid creams, on the other hand, add moisture to the hair, preventing dryness and breakage. Choose a product that suits your hair type and texture. For those with fine hair, a lightweight gel may be preferable to avoid weighing the hair down. For thicker or coarser hair, a stronger holding gel or a moisturizing braid cream may be necessary. Experiment with different products to find what works best for you and your desired style.
- Hair Clips or Rubber Bands: These are essential for sectioning your hair and keeping the sections separate while you braid. Hair clips are particularly useful for holding larger sections of hair out of the way, while small rubber bands can be used to secure the ends of the braids. Proper sectioning is key to achieving a uniform and neat braided style. By keeping the sections separate, you can focus on braiding one section at a time, ensuring each braid is consistent in size and tension. Using hair clips and rubber bands will help you stay organized and make the braiding process more efficient.
- Scissors: You'll need these to trim any flyaways or stray hairs and to cut the braiding hair to the desired length. Sharp scissors are essential for creating clean cuts and avoiding frayed ends. Trimming flyaways will give your braids a sleek and polished look, while cutting the braiding hair to the right length will ensure the braids are the perfect length for your style. Invest in a good pair of hair scissors to make this process easier and more effective.
- Spray Bottle with Water: A little moisture can make your hair more manageable, especially if it's dry or coarse. Lightly misting your hair with water before braiding can help to smooth the strands and make them easier to grip. This is particularly important for achieving clean and defined parts. Be careful not to over-wet your hair, as this can make it harder to braid. A light misting is usually sufficient to add the necessary moisture without making the hair too slippery.
- Edge Control (Optional): If you want super sleek edges, edge control is your best friend. This product helps to lay down the baby hairs around your hairline, creating a polished and finished look. Apply a small amount of edge control to your edges and use a small brush or comb to shape them to your desired style. Edge control is the perfect finishing touch for any braided hairstyle, adding that extra bit of finesse and sophistication.
Step-by-Step Guide to Feed In Braids
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do feed-in braids on yourself:
1. Prepare Your Hair
First things first, you need to start with clean, detangled hair. Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to ensure it's free of any product buildup. After washing, thoroughly detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage. If your hair is prone to tangling, consider using a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to make the process easier. Clean hair is essential for achieving a long-lasting braid style, as it provides a clean base for the extensions to grip onto. Detangling is equally important, as it prevents knots and tangles from interfering with the braiding process. Well-prepared hair will not only make the braiding easier but will also contribute to the overall health and appearance of your braids.
Once your hair is detangled, it's time to moisturize. Apply a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your hair to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness. Pay particular attention to the ends of your hair, as they are the most prone to breakage. Moisturizing your hair before braiding is crucial for maintaining its health and preventing damage. Braids can sometimes be drying, so starting with well-moisturized hair will help to keep it hydrated throughout the duration of the style. Choose a lightweight moisturizer that won't weigh your hair down or cause buildup. Properly moisturized hair will also be more flexible and easier to braid, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable style.
2. Part Your Hair
Now, decide on the style you want. Will it be straight-back braids, curved designs, or something more intricate? Use your rat-tail comb to create clean, even parts. The number of braids you create will depend on your personal preference and the desired thickness of the braids. For a classic look, straight-back braids are a great option. For a more creative style, consider incorporating curved parts or even geometric designs. Clean and precise parts are essential for achieving a professional-looking braid style. Uneven parts can result in braids that are different sizes or that don't lay properly. Take your time to create clean lines and ensure each section is the same size. This will make the braiding process easier and the final result more visually appealing.
Use hair clips to secure the sections you're not working on. This will keep them out of the way and prevent tangling. Sectioning your hair properly is a key step in the braiding process. It allows you to focus on one section at a time, ensuring each braid is neat and consistent. Hair clips are an invaluable tool for keeping the sections separate and organized. This is particularly important if you're working on a more complex design or if you have a lot of hair. By clipping the sections out of the way, you can work more efficiently and avoid accidentally braiding the wrong section of hair.
3. Start Braiding
Take a small section of your natural hair at the front of your hairline. Divide this section into three equal strands. This is the foundation for your braid. The smaller the section, the neater and more defined your braid will be. Ensure the strands are of equal size to maintain a balanced braid. Use a little bit of gel or braid cream to smooth the strands and provide a better grip. This will help to prevent frizz and make the braiding process easier. A smooth and defined base is crucial for achieving a professional-looking feed-in braid. Take your time to create a clean foundation before adding the extensions.
Begin braiding the three strands together, just like a regular braid. After a few stitches, it's time to start feeding in the braiding hair. The key to feed-in braids is adding the extension hair gradually. This creates a seamless transition between your natural hair and the extensions. Unlike traditional braiding methods where the extension hair is attached at the beginning, feed-in braids incorporate the extension hair as you go. This results in a braid that looks more natural and less bulky at the base. The gradual addition of hair is what gives feed-in braids their signature look and feel.
4. Feed in the Braiding Hair
Take a small piece of braiding hair and hold it along one of the strands of your natural hair. As you braid, incorporate the braiding hair into the strand. The amount of braiding hair you add at a time will depend on the desired thickness of the braid. For thicker braids, add more hair; for thinner braids, add less. The goal is to create a smooth and consistent braid that blends seamlessly with your natural hair. Distribute the braiding hair evenly to avoid any lumps or bumps in the braid. Practice makes perfect, so don't worry if it takes a few tries to get the technique right.
Continue braiding, adding small pieces of braiding hair as you go. Make sure to keep the tension consistent to create a neat and even braid. Consistent tension is key to achieving a long-lasting and comfortable braid style. If the braids are too tight, they can cause tension on the scalp and lead to breakage. If they are too loose, they may not last as long. Aim for a medium tension that feels secure but not painful. As you add the braiding hair, ensure it is evenly distributed and blended with your natural hair. This will create a seamless and natural-looking braid.
5. Braid to the End
Once you've fed in all the braiding hair, continue braiding down to the end of your natural hair. Secure the end with a rubber band or by braiding all the way to the tips. Securing the ends is essential for preventing the braids from unraveling. Small, clear rubber bands are a popular choice as they are discreet and effective. Alternatively, you can braid all the way to the tips of the braiding hair and then seal the ends with hot water or by burning them carefully. This will create a neat and finished look.
Repeat the process for the remaining sections of your hair. Take your time and be patient. Braiding your hair can be a time-consuming process, especially when you're doing it yourself. Don't rush through the steps, as this can result in uneven or messy braids. Take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue. Listen to some music or watch a movie to make the time pass more quickly. With practice, you'll become faster and more efficient at braiding your hair. The end result will be worth the effort, leaving you with a beautiful and stylish braid style.
6. Finish and Style
Once all your braids are complete, it's time to add the finishing touches. Trim any flyaways or uneven ends with your scissors. This will give your braids a clean and polished look. Flyaways can detract from the overall appearance of your braids, so taking the time to trim them is well worth it. Use sharp scissors to make clean cuts and avoid frayed ends. Trimming the ends of the braids to an even length will also enhance the uniformity of your style.
Apply edge control to your edges and style them as desired. Edge control is the secret to achieving those perfectly laid edges that complete any braided hairstyle. Use a small brush or comb to apply a small amount of edge control to your baby hairs and shape them to your desired style. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Some popular options include sleek and smooth edges, wavy edges, or even intricate designs. Well-styled edges can elevate your entire look and add a touch of sophistication.
You can also dip the ends of your braids in hot water to seal them and prevent frizz. This is a common technique for finishing braided styles and ensuring they last longer. Heat helps to seal the cuticles of the hair, preventing them from fraying and frizzing. To dip the ends, simply boil some water and carefully dip the ends of your braids into the hot water for a few seconds. Be cautious not to burn yourself or overheat the braids. This will help to keep your braids looking neat and fresh for longer.
Tips for Maintaining Your Feed In Braids
To keep your feed-in braids looking fresh and fabulous for as long as possible, here are a few essential maintenance tips:
- Wrap Your Hair at Night: Sleeping on a silk or satin scarf or bonnet will help to prevent frizz and breakage. These materials are smooth and gentle on the hair, reducing friction and preventing the braids from rubbing against the pillow. Wrapping your hair at night is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of your braids and keep them looking neat and polished. Choose a scarf or bonnet that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your braids without being too tight. A well-protected hairstyle will last longer and require less maintenance.
- Moisturize Regularly: Use a light oil or braid spray to moisturize your scalp and braids every few days. Dryness can lead to itching and breakage, so it's important to keep your hair hydrated. Apply the oil or spray directly to your scalp and massage it in gently. You can also spritz your braids with a moisturizing spray to keep them hydrated. Regular moisturizing will help to prevent dryness, breakage, and itching, ensuring your braids stay healthy and comfortable. Choose a lightweight oil or spray that won't weigh down your hair or cause buildup.
- Cleanse Your Scalp: Use a diluted shampoo or a cleansing conditioner to gently cleanse your scalp every 1-2 weeks. Buildup can lead to itching and scalp irritation, so it's important to keep your scalp clean. Dilute your shampoo or cleansing conditioner with water and apply it to your scalp using your fingertips or a soft brush. Massage gently to remove dirt and buildup, then rinse thoroughly. Be careful not to over-wash your braids, as this can dry them out. A clean and healthy scalp is essential for maintaining the health of your hair and braids.
- Avoid Over-Styling: While feed-in braids are versatile, excessive styling can put strain on your hair and scalp. Avoid tight updos or heavy accessories that can pull on your braids. While it's tempting to experiment with different styles, giving your braids a break from excessive manipulation will help to prevent breakage and hair loss. Opt for simple and comfortable styles that don't put too much tension on your scalp. If you do choose to style your braids, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on them. Proper care and maintenance will ensure your feed-in braids stay beautiful and healthy for as long as possible.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Mastering feed-in braids on yourself might seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and patience, you'll be rocking this gorgeous style in no time. Remember, the key is to take your time, be gentle with your hair, and don't be afraid to experiment. Feed-in braids are a fantastic way to protect your natural hair while adding length and style, and now you have the skills to create this look yourself. So grab your supplies, put on some music, and get braiding! You've got this! And the best part? You'll save a ton of money by doing it yourself. Plus, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you created this stunning hairstyle with your own two hands. Happy braiding, guys!