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This is the first time I've done a single braid down the back and not wanted to immediately undo it. It's still a bit uneven though. I think I might go out with it now and see how it feels in the DC heat.
Okay..........that does it. I'm going to see if I can do it also. I like the look very much. How did you do it?
Justin
You might want to ask some of the experienced braiders on the board, but then again since it hasn't become a habit yet, maybe I have more insight.
The first challenge is splitting the hair into the 3 bunches. I wanted to take my fingers and use them to split it into 3 equal parts, but this never seemed to work. Counter-untuitively, I found that splitting off a lop-sided lock and maing sure they were separated, then splitting dividing the big lock in two seemed to be easier. I think it's easier to handle splitting things in two twice then it is to try and divide something by 3. Hope that makes sense.
Then, the other thing is that the actual braiding is only about half the process. The other half is smothing out the locks so they don't tangle. This will probably vary based on your hair type. Mine wants to tangle, and the locks want to stick to eachother. If you are blessed with straight, smooth hair that doesn't stick to itself, you may not have to worry about this as much.
So, the rhytm is basicly, "fold over, then smooth out all the locks, then fold over again...". Accent on "rhythm". If you lose it, then it gets all messed up. I think this is like tying shoes or riding a bike. Once I really have it learned, I probably won't be able to tell people what I'm doing. The one experience braider I've see "in action" did it so fast, and while agreeing that practice was important, couldn't actually explain the details that well, at least not to me.
I think it falls into the category of "physical learning", like dance moves or juggling. Good luck.
Try the "Willie Nelson" first. It's easier. The part in back is hard to get even, but the braids are easier.
The other thing--You'll want to transition from braiding in back to braiding on the side because your arms will get tired quickly; but the transition is tricky without introducing a twist or losing your rhythm. I haven't worked it out perfectly yet. I think somebody advised to try holding holding your hands above your head as an exercise, but that seemed a bit silly since if you're going to be in that position you might as well braid.
Finally, don't look at it. Do it by feel, not by sight. Looking at it is just confusing, and you'll want to be able to do it without a mirror any way.
here are some things that i do that may be helpful:
1) my hair is much easier to braid if it is damp. i give a good dousing of infusium 23 first.
2) i lean back while braiding. i find it's much easier on the arms.
3) 2 tricks to keeping the braid even--make the 3 sections as even as possible, and keep a constant tension on the hair as you braid it. and keep practicing--you can do it while watching TV, etc.
hope this helps!
looks great and trust me, you'll really enjoy it in hot weather!!
The braid looks good Steve! Also hard to do :) I guess practice does make perfect. I never knew that a braid is cooler than loose or a tail but I guess that makes sense.
Hope it works in the heat of DC too!
Looks great Steve!
Self braiding is something I've learned to do about 10 years ago when I last had long hair. Now, with my return to long hair, I found the skill still there - didn't need any retraining. With practice it will get to the point that you don't even to think about it. Much like learning to tie your shoes.
I find braiding is easy to do anytime when I havn't used shampoo in a while, when my hair is laden with natural oils. The braid keeps its shape and looks good all day.
Whatever way you're doing it Steve, practice will make it perfect.
- Oren
Looks really nice, Steve; keep practicing at I'm sure you'll get it down perfect. I can't wait for my hair to be long enough to be able to braid it... what a luxury!
Hi Steve,
that's a great braid - you should wear it that way more often! It looks perfect, and if you want it to be even more even, you can try to pull all three strands about equally strong when you braid your hair.
Hans-Uwe
Nice braid. It looks good. Hot temperatures can make hands sweaty, resulting in your hair sticking to them, and making braiding difficult. Try applying corn starch to your hands. Your hair will smoothly glide through your hands, making braiding easier.
Absalom
You did a very good job. Looks nice. Be encouraged also by the fact that the braid is so thick even toward the ends, suggesting a longer terminal length than is normally seen. Good luck with it all.
Bragi
