The Perfect Style Choice for Hot Summer Days
The summer isn’t over, and I know you may be thinking of ways to keep celebrating the summer vibes while still staying cool. It’s hot as Drake’s “In My Feelings” challenge, I need my scalp to get air, so I’m getting to try feed-in braids. Now, you know your girl isn’t selfish, so I’m going to go ahead and help you out. In this article, I’m going to not only share how to install feed-in braids, but also give you a variety of style suggestions. Before we get started, let's make our playlist selection. I get so excited when I listen to Jaden Smith’s song “Icon” and then I get even more hype when I watch the remix on Will Smith’s Instagram. It’s summer and play whatever gets you hype. Share with me what songs get you dancing by commenting below! Alright, it’s time to slay some braids while preserving your edges! Let's get started.
Feed-In Braid Basics
The basic feed-in braid isn’t hard once you get the process down. It does take practice but I feel like it’s a good challenge and the braid patterns are endless. Let's get into the basic braiding pattern so you can get as creative as you like.
Supplies
- Jumbo Braid Hair 84” (2 packs)
- Mousse
- Beeswax
- Edge control
- Hair gel
- Flatiron
- Rattail comb
- Hairspray
Before you start braiding prepare your braid hair by following the steps below:
Step #1
Cut the braid hair in half
Step #2
Thread the braid hair to help the braid taper at the end
Step #3
Add oil to your scalp before beginning to braid
Step #4
Divide out the sections of your braid hair and layout so you can reach them easily
Step #5
Make sure your parts are neat
Method 1
Step #1
Detangle your hair
Step #2
Part out your first section
Step #3
Leave out your edges to smooth out at the end
Step #4
Begin braiding the section
Step #5
Grab a piece of hair and place between your pointer and thumb
Step #6
Grab your natural piece of hair and add in with the next strand
Step #7
Grab larger sections of hair to make the braid bigger as you braid further down
Step #8
Smooth the hair and remove tangles (with your fingers) as you continue braiding
Step #9
An option is to use a gel as you braid to keep your hair neat
Step #10
When you part your next section take edge control and smooth it on both sides of the part
Step #11
Smooth your edges with edge control
Method 2
Step #1
Detangle your hair
Step #2
Part out your first section
Step #3
Begin braiding the section
Step #4
Grab a piece of braiding hair and put one side of it between your pointer and thumb
Step #5
Continue braiding but leave the other side loose
Step #6
On the left side of your braid take the loose strand and put it in between your pointer and your thumb
Step #7
Grab larger pieces of hair to make the braid bigger as you braid further down
Tip: If you want to combine your braids in the back take one strand of your first braid and add in the other two strands of hair.
Step #8
Put
mousse on braids
Step #9
Spray with hairspray
Step #10
Dip the ends in hot water
Step #11
Trim the stray hairs on your braids
Style Options with Feed-in Braids
Now that you have the basis feed-in braid technique perfected there are so many different styles you can create. Below are perfect options to wear for the rest of the summer. I already know you will be cute!
1. Accessorized Braids
Braid cuffs and beads are the right accessories to add to your feed-in braids. Another option is the colored or metallic thread, yarn or string to wrap around your braids. Here’s a quick tutorial on how to accessorize your braids with yarn or string.
Step #1
Complete your feed-in braids
Step #2
Dip the ends of your braids in boiling water
Step #3
Towel dry your braids once they cool
Step #4
Grab your string, yarn or thread
Step #5
Fold it in the middle where it is even on both sides
Step #6
Lay the thread on top of the braid
Step #7
Wrap it around the braid and bring both ends back around to the front of the braid
Step #8
Crisscross the thread to form an “X” on the front of the braid
Step #9
Continue the process until you get close to the end of the braid
Step #10
At the stopping point, double knot your yarn or thread
Step #11
Cut the end off
Tip: You can start and stop your thread anywhere you want on the braid. Be creative!
2. Braided Bun
A nice twist is a braided bun. Your feed-in
braids are extremely versatile which makes it easy for you to create this style. You can design your braid pattern into a bun to make it easier to pull them up or create your braids long enough to wrap them into a bun.
Step #1
Complete your braids
Step #2
Lay your edges
Step #3
Put the braids in a ponytail using an elastic
Step #4
Wrap half of the braids around the base of the ponytail
Step #5
Wrap the remaining braids around the base of the ponytail in the opposite direction
3. Center Braid
The center braid is regal! I love the look, and it’s one of those hairstyles that looks good regardless of the occasion or outfit you are wearing.
Things to Remember:
- Remember to part your hair in the center and make sure it’s even on both sides
- Make sure the part is neat
- Braid the center part all the way back or to the point where you want your center part design to end
- Add accessories to the center part to add even more eye appeal
4. Fishbone Braids
These fishbone feed-in braids give me all kind of Al Iverson vibes. His braids are as iconic as his talent on the court. Let's get into how to create these braids with the steps below:
Step #1
Add edge control to your hairline
Step #2
Part out a center section of your hair
Step #3
Braid up the center section to keep the hair out of the way
Step #4
Section the hair on the right side into three parts
Step #5
Pull each part into a ponytail
Step #6
Unbraid the center section and divide it into two sections by leaving a small section in the front and the rest in the back
Step #7
Part out a small section of hair from the front center ponytail after you take it down
Step #8
Begin braiding this small section to the center; you will have four braids on one side and then do the same thing on the opposite side
Step #9
Pull the ends of the braids up into a ponytail
Step #10
Begin braiding the first ponytail on the right side
Step #11
Part the ponytail out into small sections and braid the same way as the previous braid
Step #12
Continue the same braiding pattern on all sections on the right side
Step #13
Braid all the sections the same way on the let side
Step #14
Grab your braiding hair and cut it in half
Step #15
Split the hair into small sections to prepare for your feed-in braids
Step #16
Begin braiding the hair on the right side and add in your hair as you braid
Step #17
Refer above for how to feed hair into your braid
Step #18
Begin braiding the hair on the left side and add in your hair as you braid
Step #19
Dip the ends of the braids in hot water
Step #20
Spray your scalp with oil
Step #21
Add accessories to your braids
5. Lemonade Side Braids
Everyone is slaying the side braids (aka lemonade braids). The versatility of them makes them a good option for a vacation. You can put them up in a side bun as well as a single braid. Take the infamous picture of Beyonce rocking them to your braider, and you will be ready for the next concert in style.
6. Fulani braids
Fulani braids are different from cornrows. They tend to be more detailed in design. They are distinctive because of their braid pattern which is one large braid going back down the center of the head and forward facing plaits. These braids are eye-catching.
Live Your Best Life This Summer
Braids are extremely versatile and trendy. As you can see from all the variations above you can take one style and flip it so many ways. To be honest, we’ve worn braids even when they were not trendy. From childhood all the way to adulthood, they have been a staple in our culture. Feed-in braid designs are limitless. In all types of designs. We want to see your braids so please tag us at Private Label Extensions. You may get featured on our Instagram page. Comment below with tips on how you
make your braids last and the products you use on your braids to keep them neat.