make an unfussy, braid.
Tutorial, instructions, and ideas to learn how to braid or to teach children how to braid.
how to braid 1| Grasp a section of hair and divide into three sections. 2| Holding onto the section on the right, bring it over the middle section. 3| Holding onto the section on the left, bring it over the new middle section. 4| Repeat again and again until you come to the end of the lengths of hair. 5| Secure with a hairband.
If you have never been able to braid your own hair a braid in front—where you can see while braiding—is a good way to begin. This simple style is a fresh way of wearing a classic. It is a practical style for growing out bangs—shorter tresses can be incorporated into the braid. And, children too old for pigtail braids will go for this sweet updated style.
For the laid-back braided hairstyle shown above, begin by grasping a section of hair on one side. Divide it into three pieces. Braid and secure with a small band. Leave as is (bottom right)—or, pull all the tresses back into a low ponytail. While securing the band around the ponytail, do not pull the hair all the way through—leave it in a bun-like loop (top photo). Works on medium to long hair. A practical, easy, beach style too.
To teach children how to braid, clip a handful of yarn lengths onto a clipboard. Show them the steps, above, braiding with the yarn. They can either undo the braid and keep practicing—or, tie both ends in a knot and they can wear their braid-practicing around their wrist as a braided bracelet, above.
Braids have been been around a long time. Pioneers braided their hair, and they braided rugs out of strips of cloth. Artisans have incorporated braids into leather work—for hundreds of years—on belts, hat bands, and horse bridles. What will you make with braids?
©heather cahoon • you make do™
