Hair Braiding Tutorial

Hair braiding tutorial

Get the latest hair braiding tutorial here!

WHAT IS A BRAID?

A braid (or plait) describes a flat, three-stranded structure that forms a pattern by interlacing one or more strands of material such as hair, wire or textile fibers. The braid is normally long and narrow, with each strand functionally equivalent in zigzagging through the overlapping mass of the other strands.

Braiding has been around for thousands of years and may be used in a variety of ways. African tribes braided hair as a sign of cultural significance, fashion, tribal identity and cultural beliefs. A variety of braiding patterns in hairstyles indicated a person's community, age, wealth, marital status, social position, religion and power. The Zulu and Massai are among the primary tribes that used braiding as a form of expression.

Cornrows (or canerows) were often favored due to their easy maintenance. Cornrows are created when the hair is braided very close to the scalp, using an underhand, upward motion to establish a continuous, raised row. They are most commonly produced in straight lines beginning at the hairline moving toward the nape area. However, they can also be formed in very distinct curvilinear or geometric designs.

WHERE CAN YOU LEARN HOW TO BRAID?

In most families, it is a custom to teach the child to braid when they are a very young age. It is passed down from generation to generation as a custom.

Braiding is traditionally a social art. Because of the time it takes to braid hair, people take time to socialize while braiding and having their hair done. Children watch and learn from the adults, start practicing on younger children or doll heads and eventually learn the traditional skill.

If you are unable to learn from family and friends, there are a wide variety of instructional videos on the internet that will give you access to this skill at no cost. Additionally, you may choose to purchase an instructional DVD or even take a class to learn how to braid.

Learn how to braid by watching our FREE instructional videos!

http://www.amidbeauty.com/#!free-instructional-videos/c24q6

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