How to Plait & Braid Hair Extensions

Adding hair extensions can completely transform your look, offering length and volume that’s perfect for creating a range of hairstyles, especially braids and plaits. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned in hairstyling, learning how to effectively braid hair extensions will help you achieve gorgeous, intricate styles. This guide will walk you through the basics of plaiting and braiding hair extensions, ensuring your hairstyle looks polished and professional.

Preparing Your Hair Extensions for Braiding

Before you begin braiding, it’s important to ensure that your hair extensions are properly prepared to achieve the best results:

Selection of Extensions: Use high-quality, real human hair extensions for the most natural look and ease of styling. Synthetic hair can also be used, but it may not blend as seamlessly or handle heat styling as well.
Detangling: Gently brush through your extensions with a wide-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to remove any tangles and ensure smooth braiding.
Application: Make sure your extensions are securely attached. For braiding purposes, clip-in or sew-in extensions are usually the most stable.
Protection: Apply a light serum or heat protectant to both your natural hair and the extensions to minimize damage and frizz.

Basic Braiding Techniques with Extensions

Understanding a few basic braiding techniques will help you create a variety of styles:

Traditional Three-Strand Braid

Section the Hair: Divide your hair into three even sections.
Begin Braiding: Cross the right section over the middle, then the left section over the new middle, pulling slightly to keep the braid tight.
Continue: Repeat the process down the length of your hair, securing with a hair tie at the end.

French Braid

Start at the Top: Begin with a small section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three parts.
Add Hair as You Go: Each time you cross a section over, add a little more hair to it from each side of your head.
Secure the Braid: Continue this process until all your hair is incorporated, then braid normally to the ends and tie off.

Dutch Braid (Inverted French Braid)

Sectioning: Similar to the French braid, start with a small section at the crown.
Underhand Technique: Instead of crossing the sections over, cross them under each other. This makes the braid stand out more against the head.
Finish: Keep adding hair as you work down, securing the end with a hair tie.

Styling Tips for Braided Hair Extensions

Braid Tightly, Then Loosen: Initially, braid your hair tightly for control, and then gently tug at the edges of the braid to make it fuller and more voluminous.
Use Accessories: Decorative clips, scrunchies, or ribbon can be woven into your braids for an extra touch of style.
Care for Your Extensions: Post-styling, make sure to gently brush and store your extensions properly to maintain their quality.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Slipping: If your extensions begin to slip while braiding, this could be due to them not being clipped in securely. Double-check that each clip is tight and add a bit of hairspray to provide extra grip.
Bulky Appearances: If your braids look bulky or uneven, this could be due to uneven distribution of hair. Make sure to evenly distribute your hair and the extensions before braiding.

Conclusion

Braiding hair with extensions can elevate your hairstyle to a new level, allowing for creativity and variation in your daily looks. By following these steps and practicing, you’ll be able to master braiding techniques that enhance the beauty and functionality of your hair extensions. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just sprucing up your everyday style, braided extensions offer a stylish and appealing option.