1. Braiding and Braid Extentions
Copyright 2013 © SAP

2. The Art of Braiding Originated in Africa
Highly regarded as an art form
Signified social and marital status
Distinguished one’s tribe, age, occupation, and religion
Today communicates self-image and self-esteem

3. Natural Hairstyling Uses no chemicals or tints.
Does not alter the natural curl of the hair.
Has origins in African-American heritage.
People of all races appreciate its beauty and versatility.

4. Hair Analysis
Consult with client and analyze the condition of the hair
Pay close attention to the three hair texture qualities:
Diameter of the hair
Feel
Wave pattern
Avoid placing too much tension on the hairline or partings along the hairline

5. Facial Shapes
Oval
Round
Square
Diamond
Triangular
Heart shaped
Oblong

6. Tools for Braiding

7. Materials for Hair Extensions
Human hair
Kanekalon
Nylon
Yarn
Lin
Yak

8. Working with Wet or Dry Hair
It is best to braid hair when it is dry.
When working with wet hair, allow for some shrinkage to avoid breakage or hair loss from pulling or twisting.
Long hair is best braided dry; apply a leave-in conditioner.
Pomades, gels, or lotions are used for control and a finished look.

9. Invisible Braid
Uses an overhand pick-up technique, overlapping strands of hair on top of each other.
Can be done with or without extensions.
Is ideal on long hair.
Layered hair must be damp and gelled.
Figure

10. Visible Braid Is three strand braid Uses an underhand technique.
Weave under the center strand.
Braid with underhand stitch

11. Rope Braid Two strands of hair wrapped around each other.
Can be performed on either long or layered hair.
Always add hair to both sides before you twist right over left.
Figure

12. Fishtail Braid
Two-strand braid that adds hair from each side and crossed over each other
Performs best on dry, one-length hair
Best done on shoulder-length hair
Figure 13-43

13. Single Braids
These are free-hanging braids with or without extensions.
Partings may be square, triangular, or rectangular.
Fiber for extensions may be synthetic, yarn, or human hair.
Braiding must be consistent and close together.

14. Cornrows Also called canerows
Narrow rows of visible braids that are very close to the scalp
Consistent, even partings
Worn by men, women, and children
Last several weeks to two months

15. LOCKS Locks are also called dreadlocks.
Hair is intertwined and meshed together.
No chemicals are used.
Hair locks in several slow phases six months to one year.
Use twisting, wrapping with cord, coiling, or braiding.
Do not comb or brush.
Figure 13-78

16. Three Basic Methods of Locking
Comb technique—place comb at base and rotate, spiraling the hair into a curl.
The palm roll—apply gel to damp hair and roll hair between palms of both hands.
Braids or extensions—single braid hair to ends, use synthetic, human hair, or yarn; and add to braid to form a lock.
Permanent wave solution

17. SUMMARY
Braiding reached its peak of social and esthetic significance in Africa.
Braiding takes an enormous amount of time, with some styles taking a day or longer to complete.
In many African cultures, it is considered an opportunity for women to socialize and form bonds of trust.
Today, these services are used by people of all races.
Natural hairstyling has brought a new and diverse approach to hair care.