Question for the self braiders!!

[Shatani]

well, unexpected money tightness has made me consider doing my own extensions...i dont doubt that i can do it, as i used to always do my friends and my mom....i just wonder about how it will look if i do it myself...ya know??

and i wondered, whats the toughest part for you to do yourself...i think the middle at the very top of my head is gonna be the toughest by far??

and do you ladies have any helpful tips for me, in case i decide to take this on??
~T~

 

[Shatani]

bump

 

[Neroli]

Tip 1: practice makes perfect!
Tip 2: keep it simple at first. . .
Tip 3: set aside DOUBLE the amount of time you think you need (if you THINK its gonna take 4 hours, set aside 8 hours)

I've been braiding my own hair for years and can rock both individuals and cornrows myself; however, had to do a few times before I was truly satisfied. Good luck!

 

[Shatani]

cool, thanks for the tips!! im pretty lazy, so i envision taking about two days (including meals, breaks, and resting tired arms!) hehehe

 

[AJamericanDiva]

I agree, Shatani, the top middle part was by far the hardest part for me to do. All the braids in my album were done by me except for these last two. I was very proud of the outcome and took note of where I needed to improve so that with each go it'll look better. I got a lot of compliments on my braids and friends saying that they wanted me to braid their hair. Humph! They could forget about that! After all those hours, I didn't want to see another braid. I am gradually removing my braids now. I will be doing them my own self this go round. You can do it. Furthermore, the more you do it, the faster you become.

 

[NYCQT16]

Would any of you say that the braid video from growafrohairlong helped?

 

[Neroli]

Never saw the braid video. I learned to cornrow when I was real little, like 6 or 7 years old and then learned to add extensions in my teens.

 

[mermaid]

my hardest was the middle of the back- child, my neck and shoulders were SCREAMING!
once I started braiding my own hair, however, it was no going back. I love not having to wait for the braider's schedule, and being able to tightens up a few braids inbetween touch up time.
you'll be soo glad you started to do it. I never saw the braid video, just picked it up from watching others do it.

 

[BLESSED1]

don't make plans for 2 days; spend 1 day braiding at your own pace, and the next day getting an arm and back massage

 

[ChoclatePrincess]

Well I can tell you pick a weekend when you have absolutely no where to go. I didn't really have any touch areas it just takes longer for me to do the back because I try to get the part as straight as possible. I would advise you to start off with braids that are not too small, get everything you need from the store before starting because you're not going to want to stop once you start and don't answer your phone!

NYCQT16: I never saw the braid video I taught myself how to braid.

 

[Sascha]

I own the braid video....You can definetly do it without buying the video. Just practice with a couple of sections in the back of your hair and in the front so you get used to the feel of it then go ahead and do your whole head when you have a day set aside.
** It will take longer than you think it will so make sure you set a bigger time slot.

**Your arms will get tired and you'll have to take breaks

**Don't try to do the braids too small the first time

I am confident that you will be able to do this. I am style challenged and I was quite happy with the way my braids turned out

 

[BabyCurls]

<font color="purple">I have to also agree that the middle and the back are 2 of the most difficult areas to braid. But it takes practice to do your best. My advice for you is to get 2 mirrors. One for you to see in the front, and the other to see how well your parts are and the way you're braiding the back and the middle. I knew how to cornrow when I first did the front sides of my hair. It wasn't that hard to do, except doing the middle and back, man, talking about aches in the neck and arms.

It takes time to master the technique, so make sure that you go for something that's easier that you can work with. BTW, my other suggestion is to get a black mannequin head and practice braiding. You'll be amazed at the way the style would be like on your head. Good luck with your braiding!

BC </font>

 

[dontspeakdefeat]

I usually spread my braiding out over several days so I don't suffer from sore or tired arms.

The hair lady video helped me tremendously. I know how to braid natural hair but I didn't know how to add extensions. She shows you a very simple but effective way to do it.

The toughest part for me is the top because I have to reach my arms up above my head. Instead of doing that I tend to bend my head toward my knees to avoid tiredness. This helps a lot.

The smaller you braid the longer the braids will last and practice does make perfect.