How To Do Feed-In Braids

Feed-in braids, commonly known as cornrows, are a very popular hairstyle, and certainly a hairstyle that looks great! To achieve this style, hair is braided very close to the scalp to form straight, continuous lines. Feed-in braids get their name because the method involves 'feeding in' thick pieces of hair to create this hairstyle. Though they are typically worn in simple, straight rows, elaborate geometric or curvilinear designs are also gaining popularity recently. The braids are sometimes embellished with beads, shells, or coloured hair strands to make them eye-catching. We have prepared a guide to help you learn how to do feed-in braids at home- please take a read through and reach out to us if you have any questions!

How To Do Feed-In Braids, A Step-By-Step Guide

Part 1: Hair and Extension Preparation

1.    Wash your hair:

To learn how to do feed-in braids correctly, start with fresh & clean hair. Wash your hair using shampoo and conditioner appropriate for your hair type. Detangle your hair after washing using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Remember:

• To be gentle while detangling wet hair because wet hair strands are very fragile.
• To avoid hair breakage during detangling, use your fingers.

2. Dry your hair:

Braiding wet hair is difficult. Dry your wet hair thoroughly using a blow dryer on medium to high heat before following the steps of this how to do feed-in braids tutorial.

• If you have thick hair, divide it into four or more sections for blow-drying.
• If you have naturally curly hair, straighten it as much as possible using a blow dryer.
• Spritz your hair with a heat protector spray before blow-drying to avoid heat damage.

3. Choose your favourite extensions:

 The length and colour of the hair extensions you want to opt for depend entirely on how you want to do your feed-in braid and your own style preferences. However, before buying coloured extensions, ensure they are designed for cornrow braiding by reading the label on the package. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose synthetic or real human hair extensions.

Human hair extensions are excellent because they look and feel like natural hair and are also more durable. Their only disadvantages are that they are expensive and can become frizzy when exposed to high humidity.

Synthetic braiding strands are less expensive and do not frizz, but unfortunately, they do not last long and look less natural.

4. Divide your extensions into sections to prepare them:

 Hair extensions are available in a long pack with all of the hair bundled together. Therefore, it is important to separate them into sections and arrange them in a row before you begin to learn how to do feed-in braids. Make the first hair section 14 inches thick, then continue to separate them, making each section slightly thicker than the previous one.

The longer you want to make your braids, the more sections you will require.

Separate your extensions into sections for each feed-in braid. For instance, to create two long feed-in braids, you'll need two sets of seven extension sections.

Part 2: How to Part Your Hair

1. Make a single part down the centre of your hair for two feed-in braids:

 Two long feed-in braids, one on each side, are very much in style now. To learn how to do two feed-in braids, it is always best tostart by making a single part down the centre of your head. Part your hair using the tip of a rattail comb, but avoid using the comb's teeth as they may create tangles.

2. Part your hair into multiple sections to create three or more feed-in braids:

 Some people prefer to wear their hair in multiple rows of feed-in braids. To learn how to do multiple feed-in braidswith multiple sections,it is best to take things slowly and work on multiple partings. Start by taking a rattail comb and place its tip at the edge of your hair, now pull it back up to the nape of the neck in a straight line to gradually separate your hair. Repeat this process as many times as you like, but make sure to create even sections of hair.

The number of parts you need to make depends on the number of braids you desire to create. For example, if you want 8 braids, you must make 7 parts.

Check the back of your head using a mirror to ensure all the rows are straight and even.

3. Separate the sections:

 After parting your hair, use hair ties or clips to keep each section separate while you braid. If you don't, strands from one section may mix with the others, resulting in a crooked part. To avoid this, keep the hair sections apart with the help of hair ties or duckbill hair clips.

Part 3: How to do a Feed-In Braid

1.    Take some hair from a section and divide it into three equal pieces:

 To learn how to do feed-in braids, the next step will be to separate the hair into sections and start cornrowing before adding extensions to the hair. For this, separate 1/4 inch of the hair from the edge of one section and divide it into three equal parts. Start braiding by holding one section with one hand and the other two using the other hand.

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2.    Cornrow before adding extension:

After you've separated a hair section into three parts, begin cornrowing the section before adding the extensions. This will make your braids look more natural. For cornrow braiding, take either the left or right section of the hair and move it over the adjacent section to bring the section you started with into the centre. Then, take the opposite section and move it to the centre similarly. Now you have made one stitch. Repeat the process until you have 3-4 stitches.

While learning how to do feed-in braids, when you are at this more advanced stage you will need to make sure you add hair strands from the untouched section of the row each time you cross a section over.

3.    Combine the hair extensions with your natural hair:

After creating 3-4 cornrow stitches, you can add your extensions to the braid. Pick up the smallest section of the extension in the middle using your thumb and index finger and fold it in half. To combine it with your hair seamlessly, place the extension next to your centre strand and one of the outside strands.

4.    Using the extension, continue to cornrow your hair:

Start cornrow braiding with the section you just added. As you braid down the scalp, keep adding small sections of hair. Braid your hair like this for another 3-4 stitches before adding the next extension.

5.    After every 3-4 stitches, add the next extension section:

 Once you have braided the previous extension with your hair, pick up your next largest section and continue braiding in a similar manner. As you braid down your scalp, continue adding extensions. To maintain the length of your braid, add extensions after every few stitches.

Continue cornrowing down to the nape of your neck after adding your final extension section.

How Can Slayology help to enhance the beauty of feed-in braids?

If you are wondering how to do feed-in braids in the best way to make heads turn, Slayology is here for you. We are a UK-based company on a mission to add splashes of colour to the streets. At Slayology, we believe colours allow people to express themselves and bring out their true personalities. Our “Spill n Splash” braiding hair comes in a wide range of vibrant colours to make you look effortlessly fabulous. We offer 100% premium quality hair that is natural-looking, yaki textured, super soft and vibrant for feed-in braids in London. All our braids go through a thorough evaluation process to ensure they are both hot water and cold water friendly. To explore our extensive braiding hair collection in irresistible shades or to find out more about how to do feed-in braids, visit our website today!