You CAN learn how to braid (see videos below) and red hair looks gorgeous using this hairstyle. Braids are especially nice for those with active lifestyles or when needing a fancy hairdo for a special event like weddings, celebrations, etc....
TYPES OF BRAIDS INCLUDE:
Classic English braid - the common 3-stranded braid by weaving the right strand OVER the middle strand, then the left strand over the middle and so on. Secure the end with an elastic band or hair clip. This usually starts at the nape of the neck or a bit higher.
French braid - also 3 strands but starts at the top of the head at the hairline. Small strands of hair are weaved in along the way down from both sides of the head using the right-over-middle pattern of English braid. Looks very elegant and fancy, plus helps keep long layered hair tidy easier than typical braid.
Dutch braid - This is an inverted French braid in a left-UNDER-middle strand pattern instead so that the hair is pulled closer to the head with the strands sitting on top.
Herringbone - This is a 2-stranded braid.
Swiss braid - Sometimes called the ‘Heidi’ braid, this crosses 2 braids at the neck nape which are brought up around the head in a crown pattern and pinned.
Multiple-strands - More than 3 strands can be used to braid. Anywhere from 4-strands to 7 or 8 can be woven but takes a bit of practice and patience. Often uses a pattern of right-under-two-back-over-one, then left-under....
Rope braid - Not a true braid, but actually making a pony tail or strands of hair that are twisted tightly and secured at the end so it doesn’t untwist.
Biker braid - Not a true braid either, but is just a ponytail or 2 strands of hair secured with elastic bands at intervals to keep the hair from blowing around in the wind. Can use colorful bands to dress it up.
Braided bun - Make a classic English braid out of a ponytail and then wrap it around a hair stick or the hair band and secure it with pins.
Of course, ALL of these can be dressed up with fancy elastic hair bands, tiny hair pins, or little clips. Braided hairdos can be stunning; be creative!
IT TAKES PRACTICE Learning how to braid takes patience and practice, practice, practice...You might START learning using 3 lengths of nice soft white rope joined together at the top and secured to a solid object. Then, once you’ve got it, move onto hair. It's actually easier to braid if the hair hasn't been washed for a day or has a bit of gel on it so not so slippery. You can also experiment with your own hand positions. Be sure not to tug on the hair too hard.
A GREAT book that might help is published by KLUTZ, called "Hair: A Book of Braiding and Styles" It features redheads and includes scrunchies.
------ BRAIDING VIDEOS just for FUN ------
This VIDEO shows a how to do a SIMPLE LONG BRAID, which then is wrapped into a BRAIDED BUN around a pen or hair stick...very simple and looks nice if you have long hair. Lovely hair on this young lady; too bad it's not red!
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This video shows how To FRENCH BRAID hair. Learning to French braid takes a LOT of practice but the result is stunning. Be sure you've learned how to braid the basic 3-strand English style braid first. Once you figure out what to do with your fingers, you've got it made. Don't get frustrated but keep practicing! Learning how to braid takes time...