To effectively tuck natural hair when braiding, especially in styles like box braids, the technique involves ensuring the natural hair is integrated and concealed within the braiding hair. Based on the provided reference snippet, a key part of this process is to keep wrapping the natural hair all the way down the braid and slick it in its way.
This method helps to hide the natural hair strands, providing a smoother look and preventing them from sticking out of the finished braid.
Understanding the Tucking Process
Tucking natural hair is crucial for achieving neat, long-lasting braids, particularly when using extension hair. It helps to:
- Conceal: Blend your natural hair seamlessly with the extension hair.
- Secure: Ensure your hair is locked into the braid structure.
- Protect: Keep delicate ends covered and protected within the braid.
Key Techniques for Tucking Natural Hair
Drawing from the reference, the core actions involve manipulation of the natural hair strand as you braid.
- Wrapping: As you begin braiding with the extension hair, take the section of your natural hair and keep wrapping it around one of the strands of the extension hair.
- Continue Down: Maintain this wrapping motion, bringing the natural hair strand all the way down the length of the braid as you interlace the sections.
- Slicking: As you wrap, periodically "slick it in its way," meaning smooth the natural hair strand tightly against the extension hair it's wrapped around. This ensures it lays flat and doesn't protrude.
Practical Tips for Tucking
- Start Strong: Ensure the natural hair is fully incorporated right from the base of the braid.
- Tension: Maintain consistent tension, but avoid pulling too tight on the scalp. The tension should focus on keeping the natural hair wrapped smoothly within the braiding strand.
- Product Use: Applying a small amount of gel or edge control can help to slick down the natural hair section before and during wrapping, making it easier to manage and conceal.
By consistently wrapping and slicking the natural hair strand all the way down within the braiding hair, you effectively "tuck" it into the braid, achieving a clean and integrated finish as suggested by the reference.
| Action | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wrapping | Enveloping the natural hair around the extension hair strand. | Integrates natural hair into the braid. |
| Slicking In | Smoothing the natural hair tightly against the extension strand. | Conceals natural hair, creates smooth finish. |
| Down the Length | Continuing the wrap/slick action throughout the braid's length. | Ensures full concealment from root to tip. |
This process, demonstrated through actions like wrapping and slicking, is fundamental to tucking natural hair neatly within braided styles.
