Braiding curly hair close to the scalp requires careful preparation and technique. The key is to keep the braid neat and prevent it from pulling away from the head.
Preparing Curly Hair for Scalp Braids
Before you begin braiding, proper preparation is crucial:
- Moisturize: Start with clean, well-moisturized hair. Dry, brittle curls are more prone to breakage and will be harder to braid. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream.
- Detangle: Gently detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to prevent breakage. Work from the ends up.
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into small, manageable sections. Smaller sections are essential for a neat, close-to-the-scalp braid.
Braiding Technique for Curly Hair
The technique focuses on adding hair to the braid progressively to maintain its proximity to the scalp:
- Starting the Braid: Begin with a small section of hair at the hairline, creating a small, tight initial braid.
- Adding Hair: As you braid, progressively add small sections of hair from the surrounding areas to the braid. This "picking up" of hair is essential for a neat, flat braid against the scalp. The video mentions that this helps keep "the braid really nice and neat and not wavering away from the head or sitting off the scalp".
- Tension: Maintain gentle but firm tension throughout the braiding process. Too much tension can cause pain and breakage, while too little tension results in a loose, untidy braid.
- Securing the Braid: Once you've incorporated all the hair, secure the end of the braid with a hair tie or a small clip.
Tips for Success
- Use the right products: Employ hair products designed for curly hair to keep curls defined and manageable during braiding.
- Practice: Mastering scalp braiding takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempt isn't perfect.
- Consider hair size: Smaller sections will give you a tighter, closer braid.
