Fishtail, Milkmaid, Dutch, Crown, Three-Strand, Four-Strand—we could go on for days about the never ending list of braid styles. But, like all hairstyles, mastering the basics is key to advancing your technique. Though the concept seems simple, there's more to braiding than meets the eye.
In this how-to video, Sam Villa (@samvillahair) and Andrew Carruthers (@andrew.carruthers), Education Director for Sam Villa are going back to the basics with part one of a three-part video series covering the fundamentals of braiding. This first video shares how to create an inside plait, paying close attention to hand positioning that will allow you to easily add hair as you braid while maintaining complete control of your sections. Whether you're an experienced salon professional or a cosmetology student, these tips will make braiding easier and more consistent.
TIPS
- There are three general braid types: inside plait, outside plait and a twisted plait.
- Perfect the palm and pinch motion—palm the right strand, pinch the middle, flip right and bring the left strand to the middle.
- Repeat on the left: palm the left strand, pinch the middle, flip left and bring the right strand to the middle.
- Once you establish rhythm, speed will come naturally.
- Work with a tail comb when braiding as it helps to give you the sectioning that you need.
- If needed, practice on rope to master the palm and pinch motion before moving onto hair.
About: Sam Villa is Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken and Founding Partner of the Sam Villa brand (Allvus, LLC), designed to bring “More Sam to More People.” The educational world of this Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007), Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015), can be experienced on www.samvilla.com.