Yarn braids are a stylish and protective hairstyle that can be beautifully adapted for short hair. Whether you’re looking to add color, length, or texture, yarn braids offer versatility and creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving stunning yarn braids on short hair.
Materials Needed:
Before you begin, gather the following materials:
Yarn (choose colors and textures according to your preference)
Rat tail comb
Hair clips
Hair moisturizer or leave-in conditioner
Scissors
Hair ties or rubber bands
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Prepare Your Hair:
Start with clean, detangled hair. Short hair should be thoroughly moisturized to prevent dryness during braiding.
Part your hair into small sections using a rat tail comb. Secure the rest of your hair with clips to keep it out of the way.
2. Cut and Prepare Yarn:
Cut the yarn into strands that are double the desired length of your braids. This accounts for folding the yarn over to create the braid.
You can use yarn of different colors to create a unique and vibrant look.
3. Begin Braiding:
Take a small section of hair and divide it into three equal parts.
Incorporate a strand of yarn as one of the three parts, ensuring it is tightly held with the hair.
Start braiding the yarn and hair together in a traditional three-strand braid.
4. Continue Braiding:
As you braid, add more strands of yarn along with each section of hair to maintain consistency in the thickness and style of the braid.
Braid tightly but not too tight to avoid tension on your scalp.
5. Secure the Ends:
When you reach the end of your natural hair, continue braiding with just the yarn for a few inches to secure the braid.
Tie the end of the braid with a small hair tie or rubber band to prevent unraveling.
SEE ALSO: How to Achieve 50s Curls for Short Hair?
6. Repeat:
Continue the process, section by section, until your entire head is braided. Make sure to take breaks if needed to avoid strain on your hands and scalp.
7. Final Touches:
Once all braids are complete, trim any excess yarn to achieve a uniform length.
Optionally, you can dip the ends of your braids in hot water to seal them and prevent fraying.
8. Maintenance:
Yarn braids can last several weeks with proper care. Moisturize your scalp regularly and cover your hair with a satin scarf or bonnet at night to preserve the braids.
Tips for Styling Yarn Braids on Short Hair:
Experiment with Colors:
Mix and match yarn colors to create a unique and personalized look.
Add Accessories:
Embellish your yarn braids with beads or hair cuffs for added flair.
Protect Your Edges:
Be gentle when braiding near your hairline to avoid tension and protect your edges.
Conclusion
Yarn braids are a fantastic way to express your style while protecting your natural hair, even if it’s short. With patience and attention to detail, you can achieve stunning yarn braids that will turn heads and keep your hair healthy. Enjoy the versatility and creativity that yarn braids offer, and embrace the beauty of your short hair with this stylish protective style!
FAQs
Do Yarn Braids Damage Your Hair?
Yarn braids are generally considered to be a protective hairstyle, which means they can help protect your natural hair from environmental damage and breakage. However, if not done or maintained properly, they can potentially cause damage. Here are some key points to consider:
Tension: Braiding too tightly can cause tension on your scalp and hair roots, leading to traction alopecia or hair breakage. Ensure that the braids are snug but not too tight.
Moisture: Yarn can absorb moisture from your hair, potentially leading to dryness. It’s important to keep your hair moisturized while wearing yarn braids.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance, such as regular moisturizing and not leaving the braids in for too long, is crucial. Yarn braids should typically be worn for no more than 4-6 weeks.
Can You Wash Your Hair with Yarn Braids In?
Yes, you can wash your hair with yarn braids in. Here’s how to do it:
Dilute Shampoo: Mix a small amount of sulfate-free shampoo with water in an applicator bottle.
Apply Shampoo: Apply the diluted shampoo directly to your scalp, focusing on cleansing the scalp rather than the yarn.
Massage Gently: Use your fingertips to gently massage your scalp, avoiding rough movements that could cause frizz or unravel the braids.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse your scalp and braids thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all the shampoo.
Condition: Apply a lightweight conditioner to your scalp and the length of your braids if needed. Rinse thoroughly.
Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water from your braids and use a towel to blot dry. Allow your braids to air dry completely to prevent mildew and odor.
How to Do Stitch Braids with Yarn?
Stitch braids with yarn involve creating neat, cornrow-style braids with added yarn for color and texture. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prepare Your Hair: Clean and detangle your hair, then part it into sections for the stitch braids.
Cut Yarn: Cut yarn into pieces that are twice the length of your desired braids.
Start the Braid: Take a small section of hair and begin a cornrow braid by dividing it into three parts.
Add Yarn: After a few stitches, add a piece of yarn to one of the three sections. Continue braiding, ensuring the yarn is incorporated smoothly.
Create Stitches: To achieve the stitch effect, use a rat tail comb to create even, horizontal partings as you braid. Pull hair through these partings to create the stitch look.
Continue Braiding: Keep adding yarn and creating stitches until you reach the end of the section.
Secure the Ends: Once you reach the end of your natural hair, continue braiding the yarn for a few more inches, then secure with a small rubber band.
How to Braid 4 Pieces of Yarn?
Braiding with four pieces of yarn creates a unique, thicker braid. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare the Yarn: Cut four pieces of yarn to the desired length.
Anchor the Yarn: Secure the four pieces of yarn together at one end using a hair tie or simply holding them together.
Divide the Yarn: Separate the four pieces into two sets, holding two pieces in each hand.
Start the Braid:
Cross the rightmost piece over the adjacent piece, then under the next piece, and finally over the leftmost piece. Next, take the leftmost piece and cross it over the adjacent piece, then under the next piece, and finally over the rightmost piece.
Continue Braiding: Repeat the process, alternating sides and maintaining the over-under-over pattern until you reach the end.
Secure the Braid: Tie off the end of the braid with a small rubber band to prevent unraveling.
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