5 Braiding Secrets You Need To Know
Ask A BTC Expert: Intricate Braid Design
Did you know using your comb as a ruler is the biggest secret to clean, precise braids?! We snagged this pro tip from Pati Plymire (@queenofthesouth512), along with other genius braiding must-knows like how to maintain tension and keep braids tight. Get answers to all of your braiding Qs in “Ask A BTC Expert” with Pati!
Keep scrollin’ for five tips, watch the IGTV video and register for Pati’s Braid Designing 101 course on BTC University!
Click here to watch Braid Design 101: A 90-minute course on BTC-U for only $24.95!
#1: Do you have tips for starting braids & parting clean lines?
Use a comb as a drawing tool. Pati either uses the plastic or metal end of a rattail comb, or a comb with a hook to part the hair. Her secret to precise, clean lines is applying product to the part itself, and then parting again with the comb. Remember this: If you have clean lines, that’s what the eye goes to and makes the look pop.
Here’s A Pro Tip For Sectioning Braids!
Pati always starts with three small sections and tapers the braid, gradually picking more hair up as she moves further down the braid. Just remember: Smaller to larger sections. This keeps braids tight!
#2: How do you keep better tension when braiding?
Here’s the secret to maintaining tension: Keep fingers as close to the scalp as possible. Pati prefers to braid underhand for a more relaxed body posture. Watch Pati’s technique in the TikTok tutorial below!
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#3: How do you make each section the same size?
The middle part will determine how you structure the braid. Take a rattail comb and find the middle of your client’s lips and use this line as a guide to the center part. Then, to make sure each section is the same size, use the comb as a ruler. For example: Starting at the middle part, measure how far the section will go on one side. Then, move the comb over and cross-check so both sections are the same width.
Pro Tip: Pati also uses the comb ruler trick to determine if sections are the same length in braid designs!
#4: How do you prevent hair from sticking out of braids? Do you braid wet or dry & do you use any products?
Pati preps every braid design with a blowout to stretch the hair to work with maximum length. Here are a few of her must-know product tips to prevent stubborn hairs from sticking out of braids.
- Pomade: To prevent hair from poking out of braids, Pati uses a water-based pomade with medium or high hold.
- Shine Spray: Add extra shine to the braids for a POP.
- Fitting/Setting Foam: After the braids are finished, apply the foam and set by wrapping with a do-rag or wave cap. With the fabric on top of the braids, blow-dry for 3 to 4 minutes to set to let the foam penetrate the braids for extra hold on top of the pomade.
#5: SOS! Finger placement that doesn’t cause cramps & discomfort?
Braiding can cause stress on your fingers, neck and shoulders. That’s why Pati braids underhand to allow her posture to be more relaxed with less tension. It’s important to take care of yourself, so always stretch your fingers before and after braiding.
Click here to watch the full course on BTC University for more braiding secrets!
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