How To Braid When You Have Layers: Step-by-Step Guide

Transforming your layered hair into stunning braided masterpieces might seem like a challenge, but with the right techniques and a dash of creativity, you can achieve gorgeous results that showcase the dynamic beauty of your locks. Welcome to a journey where we unravel the secrets of braiding when you have layers.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hairstylist, these easy tutorials will empower you to conquer those layers and create mesmerizing braids that turn heads.

How To Braid When You Have Layers: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s the step-by-step process for braiding when you have layers:

Step 1: Preparation

1. Wash and Condition: Start with clean, well-conditioned hair. Use a lightweight conditioner to avoid weighing down your layers.
2. Detangle: Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. This is crucial to prevent knots and ensure smooth braiding.
3. Apply Product (Optional): If your hair tends to be slippery, apply a texturizing spray or mousse to add grip and hold to your layers.

Step 2: Sectioning

1. Divide Hair: Use a comb to part your hair into sections. For intricate braids, smaller sections work best.
2. Secure Sections: Use clips or hair ties to secure the sections you’re not working on. This keeps your hair organized and prevents tangling.

Step 3: Choose Your Braid Style

1. Select a Braid: Choose from basic three-strand, fishtail, French, or Dutch braids. Different braid styles will create different looks.

Step 4: Braiding

1. Basic Three-Strand Braid:

• Divide into Three: Divide the section into three equal strands.
• Cross Strands: Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand.
• Repeat: Continue crossing right and left strands alternately until you reach the end.
• Secure: Use a small elastic to secure the end.

2. Fishtail Braid:

• Divide into Two: Divide the section into two equal parts.
• Cross Sections: Take a small piece from the outer edge of the right section and cross it over to the left section. Repeat on the other side.
• Alternate: Continue crossing small pieces from one side to the other until you reach the end.
• Secure: Use an elastic to secure the end.

3. French Braid:

• Start at the Top: Begin with a small section of hair at the crown. Divide it into three strands.
• Cross Strands: Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle.
• Add Hair: As you cross strands, add small sections of hair from the sides into the braid.
• Continue: Keep adding hair and crossing strands until you reach the nape of your neck.
• Finish with a Regular Braid: Once you’ve incorporated all the hair, continue with a regular braid and secure the end.

4. Dutch Braid:

• Similar to French: The technique is similar to the French braid, but you’ll cross strands under the middle instead of over.
• Add Hair: As you cross strands under, add small sections of hair from the sides.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

1. Gently Pull Apart: To create a fuller, more voluminous look, gently pull apart the strands of the braid. This is especially effective for fishtail and Dutch braids.
2. Secure the End: Use a clear elastic to secure the end of the braid.
3. Set with Hairspray (Optional): Apply a light-hold hairspray to set the braid and keep any flyaways in check.

Tips for Enhancing Braids in Layered Hair

1. Divide and Conquer: Work with smaller sections of hair when braiding. This gives you better control over your layers and reduces the likelihood of strands slipping out.
2. Tease for Texture: Gently tease the hair at the base of each section before braiding. This adds texture and grip, making it easier to hold onto the layers.
3. Use Bobby Pins Strategically: If shorter layers tend to escape the braid, strategically place bobby pins along the braid’s path to secure them in place.
4. Begin with Damp Hair: Braiding slightly damp hair can help keep flyaways in check and ensure a neater braid. Avoid hair that’s too wet, as it can become weak and prone to breakage.
5. Incorporate Hair Accessories: Embrace decorative pins, clips, or hairbands to add flair to your braids. They can also help secure loose layers while adding a stylish touch.
6. Experiment with Braid Variations: Mix and match different braid styles to create unique looks that showcase your layered hair’s depth. Combine French and fishtail braids for a captivating twist.
7. Practice regularly. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll become with managing layers. Don’t be discouraged by initial challenges – mastery comes with time and effort.
8. Prioritize a Gentle Touch: Layered hair can be more delicate, so handle it gently to avoid breakage or damage. When braiding, be cautious not to pull too tightly.
9. Prevent Slippage with Elastic Bands: Use clear elastic bands at the end of each section before starting to braid. This prevents layers from unraveling as you work.
10. Apply a lightweight styling product: Use a light-hold gel or hairspray before you begin braiding. This provides additional hold for your layers without making them stiff.

How To Do A Side Braid With Layered Hair

Step 1: Preparation

1. Wash and Condition: Start with clean, dry, and well-conditioned hair. Use a conditioner that adds softness without weighing down your layers.
2. Texturize (Optional): Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to add grip and texture to your hair. This will help prevent layers from slipping out of the braid.

Step 2: Part Your Hair

1. Choose a Side: Decide which side you want your braid to fall on. Part your hair accordingly.

Step 3: Sectioning

1. Divide Hair: Separate the hair into three sections: left, right, and back. The back section contains the majority of your hair, while the left and right sections are smaller.
2. Clip or Tie: Use hair clips or ties to secure the left and right sections, leaving the back section loose.

Step 4: Begin Braiding

1. Gather a Small Section: Take a small section of hair from the front of the back section near your hairline. This will be the starting point of your braid.
2. Divide into Three Strands: Divide this section into three equal strands – right, middle, and left.
3. Initial Cross: Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. This is the starting position for your braid.

Step 5: Adding Layers

1. Cross and Add: As you continue the braid, each time you cross the right strand over the middle, pick up a small section of hair from the right side and add it to the strand. Similarly, do the same for the left side.
2. Maintain Tension: Keep a consistent tension while adding layers to ensure a neat and even braid.

Step 6: Continue Braiding

1. Alternate Crossings: Continue crossing the right and left strands over the middle, incorporating small sections of hair each time.
2. Progress Downward: As you braid, gradually move towards the side where you want the braid to rest.

Step 7: Secure the End

1. Finish Braid: When you’ve incorporated all the layers and reached the desired length, continue with a regular three-strand braid.
2. Secure with Elastic: Once the braid is complete, secure the end with a small, clear elastic band.

Step 8: Loosen the Braid (Optional)

1. Gently Pull Apart: To create a more voluminous and relaxed look, gently pull apart the strands of the braid. This helps showcase the layers and adds texture.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

1. Set with Hairspray: If desired, apply a light-hold hairspray to set the braid and tame any flyaways.

How To Do French Braids With Layers

Creating French braids with layered hair might seem challenging, but with the right technique, you can achieve a stunning look that showcases the dimension of your hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preparation

1. Wash and Condition: Start with clean, dry, and conditioned hair. Use a lightweight conditioner to maintain the natural texture of your layers.
2. Detangle: Gently detangle your hair using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to ensure smooth braiding.
3. Texturize (Optional): Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to add grip and hold to your hair, especially to the layers.

Step 2: Part Your Hair

1. Choose a Part: Decide where you want the center part of your French braid to be. This will determine how the braid falls.

Step 3: Sectioning

1. Divide Hair: Create a triangular section of hair at the top of your head, starting from the center part and extending down to your forehead. This is where you’ll begin your French braid.
2. Clip or Tie: Secure the rest of your hair to keep it out of the way while you work on the braid.

Step 4: Start the French Braid

1. Divide into Three Strands: Within the triangular section, divide the hair into three equal strands – left, middle, and right.
2. Initial Cross: Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. This is the starting position of your French braid.

Step 5: Incorporating Layers

1. Add Hair to Each Strand: As you continue braiding, each time you cross the right strand over the middle, add a small section of hair from the right side to the strand. Do the same for the left strand.
2. Consistent Tension: Maintain a consistent tension while adding layers to ensure an even and neat braid.

Step 6: Continue French Braiding

1. Alternate Crossings: Continue crossing the right and left strands over the middle, adding small sections of hair each time.
2. Work Downward: As you braid, move downward towards the nape of your neck, incorporating all the hair from the top section.

Step 7: Regular Braid

1. Finish Incorporating Hair: Once you’ve added all the hair to the braid, continue with a regular three-strand braid.
2. Secure the End: Use a small, clear elastic band to secure the end of the braid.

Step 8: Loosen the Braid (Optional)

1. Gently Pull Apart: For a softer and more voluminous look, gently pull apart the strands of the braid. This helps showcase the layers and adds texture.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

1. Set with Hairspray: If desired, apply a light-hold hairspray to set the braid and manage any flyaways.

Can You Still Braid Hair With Layers?

Yes, you can definitely braid your hair, even if it’s layered. While having layered hair can introduce some challenges, such as shorter strands slipping out or uneven texture, there are techniques and tips you can use to create beautiful braids that work with your layers. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Choose Appropriate Braiding Styles: Some braiding styles work better with layered hair than others. Styles like French braids, Dutch braids, fishtail braids, and waterfall braids can be adapted to accommodate layers.
2. Incorporate Layers Creatively: Instead of trying to hide your layers, embrace them as part of your braid’s charm. Let shorter strands peek through or integrate them strategically to add texture and depth.
3. Preparation is key. Start with well-prepared hair. Detangle your hair and consider using texturizing products to add grip and hold, especially if your hair is slippery due to the layers.
4. Teasing for Grip: Teasing or backcombing the sections you’re braiding can help add grip and hold, preventing shorter strands from slipping out of the braid.
5. Secure Strands Strategically: As you braid, make sure to secure shorter strands with the main sections to prevent them from popping out. Use bobby pins or clear elastics when needed.
6. Experiment with Accessories: Incorporate decorative pins, beads, or ribbons into your braids. These can help anchor layers in place and add a touch of elegance to your hairstyle.
7. Practice and Patience: Braiding layered hair might require a bit more practice to get the hang of managing the different lengths. Be patient and keep experimenting until you find techniques that work best for your hair.
8. Professional Help: If you’re unsure about braiding your layered hair on your own, consider seeking assistance from a professional hairstylist. They can offer guidance and create intricate braids that complement your layers.

How Do You Hide The Hair Sticking Out Of Braids?

Hiding the hair sticking out of braids, especially in layered hair, can be achieved with a few techniques and tricks. Here’s how you can prevent those shorter strands from peeking out and maintain a neat, polished look:

1. Secure with Smaller Elastics: Use smaller, clear elastic bands to secure the ends of your braids. These can help hold the shorter strands in place and prevent them from slipping out.
2. Wrap Hair Around the Elastic: After securing the end of the braid with an elastic, take a small section of hair from the end and wrap it around the elastic. This conceals the elastic and helps secure any loose strands.
3. Tease or Backcomb: Teasing or backcombing the sections of hair before braiding can add texture and grip, making it easier to keep shorter strands in place within the braid.
4. Use Bobby Pins: As you braid, you can strategically use bobby pins to secure shorter strands that are popping out. Insert the bobby pin parallel to the strand and weave it underneath the braid to hold it in place.
5. Texturizing Spray: Apply a light texturizing spray or hairspray before braiding to add some grip to your hair. This can help prevent shorter strands from slipping out of the braid.
6. Braid Tightly: Braiding slightly tighter can help keep the shorter strands in check. However, be careful not to braid too tightly, as this can cause discomfort and damage to your hair.
7. Incorporate Shorter Strands Strategically: Rather than fighting the shorter strands, consider incorporating them into the braid intentionally. This can create a more textured and relaxed look.
8. Experiment with Styles: Choose braiding styles that naturally incorporate shorter strands, such as fishtail braids or messy braids. These styles can embrace the layered texture and make the shorter strands appear intentional.
9. Professional Assistance: If you’re struggling to hide the hair sticking out of your braids, consider seeking help from a professional hairstylist. They have the expertise to create intricate braids that work well with your hair’s unique characteristics.

Conclusion

As we reach the end of our exploration, it’s clear that the art of braiding layered hair is a harmonious dance of creativity and technique. We’ve delved into the intricacies of creating captivating braids that celebrate the uniqueness of your hair. Each strand, every layer, becomes a brushstroke in a masterpiece that reflects your individuality.

So, whether you’re crafting a fishtail braid that dances with whimsy or a Dutch braid updo that exudes sophistication, know that your layers are your canvas. With every twist and turn, you’re crafting a narrative that celebrates the beautiful complexity of your hair. It’s time to step forward, with confidence and style, and let your braids tell a story that’s uniquely yours.