Feed-in braids are a vibrant way of creating bigger and longer braids. They are a type of cornrow braids but with adding extensions to your hair. You can even add colorful extensions to your hair while doing feed-in braids.
It gives an illusion of natural braids by feeding-in the extension or synthetic hair along with your natural hair. Also, dark girls everywhere are trading silk presses and fros with protective, easy-going hairstyles.
The difference between cornrow braids and feed-in braids is that while doing the normal cornrows, you start each braid with a knot and mix it with the extensions. But in feed-in braids, you have to add the synthetic hair mid-braid after your hair is braided. This way you can get a seamless and natural braid look.
If you are looking for easy ways to get Feed-in braids done, you are at the right place. Here we will show you a step by step procedure on how to Feed-in braids.
How to Feed-in Braids
Follow this step by step instructions to get those perfect feed in Braids.
1. Prepare your hair
Before styling your hair, ensure that you have a fresh and clean head. Wash and condition your hair with a shampoo and conditioner that works best for your hair type. After washing, detangle your hair with your finger or a wide brush.
You can blow dry or even air dry your head depending on your comfort. If you are blow-drying your hair, make sure you apply a heat protectant to protect your hair from heat damage. Always blow your hair at low to medium temperatures.
2. Choose your extensions
Before doing feed in cornrows you must choose your extensions, their length, and color according to your style. Ensure that you buy extensions that are specially made for braiding and cornrows.
There are two types of extensions available in the market – synthetic hair and human hair. Depending on your budget, style, and your preference you can purchase two to three packs of hair. Again this depends on the style you want to create.
Human hair is great because it looks natural and is more durable but however, but they are more expensive.
On the other hand, synthetic hair is affordable and does not frizz during humid weather.
3. Start by parting your extensions
After you are done choosing your extension, it’s time to separate them into small sections. Your section of hair extension should be 0.65 cm or 1/4 inch thick. Keep separating extensions keeping them a little bit thicker than the previous one.
The thickness and number of extensions depend on the type of braiding you want. If you want short braids then separate the braid into three or four sections and if you want a long braid then separate the hair into about 7 sections. More the sections, the longer the braids.
4. Start braiding your hair
You can start by parting your hair from the middle. It is advisable to use a rattail comb while dividing the hair into small sections. After doing the middle partition, make multiple row partitions from front to back.
The number of partings depends on the type of style you want. Many people can rock 6 braids or even more. If you want 7 braids you have to make 6 parts.
Use hair pins or clips to keep the sections separate. Hair clips play a significant role in keeping the braids in their place.
5. Add extensions to your braids
Now take one section of your head and divide it into 3 even parts. Before adding the extension you will need to cornrow your hair. Do this for about 3 to 4 stitches.
While doing the cornrow braid, make sure you are adding the part that is untouched every time you cross a section over the other. This will make the braids stay close to the scalp.
Now take the smallest extension and combine it with the braid created. Combine the folded part of the extension with natural hair by placing it next to the center of the strand.
Add extension and continue to cornrow your hair with the extension. If you want a longer braid after three-four stitches, add the next extension to your hair.
Based on the length you wish to, keep adding new extensions after every 3 or 4 stitches. It is imperative to add an extension after every few stitches to maintain the length of the braids.
Remember each time you add a new extension your braids will get thicker. Keep the section separate so that the braids don’t unravel or become messy.
Once you’re done adding your extension, keep cornrowing down till the nape of your neck.
6. Finishing the braids
Once you reach the nape of your neck and you still have some hair left, continue braiding till you get to the end of the hair.
To prevent the hair from frizzing and to blend it better with your natural hair, spray a little hairspray on your hair and move on to the next section. Continue the same thing until you are finished with all your extensions.
7. Increase the life of your braids
Once you are done with braiding all the sections put the end of your braids in boiling water to seal the braids and keep them together. Dip your hair about halfway and leave it for at least 30 seconds, squeeze the hair, and dry it with a towel.
If you want your braids to last long you should wear a silk or satin headscarf at night while sleeping. You can also use a satin pillowcase.
8. Wash your hair
To keep your braids for a long period you can use dry shampoo to cleanse your hair or even use a damp cloth to wash your hair with water and shampoo.
Avoid drenching your braids with water. Wash your scalp by scrubbing between each braid to avoid messing it.
10 Impressive Feed-in braids Examples
Conclusion
We hope this article will help you do your feed in braids with ease. You can also find inspiration from these few Instagram pictures shared above.
Feed-in braids would never go out of style and it always looks classy. You can express yourself with different colorful synthetic extensions.
Iskra Banović is our seasoned Editor-in-Chief at BlueFashion. She has been steering the website's content and editorial direction since 2013. With a rich background in fashion design, Iskra's expertise spans across fashion, interior design, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and culture.
