Yarn Braids Tutorial: How To, Styles, Pros, Cons And More

It'due south a skilful risk that you lot've seen someone with yarn braids, because the hairstyle'southward popularity. Yarn braids are a popular protective hairstyle with a distinctive aesthetic.

At outset glance, they may resemble box braids, just these braids are something else entirely. By no means is the way new; yarn braids have been around for decades.

Though yarn braids have been around for a while, many are unaware of the hairstyle's nuances. Whether you're totally new to yarn braids, or y'all're interested in learning more about the unique style, this article is for you lot.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Are Yarn Braids?
• 2 What Type of Yarn Is Used for Yarn Braids?
• 3 How Much Do Yarn Braids Cost?
  • iii.1 The Toll of the Yarn
  • iii.2 The Cost of the Installation
• 4 How To Exercise Yarn Braids: Step-by-Pace
  • 4.1 How to Fix the Yarn
  • 4.2 How to Prepare Your Hair
  • 4.3 Braiding Your Hair
  • 4.iv Seal Your Ends
• five How Long Do Yarn Braids Terminal?
  • 5.1 Maintenance
  • 5.two Benefits of Yarn Braids
  • 5.iii Drawbacks of Yarn Braids
• 6 Should You Get Yarn Braids?
  • half dozen.1 Dos and Don'ts of Yarn Braids

What Are Yarn Braids?

Yarn braids, like many hairstyles that utilise extension braiding pilus, are considered a protective hairstyle. However, instead of using traditional braiding hair, yarn braids are created with yarn instead.

Call up crocheting or knitting yarn.

 One of the main appeals of yarn braids is that yarn comes in endless colour options, many of which are not bachelor with braiding hair.

Often, yarn braids are likened to box braids, but these ii complect styles are very unlike. The differences lie in the yarn braid installation procedure and the finished look. We'll get into both of these topics later on in this article.

What Type of Yarn Is Used for Yarn Braids?

We recommend using100% acrylic yarn. Acrylic yarn is recommended because other types of yarn, like cotton fiber or wool yarn, tin often adhere to your pilus strands and become matted.

Yarn also comes in several different weights. Using either a 4 or five weight yarn would be perfect for yarn braids.

How Much Do Yarn Braids Cost?

There are 2 costs to consider when it comes to yarn braids: (ane) the toll of the yarn and (2) the toll of installation.

The Cost of the Yarn

The total toll of the yarn varies based on:

• Your desired complect length
• The size of your caput
• The price per brawl of yarn

A skein of yarn tin be small (~50 grams), medium (~100 grams), or large (~200 grams). Depending on the three factors above, you could demand anywhere from 6-8 small balls of yarn, 3-v medium balls, or two-3 large balls.

Acrylic yarn goes for effectually $3-$x per skein, depending on the skein'due south size. You may be able to find it cheaper at discount arts and crafts stores or on sale. Keep in mind that specific colors may cost more than than others.

Beneath are some excellent yarn options on Amazon:

• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Brown (Large Skein)
• Red Heart Super Saver Yarn in Black (Large Skein)
• Well Krafty Black Yarn 2 Pack (Medium Skein)
• Knit Picks Black Yarn half dozen Pack (Pocket-sized Skein)

The Toll of the Installation

The cost of installation varies based on the specific stylist doing the install. However, you can expect to spend from $150 to $250 (in virtually cases). The cost will increase based on the length of your braids.

How To Do Yarn Braids: Step-past-Stride

The installation is a three-step process, and each step is essential for the braids to turn out beautifully and last. Whether you lot are doing the style on yourself, or someone else, the following section will exist useful.

Permit'south go over each of the steps below.

How to Prepare the Yarn

Yarn comes in a tightly wound ball. To braid the yarn into your hair, you'll demand to cut individual strips.

How to Prep Yarn to Do Yarn Braids | Genie Locs

Here are step-by-step instructions to prepare your yarn:

1. Estimate the length. Make a rough estimate of how long you want your braids to be. Measure that length in inches and multiply it by 2. Take note of that number, as you volition need information technology later on.
2. Find an item for wrapping. Look around your home and measure a few items by wrapping a soft measuring tape around them. The item's circumference (measurement around it) should be the same, or larger than, the number y'all estimated in the previous step.
3. Wrap the yarn. Once yous notice an item that is wide enough effectually, wrap your yarn around the item until the unabridged ball has been used upward.
4. Cut the yarn. Use scissors to cut the yarn. You'll just cut the yarn one fourth dimension.
5. Pull the yarn apart (optional). If the yarn is thick compared to the braid size yous want, you can suspension down the yarn further by pulling it apart into smaller pieces.

For those that are visual learners, we recommend watching the video tutorial higher up for a stride-past-step walkthrough of the process.

How to Set Your Pilus

Before whatsoever yarn touches your hair, you should adequately prepare information technology.

Your hair should be:

• Washed
• Conditioned or Deep Conditioned
• Moisturized

Use a sulfate-costless clarifying shampoo to get rid of whatever pilus buildup.

And then, deep condition your hair to impart wet and nutrients. This step is crucial because your hair will be tucked away in the braids for an extended amount of time.

Once your pilus is washed and conditioned, information technology'due south ready to be moisturized.

Cull a substantial moisturizer that will coat the hair and protect it from friction with the yarn.

You can dry your pilus with a blow dryer that has a comb attachment. Alternatively, you lot can braid your pilus in large braids and allow it to air-dry.

Now your pilus is set to be braided.

Braiding Your Hair

In one case your yarn is appropriately separated, it is fourth dimension to start braiding your hair.

In that location are several steps yous should take to properly install yarn braids, and the post-obit listing volition outline every step in particular. We've also included another video tutorial if you prefer that option:

1. Role your hair. Separate your hair into sections using a rat tail rummage. For a sleek finish, take your time to brand the parts clean.
2. Oil your scalp. Apply oil to your scalp. Liberal oil awarding will ensure that your scalp won't wait dry and flaky.
3. Add gel. Grab one section of hair and put a pea-sized amount of gel on the ends of your natural hair. This will help your hair mesh seamlessly with the yarn equally you braid information technology.
4. Attach the yarn and complect. Place the yarn at the base of that section (from the previous pace) of your natural hair. Using your natural hair equally one of the iii braiding sections, begin to braid the yarn and your natural pilus down to the ends.
5. Repeat. Echo the above steps for the rest of your caput.

HOW TO DO YARN BRAIDS: THE All-time BOX BRAIDING TECHNIQUE

Seal Your Ends

After you lot've spent all of that time braiding your hair, the last matter y'all desire is for them to unravel.

To secure your braids until you lot're prepare to take them out, you've got to secure the ends. Yous can utilise three methods, and the post-obit sections will tell you virtually each of them.

Method #1: The Lighter Method

The lighter method requires using an open up flame from a lighter to melt the yarn. Once you are done braiding all of your yarn braids down to the ends, do the following:

• Hold the very end of a braid and use the lighter to burn it at the point where the braid begins to unravel.
• One time the yarn appears like it'southward melting, cease running the fire over information technology.
• Use your fingers to shape the yarn into a cylindrical shape.
• Permit the sealed yarn to cool.
• Cut off the excess yarn at the bottom.

Alarm: The lighter method is a common technique used during the installation procedure to forbid braids from unraveling. However, it'due south not a technique that we recommend for newbies.

It's possible that you tin set yourself on fire. If you're using wool yarn or whatever alloy of yarn fibers that is not 100% acrylic, using a flame to burn down your braid ends can actually light them on fire.

Utilize this method at your own take a chance. Do not use this method unless y'all know what yous're doing. Besides, 100% acrylic yarn tends to be less flammable than yarn blends or other types of yarn.

Method #ii: Employ a Hair Extension Fusion Tool

This method is recommended for anyone who doesn't like the idea of working with a flame. A pilus extension fusion tool is a heat styling tool that is commonly used to seal hair extension bonds.

However, this tool works groovy for sealing small to medium yarn braids. If your braid ends are larger than the size of a number ii pencil, so this method may non work well for yous.

How to Use a Hair Extension Fusion Tool

Plug the hair extension fusion tool in and plough it on. Allow it to get hot and information technology'southward ready to get.

To seal your braids, put the terminate of a yarn braid between the tool's plates and clamp downwards. The rut of the device will seal the yarn fibers and prevent the braid from unraveling.

Once yous accept held the tool on the complect ends for several seconds, release the braid, and cut off the excess yarn with your pair of scissors.

How to Fire Ends of Braid Extensions With No Flame

Method #3: Use Prophylactic Bands

To prevent your braids from unraveling without using heat, you can apply safety bands.

Rubber bands are not frequently preferred for securing yarn braids, since they can be unattractive. Merely, if you desire to use rubber bands to keep your braids from unraveling, it's super piece of cake.

All y'all demand to practise is wrap a rubber band around the ends of your braids repeatedly and and then cut off the loose yarn below the safety band.

That'south information technology. You're finished!

How Long Do Yarn Braids Last?

With all the work that goes into yarn braids, you may be itching to know how long they terminal.

The style can last several months, depending on how well the braids are secured to the natural pilus and whether your ends remain sealed.

On average, yarn braids last one to two months, and this is on par with the longevity of the average protective style.

Some people try to make their braids terminal longer, but it is not brash to leave braids in your hair for longer than two months.

Maintenance

Yarn braids should exist maintained to ensure maximum style longevity. This department volition tell you how to properly maintain your braids.

Washing Yarn Braids

If your hair begins to feel muddy, or you go pond in chlorine water, you lot should launder your braids with shampoo and a calorie-free conditioner.

When yous launder your braids, keep in mind that they will get very heavy.

And so, information technology is advised to wash your yarn braids in a shallow sink or tub where yous can allow the braids to rest at the bottom – this will accept the weight of the braids off of your scalp and neck.

After you're done washing your hair, squeeze the h2o out of your braids before you allow them to air-dry. Yarn braids frequently take hours and hours to dry, then exist prepared.

Oil Your Scalp

Though you may accept oiled your scalp during installation, you may demand to oil information technology again from time to time over the weeks. Whenever your scalp feels or looks dry, you should reapply the oil.

Embrace Your Head

Covering your yarn braids up at night not only keeps them sleek simply likewise decreases tension on your roots since it restricts hair move. Wrapping your pilus up with a silk or satin scarf is ideal.

Benefits of Yarn Braids

Yarn braids are loved by many, and those who have tried the style know exactly why. But if you are inexperienced with this braiding style, the listing of benefits will be helpful.

Yarn braid benefits include:

• They are a protective style. Your hair will be protected from the exterior elements and over manipulation while it'southward tucked away in your braids.
• They have a unique look. Since yarn comes in many varieties, yous have endless color options to cull from.
• They are long-lasting. Merely like other long-term protective styles, yarn braids last up to two months, giving you a long break from your natural hair.

Drawbacks of Yarn Braids

Simply like any other style, yarn braids come with disadvantages that you should know well-nigh. The list below will highlight the common drawbacks:

• Long styling fourth dimension. Unwinding and cutting the yarn can accept quite a bit of time. The installation process for yarn braids is also lengthy (taking days in some cases). If you are a professional stylist or know your way effectually a head of pilus, this fourth dimension may be reduced.
• Heaviness. Though it may feel light in your hand as you lot install it, yarn tin add a ton of weight to your roots. This tin be uncomfortable for yous and damaging to your hair. If you take very long yarn braids, yous tin finish upward with pilus breakage and thinning effectually your edges.
• The texture of the yarn. The texture of the yarn is very different from the texture of human hair. In some cases, you may see your natural pilus peeking through your yarn braids shortly subsequently getting them installed. Also, as the braids age, your natural hairs could peek through over time. Whether yous similar this or non will depend on your personal preference.

Should You Go Yarn Braids?

Yarn braids are not for everyone, and whether they'll exist a good fit for you depends on two principal factors:

1. The health and thickness of your hair
2. Your level of patience

If your pilus density is low, or your pilus is weak, you may want to pass on yarn braids.

Yarn braids take the potential to be heavy, and if your hair is not in good shape, you run the risk of astringent damage. Your hair should be thick plenty, and strong enough, to support the weight of the yarn and minimize breakage.

Also, your level of patience plays a function in whether you should get yarn braids. Since the installation time for this way is long, you will need patience to get the style installed, or to install it yourself.

In addition, you lot should consider how long it takes to uninstall yarn braids – to minimize breakage during the takedown process, yous should take your time and be gentle.

Dos and Don'ts of Yarn Braids

If you've decided to get yarn braids, that'southward great! But before you do, take a quick glance at the Dos and Don'ts to ensure that your yarn braid experience is a positive one.

Practise:

• Use 100% acrylic yarn. We don't recommend using blends or other types of yarn.
• Continue the braids as light as possible past using simply enough yarn per section.
• Protect your hair at night to assist the way final.
• Moisturize your hair securely right before you install the braids.
• Wash your braids if build-up begins to accumulate at the roots.

Don't:

• Make them too tight, as this could cause breakage and traction alopecia.
• Use heavy moisturizers and creams on them. This may cause buildup at the roots of your pilus.
• Make besides many braids. The larger the sections are, the lower the chances of breakage due to the yarn's weight.

Now you know absolutely everything you need to know about yarn braids.

You lot've gathered information well-nigh prepping the yarn, braiding the yarn into your natural hair, complect maintenance, and more than. Yous're well equipped to endeavor out the coolest yarn braids!

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Source: https://www.curlcentric.com/yarn-braids/