Mastering braids, such as stitch braids and feed-in braids, is like learning to skate. It requires patience and practice, but once you grasp the basics, it becomes a skill you'll always have in your repertoire. Similar to starting out with training wheels, you likely began with the fundamental three-strand braid, perhaps braiding your friends' hair during sleepovers or at school. As you gained confidence, you ventured into more intricate styles like Dutch braids or fishtail braids, each new technique adding to your mastery.
Just as we've explored enhanced cornrow braids in previous blogs, mastering stitch braids and feed-in braids will take your braiding skills to the next level. Whether you're perfecting the technique or experimenting with different styles, each braid you create becomes a testament to your creativity and craftsmanship. So, grab your comb and braing extensions, let's dive into the ultimate guide to mastering stitch braids and feed-in braids together!
What is Stitch Braids?
Stitch braids, also known as invisible cornrows, like many braiding styles, have roots in African hair traditions. They are a modern and intricate variation of traditional cornrow braids, which have been part of African culture for thousands of years.
The specific technique of stitch braids, characterized by the precise, clean lines that resemble stitches, is a relatively recent innovation within the broader history of braiding.
It’s an evolution of basic cornrows that incorporates more detailed parting and sectioning to create a distinct pattern on the scalp. The result is a series of raised, linear braids that appear segmented due to the distinct part lines, giving it a stitched look. The braids are generally tight and close to the scalp.
This style has gained popularity in recent years and is celebrated for its aesthetic appeal and neatness. Therefore, it represents both a link to a rich cultural past and a modern adaptation that meets contemporary fashion trends.
What is Feed-in Braids?
Feed-in braids are a modern, elevated take on traditional cornrowing techniques that originate from traditional African hairstyles. They start thin at the hairline and gradually become thicker as more hair is added. To create this style, you need to gradually feed braiding hair extensions into natural cornrows to create a seamless transition from thin to thicker braids.
Feed-in braids look like natural hair growing thicker and longer. They can increase the braid's thickness and length seamlessly, which makes them very popular for adding length and fullness in a natural-looking way with minimal tension on the natural hair.
They are particularly popular for their ability to add length and volume in a way that looks natural and is less damaging to the hair.
What hair length is long enough to do Stitch Braids and Feed-in Braids ?
Stitch Braids: For stitch braids, which require precise parting and tight braiding close to the scalp, it's typically recommended to have at least 2 to 3 inches of natural hair.This length allows for secure attachment of the braid to the scalp and can accommodate the tension needed without causing discomfort or hair breakage.
Feed-in Braids: Feed-in braids are a bit more flexible when it comes to hair length because you can start with smaller braids and gradually add extensions to increase the thickness. For these braids, having at least 3 inches of hair is ideal. This length ensures that the natural hair can effectively anchor the extensions, which are added gradually to create a seamless blend with the natural hair.
How to Stitch Braids on Yourself with a Common Method?
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Rat tail comb
- Sectioning clips
- Braiding hair (human braiding hair is recommended because it typically looks and feels natural and last long).Edge control gel
- Hair oil or moisturizer
- 3 Mirrors(optional:get 3 mirrors,one in the front,one in the back and one on the side would help you section the hair easier).
Step-by-Step Guide to Stitch Braids on Yourself
Creating stitch braids on yourself can be a challenging but rewarding task. Here’s a guide on how to do it, along with common mistakes to avoid and tips for achieving the best results:
1. Prepare Your Hair and Extensions
- Wash and Condition: Start with clean, detangled hair. Use a moisturizing conditioner to ensure your hair is smooth and manageable.
- Stretch or Blow-Dry: If your hair is very curly or tightly coiled, consider stretching it using braiding or twisting methods, or lightly blow-dry it straight. This step helps in creating neater parts and braids.
2. Section and Part Your Hair
- Sectioning: Divide your hair into manageable sections using clips or hair ties. This will make it easier to work on one section at a time.
- Parting: Use a rat-tail comb to create clean, straight parts. The precision of your parts is key to achieving neat and uniform stitch braids. Decide on the pattern or direction of your braids beforehand.
3. Start Braiding
- Begin at the Front: Start braiding from the front of your head. Take a small section of hair and divide it into three equal strands.
- Underhand Technique: Use an underhand braiding technique, where each outer strand is passed under the middle strand. This technique helps in creating the raised, stitched appearance of the braids.
- Add Hair Gradually: As you braid along your scalp, gradually add small amounts of extension hair (if desired) to each outer strand before crossing it under the middle strand. This technique allows you to control the thickness and length of your braids.
4. Maintain Consistent Tension
- Even Tension: Keep the tension even throughout the braiding process. Avoid braiding too tightly, as this can cause discomfort and damage to your hair and scalp.
5. Secure the Ends
- End of Braids: Once you reach the desired length or the end of your natural hair, secure the braid with a small hair elastic or a hair-friendly rubber band. If using extensions, ensure they are securely integrated into the braid.
6. Repeat and Finish
- Continue Braiding: Repeat the above steps for each section of your hair until all sections are braided.
7.Final Touches:
- Moisturize and Seal: Once all your braids are in place, apply a light oil or balm to your scalp and the length of the braids to keep them moisturized.
- Lay Your Edges: For a neat finish, you can lay down your edges using edge control gel.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Braiding:
- Uneven Parting: Irregular parts can disrupt the uniform look of stitch braids. Always take your time to get clean, straight lines.
- Inconsistent Tension: Too much tension can lead to scalp discomfort and hair breakage, while too little can make the braids loose and uneven
- Overfeeding Hair: Adding too much hair with each stitch can make the braid bulky and uneven.
Additional Tips:
- Use Mirrors: Position mirrors so you can see the back of your head while braiding. This helps ensure consistency and neatness throughout.
- Take Breaks: Braiding can be time-consuming and tiring. Take breaks if needed to prevent strain and maintain focus.
- Practice: Like any skill, practice is key to improving your braiding technique. Start with simpler styles before attempting more intricate stitch braids.
How to Feed in Braids on Yourself with a Common Method?
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Rat tail comb
- Sectioning clips
- Human Braiding hair
- Edge control gel
- Hair oil or moisturizer
- 3 Mirrors
Steps to Feed in Braids on Yourself:
1.Prepare Your Hair and Extensions:
- Start with clean, detangled hair:Clean and fresh hair makes braiding easier and prevents knots.
- Straighten hair to ensure flat and neat braiding:Straighten super coarse or coily hair to avoid bulky braiding.
2.Sectioning:
- Divide your hair into manageable sections, clip away the unnecessary parts to ensure even braiding.
3.Start Braiding:
- Braid with small neat sections:Take a small section of hair at the front or wherever you want the braid to begin.Divide it into three equal parts and start braiding with underhand braiding method.
- Start feed in braiding hair:Adding a small amount of hair from the scalp into each section before crossing it over. This is the feeding-in technique.
4.Continue Feeding In:
- Add Extensions Gradually:As you braid, pick up small sections of hair from the scalp with each crossover motion.
- Maintain consistent tension but be gentle:Make sure to keep the braid tight but not too tight to avoid discomfort.
5.Braid to the End:
- Continue feeding in hair until you reach the nape of your neck or desired stopping point.
- Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic or hair tie.
6.Final Touches:
- Tug gently on the sides of the braid to loosen it slightly and create a fuller look.
- Use hairspray or styling gel to smooth any flyaways or frizz.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When braiding
- Uneven Parting: Crooked or uneven parts can make the braids look messy. Take your time to create clean, straight parts using a rat-tail comb.
- Inconsistent Tension: Braiding too tightly or too loosely can cause discomfort or result in uneven braids. Maintain consistent tension to achieve uniform braids.
- Adding Too Much Hair at Once: Adding large chunks of extension hair can make the braid look bulky and unnatural. Add small pieces gradually for a seamless transition.
- Ignoring the Back of Your Head: It’s easy to focus on the front and sides, but the back of your head needs attention too. Use mirrors to check your progress and ensure even braids all around.
How to Stitch Braids and Feed-in Braids the Easiest Way for Beginners?
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Rat tail comb
- Sectioning clips
- Human Braiding hair
- Edge control gel
- Hair oil or moisturizer
- 3 Mirrors
- Thread
- Small rubber bands
Step-by-Step Guide to Stitch Braids on Yourself
1.Prepare Your Hair and Extensions
2.Sectioning your natural hair into small horizontal parts:
- Middle parting your natural hair and section both part into small horizontal parts sections as you desired.
- Apply with styling gel to sleek down every section of hair and make it easier to manage.
- Secure them with small rubber band.
3.Braiding Natural Hair Flat:
- Braiding each section of your hair from the front to the back of your neck.
- Secure the ends with stitches to ensure they lay flat.
4.Start Braiding braids with braiding hair:
- Hang your human braiding hair on a thread.
- Start braiding your braids separately using basic 3 strand method.
5.Sew the Braids onto Your Natural Hair Braids:
- Make sure to sew the braids flat with even stitches and cover align with your own natural braids.
6.Seal the Braids Ends:
- Loose the ends of the braids a bit to re-braid them tighter and secure with rubber bands.
How to Make Your Stitch Braids and Feed-in Braids Last Longer?
1.Seal the ends
- Apply with a little gel or glue once after your braids is done is helpful to make your braids last long.
2.Protect Your Braids
- Protect your braids at night:Wrap your braids with silk scarf or bonnet at night can protect your braids from frizzing and tangling.
- Avoid Over-Styling: Limit the amount of manipulation and styling to reduce wear and tear on your braids.
- Minimize Heat: Avoid heat styling or use a low heat set styling to prevent damage and maintain their integrity.
3.Refresh and Touch-Up Your Braids
- Redo Edges: If the edges start looking frizzy or untidy, redo the front braids to keep the overall style fresh.
- Moisturize: Regularly apply a braid spray or a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner to keep your braids hydrated and shiny.
4.Regular Maintenance
- Holding Products: Apply a good holding gel or edge control to keep your hair neat and reduce frizz. Products like hair wax, jam, or edge control help maintain the sleekness of the braids.
- Moisturizers: Use light oils or leave-in conditioners to keep your hair and scalp moisturized. Products with natural ingredients are preferable.
5.Tame the flyaways everyday.
In conclusion, mastering stitch braids and feed-in braids is achievable with the right techniques and practice. Whether you opt for the traditional or the simplest method, ensuring proper sectioning, gentle tension, and consistent feeding of hair are key to achieving neat and lasting braids. To make your braids last longer, consider using protective styles at night and refreshing them with a bit of styling product as needed.
At HotBrids, we're the trendsetting company that offers an amazing selection of human braiding hair. We provide stylish insights and braiding skills of various braids, including must-have looks like box braids, boho braids, faux locs, twists, knotless braids, cornrow braids, and more. Let's create the beauty of braids and enhance our inner beauty together, girls!
Now we’ve learned the fundamentals, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Don’t hesitate to try out the methods outlined in this guide. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon be creating beautiful, long-lasting braids that showcase your unique style. Embrace the journey of learning and experimenting with different techniques—it’s all part of the fun and creativity of styling your own hair. Happy braiding!
Reach out to us at [email protected] with any fresh braiding hair tips you've discovered or questions about hair. Enjoy your braiding and twisting journey, and keep shining!