Written By: Tiffany Harris
Stitch braids, also known as feed-in braids or Ghana braids, are a popular and stylish protective hairstyle. They involve adding hair extensions to your natural hair using a “stitching” or “feeding in” technique to create neat and intricate braids. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do stitch braids:
Materials Needed:
– Hair extensions (kanekalon or similar)
– Rat-tail comb
– Hair clips
– Hair tie or hairbands
– Bobby pins (optional)
– Edge control or gel (optional)
– Hair moisturizer (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Preparation:
– Start with clean, detangled, and moisturized hair. If needed, wash and condition your hair before beginning.
– Gather all your materials in one place.
– Choose the hair extensions you want to use. Kanekalon hair is a popular choice for braiding.
2. Sectioning:
– Use a rat-tail comb to create a part down the center of your head, dividing your hair into two equal sections. You can also create multiple parts to make smaller sections for more intricate braids.
3. Adding Extensions:
– Take a small section of hair from one side of the part as the “starter” braid. Secure the rest of the hair on that side with a hair clip.
– Attach a small amount of hair extension to the starter section. Hold the natural hair and the extension together, then create a three-strand braid for a few stitches to secure the extension in place.
– As you continue the braid, gradually add more hair extensions by grabbing a small amount of hair from the unbraided section, combining it with the extension, and incorporating it into the braid. This is the “stitching” or “feeding in” technique.
– Continue braiding and feeding in hair extensions until you’ve reached your desired braid length. You can braid all the way to the ends of your natural hair or leave a small amount of hair unbraided for a more natural look.
4. Braiding Technique:
– Keep the braid tight and neat as you go along. Make sure the braid is even and consistent in size.
– If you’re new to braiding, practice the technique on a small section of hair before starting the entire braid.
5. Finishing:
– Once you’ve braided the entire section, secure the end with a hair tie or hairband.
– Repeat the same process on the other side of the part until all sections are braided.
6. Optional Styling:
– You can use edge control or gel to smooth down any flyaways and give the style a polished look.
– You can also use bobby pins to secure any loose ends or keep the braids in place.
7. Maintenance:
– To maintain your stitch braids, tie your hair with a silk or satin scarf at night to prevent frizz and preserve the style.
– Keep your scalp moisturized and hydrated to promote healthy hair growth.
Remember that stitch braids may take some practice to master, especially if you’re new to braiding. Take your time and be patient as you work through each section. If you’re unsure, consider enlisting the help of a friend or visiting a professional stylist who specializes in braided hairstyles.
