How to Braid a Track for Extensions
- 1). Wash and dry the hair that you will braid. Don't use styling products such as gel or hairspray, as they will leave buildup and make braiding more difficult. Brush the hair thoroughly to remove all tangles.
- 2). Tilt the head forward. Choose the location for the braid. If you want longer extensions, the braid will be lower on the head. Shorter extensions will require a braid a bit higher on the head. Part the hair horizontally across the back of the head, making a straight and even part. Fasten the hair above the part with a hair clip to keep it out of your way while you work.
- 3). Divide the remaining hair across the head into a horizontal strip about the width of your finger. This will be the size of the track. Tie the hair under the track together with an elastic band to keep it out of the hair you're working with. Beginning on one side, divide the hair into three equal pieces to begin your braid. You're braiding horizontally, so you may find it easier to stand beside the person whose hair you're braiding rather than behind her.
- 4). Hold the three equal size pieces of hair in your hands. Begin an underhand braid by twisting the right strand under the middle strand, making it the new middle strand. Repeat with the left strand by twisting it under the middle strand and making it the new middle strand. Twist the right strand under the middle strand again, but this time grab a small piece of free hair with it. Do the same for the left strand, combining it with a small piece of the loose hair, then twisting it under the middle strand.
- 5). Braid the hair all the way across the head horizontally. Make one small French braid across the back of the head. When you reach the other side of the head, continue braiding the hair all the way to the tip. Fasten the end of the braid with an elastic band. Leave the end of the braid loose; it will be folded back against the rest of the braid and hidden when you begin to add the hair extensions.
