The Lo Down: Braids for beginners

From loose plaits and fishtails to mermaid braids and milkmaids, the braid is officially back and there is something for everyone regardless of your hair length or hair type.

The crown braid. Picture: Rupinder Mundra from www.rougerosepetale.com

Fun, easy, and varied, here are some basic braids for beginners styles to try.

The schoolgirl
This plait takes mere minutes to perfect and is a classic braid style. First, decide where you want the braid to be positioned on your head – you can braid either side or down the centre. Divide your hair into three sections. Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. The right section now becomes the new middle section. Next, take the left section and cross it over into the middle. Continue until all the hair is plaited.

“I love this type of braid,” says 5FM DJ Sureshnie Rider, “At school I tried all sorts of braids and now my daughter is very into them.”

Picture Thinkstock

The fishtail

For something more exciting, opt for a side fishtail braid. Tie your hair to one side in a low ponytail. Separate the hair into two sections. Take a small bit of hair from the outside of first one section and then the other, into the centre.

“I am still trying to master the fishtail myself,” admits model and SA personality Tamerin Jardine, “but even when it’s not perfectly symmetrical, it looks great!”

Perfecting the art of braiding. Picture: Justine Nienaber.

The halo

Also known as the milkmaid braid, this style works for both long and short lengths. Part your hair through the middle so that both sides have equal amounts of hair. Next, plait each side down in a pigtail style. Pull the plaits upwards and across your head like a headband and secure with a hair pin.

You can leave the loose bit of hair as is for a messier, casual look or follow SA celeb Zuraida Jardine’s example by pinning excess hair back for her favourite sleek, sophisticated look.

Picture Thinkstock

The box braids

Considerably more time consuming to pull off, the box braid takes patience. If you are keen to DIY it, divide your hair into four box-like sections: front left, front right, back left, and back right. Take a bit of hair from the first section and secure synthetic hair if desired. You can do box braids with either your natural hair or extensions.

Braid the first bit in the traditional plait style. Repeat for the rest of your hair. “Cover your braids with a silk or satin scarf at night,” advises presenter and actress Dineo Moeketsi. “This helps to prevent hair breakage and frizz while sleeping.

@Le1ghLo and The Citizen challenged readers to submit pictures of their own braid masterpieces.