Making colorful braids is a fun and lively way to change your hair look in a simple, temporary and natural way. A colored braid is different from an "extension", in practice a lock of your hair is wrapped in different strands of different colors. Of course, nothing prevents you from creating colored braids around the extensions. This method does not damage the hair, does not change its color permanently and gives it flair and liveliness exactly to the extent you want. While the final result may seem like a very complicated and painstaking process, wrapping your hair with colored strands is a simple and fun technique that can be performed at all ages. Older children can braid the hair of the little ones without too much difficulty, so that the whole family is involved in this pleasant creative pastime. Making colorful pigtails is also perfect fun to incorporate into a girls' night out, birthday party and a bohemian-style party must-have! Read on and get ready to give your look a boost of energy and color!
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing to Make the Colored Pigtails
Step 1. Measure the length of the wire
Cut it after calculating the desired length. A good rule of thumb is to measure the strand alongside the selected lock of hair and then multiply this length by 2-3 times. You can use different colors; measure each strand separately, then arrange them neatly on a table near the workstation.
Step 2. Choose the section of hair you want to wrap in the colored strands, then separate it from the rest of the hair
Select an amount of hair that does not exceed the diameter of a pencil. Generally, it is best to choose a section that begins in an inconspicuous area of the head, for example on the nape of the neck; however, if you want the braid to be even more noticeable, you can part a section right at the top of the head. Gather the rest of the hair in a ponytail to keep it away from the selected strand.
Step 3. Braid the lock
Create a tight little braid, trying to be as precise and neat as possible; you have to do your best to avoid any bumps or hair sticking out of the braid. Start by dividing the strand into three sections of equal size, then weave them downward, getting as close to the ends as possible. When you're done, secure the braid with a small rubber band.
- If you want, you can straighten your hair before braiding it, but it's not mandatory.
- If necessary, lightly moisten your fingers and slide them along the braid, from top to bottom, to smooth out any frizzy parts or shorter hair that protrude.
- It may be helpful to attach a paper towel to the base of the braid with a bobby pin to prevent surrounding hair from tangling around the strand.
Step 4. Fold the colored threads in half
Now hold them right at their center point, then tie them to the base of the braid trying to tie them as close to the scalp as possible. Create a simple double knot (forming the number 4 and then slip the end of the thread into the "belly" of 4). Make sure the knot is tight and secure enough, then tie the thread (or threads if you intend to use different colors) again by making a second double knot identical to the first. Trim the excess thread at the base of the knot, leaving only a small core and the colored threads hanging down.
Step 5. Choose the starting color
Select a strand with which to start wrapping the braid from the different colors you have available. Basically you have to separate it from all the others that will have to remain adherent to the lock of braided hair.
Step 6. Have fun creating the braid, trying to be as patient and creative as possible
Once you have learned to create the simplest patterns, you will be able to experiment with new combinations and designs. Many people choose to create a single colored braid, but don't be afraid to try to customize different strands or even all of their hair. Colored pigtails can last a few days or even several weeks.
- Generally, it is best to loosen the braid when it begins to look uneven or give off an unpleasant odor.
- When it's time to remove it, cut the knot very carefully. Be careful not to risk cutting your hair too.
Part 2 of 4: Creating a Simple Colored Braid
Step 1. Get started simple
Wrap the first color strand around the braid, clockwise. You must proceed in a tight and tidy way, stopping only when it is time to change color.
Step 2. Take a different colored thread
Before you can change shades, you will need to have wrapped around 2-3 cm of braid with the first color. When it's time to switch to another strand, tie a knot around the braid with the first one, then let it dangle down along with everyone else and grab the new color. Tying the first thread serves to safeguard the first section of color.
Don't worry, as you begin to wrap the thread of the second color, the first section of the colored braid will become more and more secure. You can proceed for another 2 or 3 cm or you can decide to vary the length of the second section of color to create a design to your liking
Step 3. Change the thread again
What you need to do is continue to wrap the strand of hair using all the colored strands you have available. If you are feeling particularly creative, you can also try wrapping two threads of different colors consecutively and alternately to create an even more extraordinary pattern.
When you have done some practice, you can also use three different colored threads
Step 4. Alternate and knot each color
Wrap the selected thread down, about 2-3 cm, but instead of tying it with a final knot, secure it by passing it inside a loop created with the same thread. When doing this last section, let two different colored strands hang out, rather than sticking them all to the braid of hair. Now take these two strands and cross them down to decorate this last section of the braid. Finally secure all the threads at the bottom end with a double knot.
Tip: This is a perfect spot to add a decorative bead or pendant. Use clear nylon thread to tie it around the knot
Step 5. Remove the elastic and secure the colored braid with a knot
To finish the job and save it for days to come, run the thread you made the last section with through its own loop to tie it with a knot. Secure it further by knotting the other threads as well. Cut off the excess from the bottom.
Part 3 of 4: Create a Single Knot Colored Braid
Step 1. Create a colorful braid by making lots of single knots
Pull the thread behind the strand of hair, then take the left end and pull it over the right to create a 4. Now thread it into the "belly" of the 4 from bottom to top, then pull it to tighten the knot. Pull the thread hard to secure it; this node is called a single node. Repeat from the beginning to create a series of single nodes. In this case, instead of wrapping the hair braid with the wire, you will create many knots of different colors, from the root of the hair to the ends. The result will be a very firm braid that can last for a long time.
Step 2. Start alternating colors
When you want to change the thread, let the one you have used so far dangle with the others, then grab a new one. Start making the knots again with the new color, about 2-3 cm, then change the hue again. Repeat gradually moving downwards; you will have to wrap the whole lock trying to use all the colors at your disposal.
If the thread runs out too soon, simply tie another piece to the end of the one you last used by making a secure knot. Finally, trim the excess thread
Step 3. Remove the elastic and secure the colored braid with a knot
To finish the job and save it for days to come, run the thread you made the last section with through its own loop to tie it with a knot. Secure it further by knotting the other threads as well. Cut off the excess from the bottom.
Part 4 of 4: Creating a Colored Braid with a Spiral Braid
Step 1. Start creating the spiral weave
Pull the thread behind the strand of hair, then take the left end and pull it over the right to create a 4. Now thread it into the "belly" of the 4 from bottom to top, then pull it to tighten the knot. Pull the thread hard to secure it. Try to get it as close as possible to the scalp or the beginning of the hair braid.
Step 2. Repeat
Do this same movement for about 10-15 times, when you have covered a section of about 2-3 cm, you will begin to see the design that wraps the braid.
Step 3. Gently twist the knots so that they rotate around the strand of hair
To make the spiral appear, when you tighten each single knot you have to make it make a slight clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. Do not pull too much, just make a single dry movement, so that it is still possible to loosen the colored braid when the time comes.
Step 4. Remove the elastic and secure the colored braid with a knot
To finish the job and save it for days to come, run the thread you made the last section with through its own loop to tie it with a knot. Secure it further by knotting the other threads as well. Cut off the excess from the bottom.
Advice
- The tighter the knots and wrapped strands are, the longer the braid will last.
- When it's time to undo the braid, simply cut the final knot with a pair of scissors, then patiently unwind the braid backwards. If you have chosen the knot method, it will take a little more time and effort; also you may have to cut some if they are too hard to melt.
- If you want to create a braid with colored stripes, wrap two strands of different colors at the same time.
- The single knot braid is safer than one in which the hair is simply wrapped with strands.
- If you want to take a break, tie a temporary knot.
- On the occasion of the Christmas holidays or a themed party, for example on Halloween, you can show off a braid with traditional colors.
- If you know how to create a tight and neat braid, it will last at least seven days and a maximum of three months.
- You can add beads or small charms anywhere in the weave. All you have to do is thread them into the colored yarn you are using, tie a single knot and pick up the work.
- If the wire is too short, simply tie another piece to the one you are currently using, then change color to mask the joint.
- Don't worry if the braid starts to curl as you wrap your hair, it will look even more fun and creative.
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The small silicone rubber bands are perfect for tying up the end of the hair braid before you start wrapping it. Look for them in perfumery or at the supermarket; generally, they are available in inexpensive packs of 50 or 100 pieces.
