Basic techniques - level 1

When describing hairstyles I often use the words 'basic techniques'. For me, this means the braiding technique you should master before being able to create fun and more difficult hairstyles. And the fun part is: with just basic techniques you can already create great hairstyles!

Today I'll explain what the level 1 basic techniques are for me, the most important braiding techniques for beginners.

• Regular braid: this is the 'normal' braid with 3 strands, the braid most people will know / recognize. I strongly advise to master this technique before going any further as this really is the base of all braiding techniques.
• French braid: another quite known braid. When you've mastered the regular braid, you can try adding in hair. The smaller the pieces you add in, the more beautiful your braid will look.
• Dutch braid: I've explained the difference between French and Dutch braiding in an earlier blog post. Some people find Dutch braiding more difficult than French braiding, while others find it easier to Dutch braid than to French braid. Again, it's another basic technique I'd advise to master.
• Lace braid: the name may seem a little strange, but it's just a braid where you add in hair on one side. It's pretty much the same as French and Dutch braiding, only you don't add in hair on both sides. The only thing to remember, is which side you're adding in hair.
• Twists: for a twist you divide the hair into two strands. First twist both strands to the left and then have them switch places clockwise. Or: twist both strands to the right and then have them switch places counterclockwise. Lucy's style from the movie Prince Caspian is an example of twists.
• Fishtail: another quite known braid which a lot of people don't know how to do. Start by dividing the hair into two strands and then cross a small strand from the left side over to the right. Then cross a small strand from the right side over to the left. Keep repeating this. Tip: the smaller the strands you cross over, the more your braid will look like a fishtail!

When you've mastered these techniques, you can already create a lot of fun hairstyles by combining techniques. But for those who want more: there are plenty of other techniques! The level 2 basic techniques will be explained in another blog post another time, for now good luck practicing these techniques!

Basic techniques combined: a French braid and a fishtail