Technical File - Braiding.

In our practical session with Lottie this week, we looked at hair braiding. I have to admit it was a little daunting walking into this session as I am only just becoming confident in french plaiting, the thought of having to create an 11 strand plait was quite nerve-wrecking. I was however, quite looking forward to building my skills, as this is a technique that you can use in so many hairstyles. 

Health and Safety -
Always make sure that products are clean and sanitised, ready to use. This goes the same for brushes and equipment.
Make sure your hair is tied back, with no jewellery that will interfere with the model/client.
Make sure you use a cape to cover the model/client's clothing.
Sanitise hands.
Always complete a consultation beforehand.

Equipment -

Small rubber hair bands. 

Sectioning comb.

Sectioning Clips.

Paddle Brush. 

Dutch braid - Method:

1. Begin by brushing the hair through to ensure that there are no knots. 
2. Take the corner section of hair from the parting at the front, and divide into three small strands. 
3. Start by plaiting the hair. When plaiting, ensure that the strands are going underneath each other, rather than over each other (this would be a french plait).
4. Introduce hair from above the plait, as well as below it. 
5. Try to keep the braid tight to the head. It is easier to introduce the section of hair after you have the strands in place.
6. Continue along the head, and plait off to finish. 

Here are two images of the dutch braid I completed in the practical. I am slightly unhappy with them, as the bottom sectioning line is untidy. I think that if I had either tied or clipped back the hair underneath, this would have stopped the problem. This is the second time that I have completed a dutch braid, and I am starting to become more confident in the technique. I now need to work on the clean sections.

Waterfall Braid - Method:

1. Brush the hair through to ensure that there are no knots in the hair. 
2. Start at the corner section by the parting, and plait normally. 
3. Plait the hair twice, and drop the bottom section. With this section, it is easier for the model to hold the strand so that it does not get in the way.
4. After dropping a strand, introduce a strand of hair from above the braid. 
5. Plait twice, and then drop another strand. 
6. Repeat this, then plait off. 

Here are a couple of images of the waterfall braid that I have created. I am pleased with how this look went, although I did find it a little more difficult than the dutch braid. I think that I should have tried to keep this braid a little tighter, to create a better shape. 

5 Strand Plait - Method:

1. Start by brushing the hair through using a paddle brush. 
2. Divide the hair into three sections, one either side, and one at the back. 
3. Clip back the two side sections.
4. Divide the back section into five even strands. 
5. Starting on the right-hand side, plait strand 3, 4 and 5 once. 
6. Now, move to the other side, but keeping hold of strand 5, which has moved into the middle.
7. Plait strand 1, 2 and 5, and keep hold of strand 1, which is now in the middle.
8. Repeat this process throughout the hair.
9. Tie with a rubber band.

Here is my first attempt at a 5-strand plait. I found this technique a lot easier than I had previously expected it to be. Looking at the plait, it seems quite daunting as you imagine yourself juggling 5 strands of hair all at once, but when you begin to just use three strands and switch sides, it becomes a lot more simple. I am pleased with the outcome of this plait, and would like to use this technique again.

8 Strand Plait - Method:

1. Keeping the 5 Strand plait in, undo the right side section that you had previously clipped out of the way. 
2. Begin a normal 3 strand plait. 
3. After every plait, loop the strand on the left through the back of the 5 strand plait, and over. 
4. Plait again, and repeat the loop.
5. Continue down to the end of the plait, and secure with a hair tie. 

This is an image of my 8 Strand Plait. I found this technique particularly intriguing as you were using the 5 strand plait, adding a normal plait to make it three. I have always questioned how people managed to plait all 8 strands, but now I know how simple it really is. I am very pleased with this plait, I would definitely like to try this again. 

11 Strand Plait - Method:

1. Using the section of hair that was clipped up on the left side of the head, brush this through to ensure that there are no knots. 
2. Begin a three strand plait.
3. After every movement, loop the strand that is on the right of the plait through the back to the front of the 8-strand plait, just like the movement when completing it on the right side.
4. Repeat this technique, and secure at the end of the plait using a hair tie. 

Here is an image of the final outcome of my 11 strand plait. I am really pleased with this look, although I know that it is a little messy at the top of the plait. I am definitely going to practice this look, as it can be used in many hairstyles. I found this practical very beneficial, as Lottie came up to each of us for help and support.