Natural Black Hair - Tree-Braids or Intelock Braids

Many women with extensions don't want them to look or behave like fake hair.  In braiding, we've been able to eliminate the dreaded knot with no-knot or feed-in braids.  Now there's tree-braiding.

Tree braiding is similar to micro-braids but distinguishes itself from this traditional style by allowing a smooth transition from the braided section to the loose hair. The idea is as you braid your way down the hair, you remove small portions of the hair to be braided from your revolutions.  The removal of this hair camouflages or covers the braid allowing for a more natural look to the braided hair.

Tree-braids can be individual like micro-braids as previously discussed or they can use cornrows as a base.  There are some great pics from Braids by Kristen that depict this technique.

You can purchase hair extensions at most local beauty supply stores.  There are also some online vendors you may want to check for pricing so be sure to use the power of the Google.  In terms of what type of hair, you can use synthetic or human hair for tree braids. 

In terms of length, to maximize fullness and body, you should purchase hair that is at least 24 inches in length.  Make sure that you purchase individual hair strands not wefts and mind your wallet.  Unfortunately, due to this technique, you will not be able to reuse the hair extensions.  So where you want quality hair or synthetics, you may not want to go high end.

How to do tree braids - Watch the video and if that's not available, read this until it makes sense ;) ...

You start out braiding the hair as you normally would by attaching the artificial or human hair.  Complete a few braid revolutions.

Pull a little hair out of one strand.  Complete a few braid revolutions.

Pull a little hair out of another strand.  Complete a few braid revolutions.

You continue in this manner until you reach the desired length.  Then you tie off the braid by using your fingers to Interlock the hair, knot the hair or glue it.




Photos Courtesy of http://braidsbykristen.blogspot.com - DVD Tutorials Available!