With its intricate twists and turns, the dragon braid has become a popular choice for those looking to add a touch of elegance to their hairstyle. While the classic dragon braid is beautiful in its own right, adding extensions can take it to the next level, providing extra length, volume, and drama.
In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to create a stunning dragon braid with extensions. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned braiding expert, we've got you covered. Together, we'll delve into the art of braiding and transform your hair into a breathtaking masterpiece.
Before we begin, gather your essential supplies: a hairbrush, several hair ties, a comb, pomade or hairspray, and your chosen hair extensions. Additionally, securing the extensions may require bobby pins or extension clips, depending on your hair texture and the type of extensions you're using.
dragon braid tutorial with extensions
Achieve stunning, voluminous braids with extensions. Follow these key points for a flawless dragon braid:
- Prep hair with brush and comb.
- Secure extensions.
- Divide hair into three sections.
- Cross sections, adding extension hair.
- Continue braiding, adding extensions.
- Secure braid with tie or clip.
With practice, you'll master the dragon braid with extensions, turning heads wherever you go.
Prep hair with brush and comb.
Before embarking on your dragon braid journey, it's crucial to prepare your hair with a brush and comb. This step ensures a smooth braiding process and helps prevent tangles and breakage.
Begin by gently brushing your hair with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush. Start from the ends and work your way up to the roots, removing any knots or tangles. Be patient and gentle, especially if you have thick or curly hair.
Once your hair is detangled, switch to a finer-toothed comb. This will help smooth out any remaining frizz or flyaways and create a sleek base for your braid. Comb your hair in the direction you intend to braid, ensuring that it lies flat and free of bumps.
If you have particularly unruly hair, consider applying a small amount of detangling spray or leave-in conditioner. These products can help tame frizz and make your hair more manageable, resulting in a neater and more polished braid.
With your hair properly prepared, you've laid the foundation for a flawless dragon braid. Now, gather your hair extensions and let's move on to the next step.
Secure extensions.
Now that your hair is prepped and ready, it's time to incorporate your hair extensions. Depending on the type of extensions you're using, there are a few different methods to secure them.
- Clip-in extensions:
These extensions come with small clips attached to the weft. To secure them, simply open the clips and snap them onto your hair, ensuring they lie flat against your scalp. Work your way up the head, adding extensions as needed to achieve your desired volume and length.
- Tape-in extensions:
These extensions have a thin adhesive strip along the weft. To apply them, peel off the backing and press the extension firmly against your hair, close to the roots. Make sure the adhesive strip is fully attached to your hair, and continue adding extensions until you're satisfied with the result.
- Fusion extensions:
Fusion extensions are applied using a heat tool to bond the extensions to your natural hair. This method is more permanent and requires professional application. If you choose fusion extensions, consult with a hairstylist to ensure proper installation and maintenance.
- Sew-in extensions:
Sew-in extensions involve braiding your natural hair into cornrows and then sewing the extensions onto the braids. This method is also semi-permanent and requires professional installation. Sew-in extensions can provide a seamless blend with your natural hair, resulting in a voluminous and natural-looking braid.
Once your extensions are securely attached, you're ready to begin braiding your dragon braid. Make sure the extensions are evenly distributed throughout your hair for a balanced and voluminous look.
Divide hair into three sections.
With your hair prepped and extensions secured, it's time to divide your hair into three sections, which will form the foundation of your dragon braid.
- Start with a center part:
Using a comb, create a clean center part that divides your hair into two equal halves. This will serve as the starting point for your braid.
- Take a section from the front:
From one side of the center part, gather a small section of hair from the front of your head. This section should be about 1-2 inches wide, depending on the desired thickness of your braid.
- Create two more sections:
Repeat the previous step on the other side of the center part, taking another small section of hair from the front. Now, you should have two sections of hair, one on each side of your head.
- Separate the remaining hair:
The remaining hair at the back of your head will form the third section. Gather this hair together and hold it in one hand, keeping it separate from the two front sections.
Now that your hair is divided into three distinct sections, you're ready to start braiding your dragon braid. Remember to keep the sections organized and maintain even tension throughout the braiding process.
Cross sections, adding extension hair.
With your hair divided into three sections, you can begin the braiding process while incorporating your hair extensions. Follow these steps to create a stunning dragon braid with added volume and length:
- Cross the right section over the middle:
Take the right section of hair and cross it over the middle section, moving it to the left. This will become the new middle section.
- Add extension hair to the right section:
Before crossing the right section again, take a small piece of hair from your hair extensions and add it to the right section. Blend the extension hair seamlessly with your natural hair.
- Cross the left section over the new middle:
Now, take the left section of hair and cross it over the new middle section, moving it to the right. This will become the new middle section.
- Add extension hair to the left section:
Similar to the previous step, take a small piece of hair from your hair extensions and add it to the left section. Blend the extension hair well with your natural hair.
Continue alternating these steps, crossing the right and left sections over the middle and adding extension hair to each section before crossing. As you braid, keep the tension even and make sure the extension hair is securely blended with your natural hair.
Continue braiding, adding extensions.
Once you have mastered the basic technique of crossing sections and adding extension hair, you can continue braiding the dragon braid down the length of your hair.
- Maintain even tension:
As you braid, keep the tension consistent to ensure a neat and secure braid. Avoid braiding too tightly, as this can cause discomfort and damage to your hair.
- Add extension hair regularly:
To maintain the volume and length of the braid, continue adding small pieces of extension hair to the left and right sections before crossing them over. Blend the extension hair well with your natural hair for a seamless look.
- Work in small sections:
For a more intricate and detailed braid, work with smaller sections of hair. This will allow you to create tighter and more defined braids.
- Incorporate different braiding techniques:
To add interest and variation to your dragon braid, try incorporating different braiding techniques. For example, you could add a fishtail braid or a Dutch braid section to create a unique and eye-catching look.
As you continue braiding, take your time and enjoy the process. With practice, you'll be able to create a stunning dragon braid with extensions that will turn heads wherever you go.
Secure braid with tie or clip.
Once you have reached the end of your braid, it's time to secure it in place to prevent it from unraveling. There are two common methods for securing the braid: using a hair tie or a hair clip.
Using a hair tie:
- Choose a sturdy hair tie:
Opt for a hair tie that is strong enough to hold the weight of your braid, especially if you have thick or heavy hair. Hair ties made of elastic or bungee material work well. - Wrap the hair tie around the base of the braid:
Position the hair tie at the bottom of the braid, just above the point where the extensions begin. Wrap the hair tie around the braid two or three times, depending on the thickness of your hair. - Tuck in any loose ends:
After securing the braid with the hair tie, check for any loose strands of hair or extension hair. Tuck them neatly into the braid to create a clean and polished look.
Using a hair clip:
- Select a decorative hair clip:
Choose a hair clip that complements your outfit and personal style. Hair clips come in various sizes, shapes, and designs, so you can find one that matches your taste. - Position the hair clip at the base of the braid:
Open the hair clip and place it at the bottom of the braid, just above the point where the extensions begin. Make sure the clip is positioned securely and holds the braid in place. - Close the hair clip:
Gently close the hair clip to secure the braid. Ensure that the clip is tight enough to prevent the braid from slipping out.
Once you have secured the braid, you can style it further by adding hairspray or other styling products to hold the braid in place and prevent frizz. You can also accessorize the braid with beads, ribbons, or other decorative elements to create a unique and personalized look.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you create a stunning dragon braid with extensions:
Question 1: What type of hair extensions should I use?
Answer: Choose hair extensions that match your hair texture and color for a seamless blend. Clip-in extensions are a popular choice for beginners, as they are easy to apply and remove. Tape-in and fusion extensions are more permanent options that require professional application.
Question 2: How do I blend the extensions with my natural hair?
Answer: To blend the extensions seamlessly, start by sectioning your hair into small pieces. Clip the extensions into the sections close to your scalp, ensuring they lie flat. Use a brush or comb to blend the extension hair with your natural hair, paying attention to the roots.
Question 3: How tight should I braid the dragon braid?
Answer: Braid the dragon braid with medium tension to prevent damage to your hair and scalp. Avoid braiding too tightly, as this can cause discomfort and breakage. If you have thick or heavy hair, you may need to braid it more tightly to keep it secure.
Question 4: Can I add accessories to my dragon braid?
Answer: Yes, you can accessorize your dragon braid to create a unique and personalized look. You can add beads, ribbons, or hair clips to the braid. Experiment with different accessories to find a style that suits your taste.
Question 5: How long does a dragon braid with extensions last?
Answer: The longevity of a dragon braid with extensions depends on the type of extensions used and how well you care for them. Clip-in extensions can be removed at night and reused multiple times. Tape-in and fusion extensions can last for several weeks or months with proper maintenance.
Question 6: How do I maintain my dragon braid with extensions?
Answer: To maintain your dragon braid with extensions, brush your hair gently to prevent tangles. Avoid using harsh shampoos and conditioners, as they can damage the extensions. Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle the braid, starting from the ends and working your way up. Regularly check the extensions for any signs of damage or wear.
Closing Paragraph:
With the right techniques and a little practice, you can create a beautiful and long-lasting dragon braid with extensions. Experiment with different braiding patterns, accessories, and styles to find a look that complements your personality and outfit.
Now that you have a better understanding of how to create and maintain a dragon braid with extensions, let's explore some additional tips to help you achieve a flawless braid every time.
Tips
Here are some practical tips to help you achieve a flawless dragon braid with extensions:
Tip 1: Prep your hair properly:
Before braiding, brush your hair thoroughly to remove any tangles or knots. This will make the braiding process smoother and prevent breakage. You can also apply a detangling spray or leave-in conditioner to make your hair more manageable.
Tip 2: Use the right braiding technique:
There are different braiding techniques that you can use to create a dragon braid. The most common technique is the three-strand braid, which involves dividing your hair into three sections and crossing them over each other. You can also try more intricate techniques like the fishtail braid or the Dutch braid for a unique look.
Tip 3: Add extensions strategically:
When adding hair extensions to your braid, focus on the areas where you need extra volume or length. You can add extensions to the entire braid or just to certain sections, such as the bottom or the sides. Make sure to blend the extensions well with your natural hair to create a seamless look.
Tip 4: Secure the braid properly:
Once you have finished braiding, secure the braid with a sturdy hair tie or clip. You can also tuck in any loose ends to create a neat and polished look. If you are using clip-in extensions, make sure they are securely attached to your hair to prevent them from slipping out.
Closing Paragraph:
With a little practice and attention to detail, you can master the art of creating a stunning dragon braid with extensions. Remember to prep your hair properly, use the right braiding technique, add extensions strategically, and secure the braid properly. Experiment with different styles and accessories to find a look that suits your personal taste and style.
Now that you have the knowledge and skills to create a beautiful dragon braid with extensions, it's time to practice and perfect your technique. With continued practice, you'll be able to create this intricate braid with ease and confidence.
Conclusion
In this tutorial, we embarked on a journey to create a stunning dragon braid with extensions, transforming your hair into a masterpiece. We covered essential steps from prepping your hair and securing the extensions to braiding techniques and securing the finished braid.
Remember, practice is key to mastering the dragon braid. With each attempt, you'll become more comfortable with the braiding process and learn how to blend the extensions seamlessly with your natural hair. Experiment with different braiding patterns, accessories, and styles to find a look that reflects your unique personality and complements your outfit.
Whether you're a seasoned braiding expert or just starting your hair styling adventure, the dragon braid with extensions is a versatile and eye-catching hairstyle that will turn heads wherever you go. Embrace your creativity, have fun with the process, and enjoy the compliments that come your way.
So, go forth, braid with confidence, and let your dragon braid shine brightly, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your overall look. Happy braiding!
