How to Braid Yarn Into Hair: Learn It With Easy Steps!

First, determine the desired length for your braids and measure accordingly. Next, prepare your hair by washing, conditioning, moisturizing, and combing thoroughly. Then, place the yarn, and initiate by tying a knot at the point where you intend to start your braid. Begin the braiding process by gently intertwining the left and right strands of yarn. Finally, ensure the stability of your braid with a hair elastic at the end.

This quick answer won’t help you much. Go through the whole article to learn the procedure in detail. You’ll also learn the caring and styling tips as a bonus. 

Key Takeaways

6 Simple Steps on How to Braid Yarn Into Hair!

A yarn braid is a protective hairstyling method, similar to several hairstyles that use braid hair extensions. You can save your hair with protective hairstyles.

Nonetheless, yarn braids differ from traditional braids in that yarn is actually used to make the braids. So, it’ll vary from the way to braid a ponytail. Now, you’ll get to know the process of braiding your hair with yarn step by step. 

Required Materials

Before starting the process, it’s necessary to shed light on the materials you need to perform the job. 

  • Yarn
  • And comb

We are now going to dive into the wholesome process of braiding. If you’re wondering how long it takes to braid hair, it typically requires 4 to 8 hours.

Steps on How to Braid Yarn Into Hair
Source: brit

Step 1: Prepare the Yarn

At the very beginning of your work, you need to prepare the yarn. Decide how long you want your braids to be. Measure that length in inches, then multiply it by 2. Remember this number for later. 

Find something to wrap around. Look around your home and measure a few things by putting a soft measuring tape around them. The thing’s size around (its measurement) should be the same as, or bigger than, the number you figured out before. Then, wrap the yarn. When you find something wide enough, wrap your yarn around it until the whole yarn ball is used up.  

Use scissors to cut the yarn. You’ll only need to cut it once. Separate the yarn (if you want). If the yarn is thicker than the size of the braid you want, you can make it thinner by pulling it apart into smaller pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Your Hair

Now, in this step, you need to prepare your hair. Wash your hair properly with a special shampoo without sulfate to clean your hair well. After that, you need to deeply condition your hair. This helps keep it healthy and moist because your hair will be in braids for a long time.

When your hair is clean and conditioned, you can add moisture. Get a good moisturizer that will cover your hair and stop it from rubbing against the yarn.

Next, comb your hair thoroughly and decide where to braid it. Section off a neat square 1–2 centimeters (0.4–0.8 in) across with a comb. Position the braid a few centimeters away from your parting to prevent the top from showing.

Step 3: Section Off the Hair

After that, section off the hair in the middle. Then, use a hairband to assemble the hair from the other side. This helps you concentrate on braiding. If you want to keep loose strands of hair away from the section you’re braiding, you can use bobby pins.

Step 4: Place the Yarn

At this point, gather three delicate strands of yarn and gently weave them together, fashioning a graceful knot at the journey’s inception. This shall mark the embarkation point of your elegant braid.

Step 5: Start Your Braid

Embrace the knot against your hair, commencing a dance of intertwining. Begin by guiding the left yarn strand over the heart, followed by the right strand, gracefully entwining it over the newfound core. 

You should repeat the process until you gracefully arrive at the culmination of your braided journey.

Step 6: Secure the Braid

Gently weave the threads into a final embrace, fashioning a tender knot at the braid’s closure, like a heartfelt seal of kinship. 

Alternatively, you may choose to grace it with a hair elastic, a delicate touch akin to adorning a work of art with a final flourish.

Secure the Braid
Source: amazon

3 of the Best Yarn for Hair Braiding

The yarn you pick for braiding your hair depends on what you like and how you want your hair to look. Here are some choices to think about:

Acrylic Yarn

This yarn is a common option for hair braiding. It’s not expensive, easy to find, and comes in lots of colors. Acrylic yarn is light and simple to use, so it’s good for many types of braids. It also lasts a long time.

Silk Yarn

If you want something more natural and good for your hair, you can go for 100% silk or a mix of silk yarn. Silk yarn is soft and smooth, and it’s gentle on your hair. It makes your braids look and feel fancy. But remember, silk yarn might cost more than acrylic yarn.

Horse Braiding Yarn

Even though it’s mainly used for braiding horses’ manes and tails, you can also use this yarn for your hair. It’s strong and can stretch, which helps make straight and strong braids. This yarn is really tough and holds up well, even in different situations.

Remember, the yarn you choose might also depend on the style of braids you want. Some yarns work better for certain styles. It’s a good idea to try different yarns to see which one you like the most. Let’s take a look at our cratered yarn selection made only for you!

Product NameFeatures
Brazilian Wool Hair Acrylic YarnLightweightNatural Look
Red Heart Super Saver StripeGreat wash performanceMultiple vibrant stripes

Tips to Style Your Yarn Braids

Helpful tips can make your work really easy. So, here are some tips for styling yarn braids:

  • Yarn braids can be styled in lots of ways. You can experiment with updos, leaving some hair down, or just keeping them loose. Look at YouTube videos or online guides for ideas.
  • Make your yarn braids extra special by adding things like beads, cuffs, or rings. You can also use headbands or scarves to create different styles.
  • Yarn braids might make your hair dry, so it’s important to keep them hydrated. Use special conditioners or oils to keep your hair and scalp from getting too dry.
  • Before you sleep, wrap your yarn braids in a soft scarf made of satin or silk. This helps stop them from getting tangled or messy. It also helps keep your style looking good.
  • Don’t pull or tug on your yarn braids too hard. This could hurt your hair. Gently use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to untangle your hair.

How to Care And Maintain Braids?

The common mistake is assuming the hair doesn’t need care during protective styles. Poor care can lead to hair loss, defeating their purpose of retaining length. So, you must know how to care for and maintain braids. Let’s look at some of the noteworthy ones.

  • Spritz hair with water and light oil (like Olive Oil) every 2-3 days. Glycerin can help too.
  • Don’t pull braids too tight to avoid damaging edges.
  • Wash if scalp/hair feels dirty. Co-washing is gentle compared to shampoo.
  • Wash yarn-braided hair in the sink to prevent heaviness when wet. Squeeze and towel dry. Use a blow dryer if needed.
  • If oiling your scalp, use your favorite oil up to twice weekly.
  • For opening the yarn. Cut thread ends if reusing yarn. Then, Separate hair from yarn slowly at the roots to avoid damage. apply olive oil for easier detangling after all braids are removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long to Keep Yarn Braids in?

It’s best to keep them in for about 5 weeks. Yet, a few have mentioned feeling itchy within just a fortnight. Some people might take them out earlier if they appear messy. Yet, it’s crucial to pay attention to your hair and scalp. If they feel dirty or uncomfortable, it’s a signal that you should take off the braids and let your hair rest.

Is Yarn Good for Summer?

Yes, yarn is good for summer. Yarn braids are light and comfortable, making them great for warm days. With a wide range of colors available, you can select a shade that matches your summer outfits. These braids offer diverse styling options, from elegant updos to relaxed waves, making them versatile for any event.

Are Yarn Braids Healthy?

Yarn braids can be a healthy option for hair. Yarn braids protect and promote hair growth while allowing moisture to penetrate and keep hair hydrated due to their yarn composition. They’re especially useful for maintaining moisture in dry hair. However, it may depend on personal preference and the specific style

Conclusion 

I hope you have learned exactly how to braid yarn into hair.  

Now you have collected details on getting the yarn ready, weaving it into your own hair, looking after the braids, and much more. You’re fully prepared to rock those amazing yarn braids. All the best for your venture.

Katharyn Riedel

Leave a Comment