For guys with shorter hair who are looking to add some style and interest to their look, braiding is an excellent option. Braids are a great way to keep your hair out of your face, and they can create a variety of different looks, from casual to elegant. Best of all, braiding short hair is relatively easy to do, even for beginners.
Before you start braiding short hair, there are a few things you need to do to prepare. First, you need to wash and condition your hair. This will help to make your hair more manageable and less likely to tangle. Once your hair is clean and conditioned, you need to brush it thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. Finally, you can apply a small amount of hair gel or pomade to your hair. This will help to keep your hair in place and prevent it from frizzing.
Once your hair is prepared, you can start braiding. There are many different types of braids that you can choose from, depending on the length of your hair and the look that you want to achieve. Some of the most popular types of braids for short hair include the cornrow braid, the French braid, and the Dutch braid. If you are unsure which type of braid to choose, you can ask a friend or a stylist for help.
Preparation: Gathering Necessary Tools
Essential Tools for Braiding Short Hair
To achieve flawless braids on short hair, it’s crucial to assemble the right tools. Here’s a comprehensive list:
- Fine-Tooth Comb: Essential for detangling and smoothing hair.
- Wide-Tooth Comb: Distributes hair evenly before braiding.
- Braiding Brush: Helps create sleek, uniform braids.
- Elastic Bands: Secures braids in place.
- Bobby Pins: Conceals loose ends and provides extra hold.
- Styling Gel or Pomade: Adds texture and hold to hair, preventing frizz.
- Hair Spray: Finalizes the style, preventing flyaways.
- Thin, Colorful Ribbons or Threads: Can be incorporated into braids for a decorative touch.
Additional Tips:
- Wash hair thoroughly to remove dirt and oil.
- Condition hair to detangle and add smoothness.
- Blow-dry hair slightly to create volume and texture.
- Use a small amount of styling product to control frizz and hold.
- Cross the Right Section Over the Middle: Take the right section and cross it over the middle section, placing it to the left of the middle.
- Cross the Left Section Over the New Middle: Next, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section (which is now the right section).
- Tighten and Secure: Pull the sections together to tighten the braid and secure it with a small elastic band or hair tie.
- Repeat: Continue repeating steps 1-3 until the entire length of hair is braided.
- Use a small amount of hairspray or pomade to help keep the hair in place.
- If your hair is too short to French braid all the way down, you can stop braiding and secure the hair with a hair tie or bobby pins.
- French braids can be dressed up or down, so they are perfect for any occasion.
- Fine-toothed comb
- Edge Control or Water-based Pomade
- Rat-tail comb (optional)
- Hair clips (optional)
- Prepare the hair by detangling it and applying edge control or water-based pomade.
- Section the hair into two halves, securing the top half with a hair clip.
- Create a small braid on the bottom half of the hair, using any braiding technique you desire.
- Incorporate hair from both the top and bottom halves into the braid.
- Continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair, then secure it with a small rubber band or hair tie.
- Repeat steps 3-5 to create additional braids on the other side of the head.
- Add beads or other embellishments to the braids, if desired.
- Finish the look by spraying the hair with light-hold hairspray and using edge control or water-based pomade to smooth down any flyaways.
- Section off the hair in the center of the scalp, from the forehead to the back of the head. This will be the mohawk section.
- Divide the mohawk section into three strands of equal width.
- Begin braiding the hair by crossing the left strand over the middle strand, then the right strand over the middle strand.
- Continue braiding down the length of the mohawk section, keeping the strands tight and even.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair band.
- Repeat steps 2-5 for the other side of the mohawk section.
- Use a comb or brush to smooth down the sides of the mohawk, creating a clean and finished look.
- Consider adding hair extensions to the braids for extra length and volume. A table summarizing the steps for braiding a mohawk is provided below.
- Start by brushing the hair to remove any tangles.
- Divide the hair into three even sections.
- Cross the right section over the middle section.
- Cross the left section over the new middle section.
- Continue crossing the sections over each other until you reach the end of the hair.
- Secure the braid with a hair tie.
Parting and Sectioning the Hair
Before braiding your guy’s short hair, it’s important to properly part and section the hair to ensure even and symmetrical braids. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Determine the Parting
Decide where you want to part the hair, taking into account the natural hair growth pattern and the desired style. Use a fine-toothed comb to create a clean, straight part.
2. Section the Hair
Divide the hair into smaller, manageable sections. For shorter hair, smaller sections will be necessary. Use hair clips or rubber bands to hold each section in place. This table outlines the general guidelines for sectioning short hair based on length:
| Hair Length | Number of Sections |
|---|---|
| 1-3 inches | 2-4 sections |
| 3-5 inches | 4-6 sections |
| 5-7 inches | 6-8 sections |
These guidelines can be adjusted based on the desired braid size and the thickness of the hair.
Basic Techniques for Braiding Short Hair
1. Gather the Hair
Begin by dampening the hair to make it more manageable. Section off the top portion of the hair, leaving enough hair on the sides for braiding. Secure the top section with a hair tie or clip.
2. Divide and Section the Hair
Divide the remaining hair into two or three equal sections, depending on the desired braid style. Hold each section firmly with one hand, keeping it taut and straight.
3. Intertwining the Sections
Here’s a detailed explanation of how to intertwine the three sections to create a basic braid:
French Braid for Men
French braiding is a classic and versatile style that can be adapted to any hair length. For guys with short hair, a French braid can be a great way to keep hair out of the face and add a touch of style.
To French braid short hair, start by dampening the hair and combing it to remove any tangles. Then, divide the hair into three equal sections at the crown of the head.
Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the left section and cross it over the new middle section. Continue alternating sides, crossing the right section over the middle and the left section over the new middle.
As you braid, be sure to keep the hair tight and close to the head. If the hair is too loose, the braid will fall out. Once you reach the nape of the neck, continue braiding until you reach the end of the hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
Tips for French Braiding Short Hair:
Cornrow Braids for Short Hair
Cornrow braids are a versatile style that can be worn by men with short hair. They are a great way to add style and personality to your look. To braid a guy’s short hair into cornrows, follow these steps:
1. Dampen Your Hair: Dampen your hair slightly to make it easier to braid. You can use a spray bottle filled with water or a damp towel.
2. Divide Your Hair into Sections: Divide your hair into sections about 1 inch wide. You can use a comb or your fingers to create the sections.
3. Start Braiding: Start braiding the hair in each section using the three-strand braid technique. To do this, take the left strand of hair and cross it over the middle strand. Then, take the right strand of hair and cross it over the new middle strand. Repeat this process until you reach the end of the section.
4. Secure the Braids: Once you have finished braiding each section, secure the braids with elastic bands or hair ties.
5. Style Your Braids: You can style your cornrow braids in a variety of ways. You can leave them loose, or you can tie them back into a ponytail or bun. You can also add beads or other accessories to your braids to personalize your look.
Here is a table with some additional tips for braiding short hair:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a fine-toothed comb | To create neat and even sections |
| Apply a small amount of hair gel | To help keep the braids in place |
| Braid the hair tightly | To prevent the braids from becoming loose |
Boxer Braided Ponytail
Step 1: Start with Damp Hair
Start with freshly washed and slightly damp hair. Damp hair is easier to braid than dry hair and will help the braids stay in place better.
Step 2: Divide the Hair into Two Sections
Use a rat-tail comb to divide the hair down the middle, from the forehead to the nape of the neck. Secure the top section with a hair tie or clip.
Step 3: Braid the Bottom Section
Starting at the nape of the neck, divide the bottom section into three equal strands. Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand. Continue braiding in this way until you reach the top of the head.
Step 4: Secure the Bottom Braid
Once you reach the top of the head, secure the bottom braid with a hair tie.
Step 5: Braid the Top Section
Take down the top section of hair and braid it in the same way as the bottom section. Starting at the middle of the head, divide the hair into three equal strands and braid until you reach the top of the head.
Step 6: Combine the Braids into a Ponytail
Hold the two braids together at the top of the head and secure them with a hair tie. If desired, you can wrap a small piece of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie.
Necessary Materials
Step 1: Prepare the hair
Use the fine-toothed comb to detangle the hair. Apply a small amount of edge control or water-based pomade to the hair to help keep the braids in place.
Step 2: Section the hair
Use the rat-tail comb or your fingers to section off the top half of the hair. Secure the top half with a hair clip.
Step 3: Start braiding
Take a small section of hair from the bottom half and braid it as desired. You can use a basic three-strand braid, a French braid, or any other braiding technique you prefer.
Step 4: Incorporate the top half
Once you have braided a small section of the bottom half, take a small section of hair from the top half and add it to the braid. Continue braiding, incorporating hair from both the top and bottom halves.
Step 5: Secure the braid
Once you have reached the end of the braid, secure it with a small rubber band or hair tie.
Step 6: Repeat the process
Repeat steps 3-5 to create additional braids on the other side of the head.
Step 7: Finish the look
Once all the braids are complete, spray the hair with a light-hold hairspray to help keep the braids in place. You can also use edge control or water-based pomade to smooth down any flyaways.
Intricate Braided Undercut
The intricate braided undercut is a variation of the basic braided undercut that involves creating more intricate braids. This can be achieved by using different braiding techniques, such as French braids, Dutch braids, or fishtail braids. You can also add beads or other embellishments to the braids to create a more unique look.
To create an intricate braided undercut, follow the steps below:
Braided Mohawk
This style incorporates braids into the mohawk look, creating a more intricate and stylish hairstyle. To braid a mohawk, follow these steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Section off the hair in the center of the scalp, from the forehead to the back of the head |
| 2 | Divide the mohawk section into three strands of equal width |
| 3 | Begin braiding the hair by crossing the left strand over the middle strand, then the right strand over the middle strand |
| 4 | Continue braiding down the length of the mohawk section, keeping the strands tight and even |
| 5 | Secure the end of the braid with a hair band |
| 6 | Repeat steps 2-5 for the other side of the mohawk section |
| 7 | Use a comb or brush to smooth down the sides of the mohawk, creating a clean and finished look |
| 8 | Consider adding hair extensions to the braids for extra length and volume |
Dutch Braid for Men
Dutch Braid for Men
Dutch braids, also known as inverted French braids, create a unique and eye-catching style that adds volume and texture to short hair. Here’s a step-by-step guide to mastering the Dutch braid:
Step 1: Section the Hair
Divide the hair into three equal sections, just above the nape of the neck. Secure the remaining hair away from the work area.
Step 2: Start the Braid
Take the right section (A) and cross it over the middle section (B). Then, take the left section (C) and cross it over the new middle section.
Step 3: Add Hair
As you continue braiding, add small sections of hair from the sides into each section before crossing it over.
Step 4: Repeat the Steps
Repeat steps 2 and 3, crossing the outer sections over the middle section and adding hair as you go.
Step 5: Adjust the Tension
Keep the braid tight by pulling gently on each section after crossing it. This will create a more defined braid.
Step 6: Braid to the Crown
Continue braiding until you reach the crown of the head.
Step 7: Finish the Braid
Once you reach the crown, finish the braid as a traditional three-strand braid.
Step 8: Secure the Braid
Secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band.
Step 9: Loosen and Style
To give the braid a more voluminous and textured look, gently pull on the outer edges of each section, starting from the bottom and working towards the top. This will give the braid a fuller and more defined appearance.
| Technical Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Dutch Braid | An inverted French braid where outer sections are crossed over the middle section |
| French Braid | A classic braid where outer sections are crossed under the middle section |
| Nape of Neck | The back of the neck, where the hair is usually thinnest |
Ensuring Braids Last: Tips and Tricks
1. Start with Clean Hair
Begin with freshly washed and conditioned hair to remove any oils or dirt that can compromise the braids’ hold.
2. Use a Hair Primer
Applying a hair primer before braiding creates a barrier between your hair and the styling products, preventing damage and prolonging the braids’ lifespan.
3. Braid in the Correct Direction
Braid in the direction of hair growth to minimize tension and reduce the risk of breakage.
4. Use Wax or Gel
Apply a small amount of hair wax or gel to your hands and rub it along the hair before braiding. This adds grip and helps the braids hold firm.
5. Use Small Sections
Braid with smaller sections of hair to create tighter and more durable braids.
6. Tie Off Securely
Use a heavy-duty hair tie or elastic to secure the braids tightly at the ends.
7. Avoid Friction
Tie the braids up or wear a hat to prevent friction against clothing or bedding, which can cause frizz and loosen the braids.
8. Refresh with Pomade or Mousse
Apply a touch of pomade or mousse to refresh the braids and keep them looking neat.
9. Sleep on a Satin Pillowcase
Satin pillowcases create less friction than cotton ones, reducing hair breakage and keeping your braids in place while you sleep.
10. Keep Hair Hydrated
Use a deep conditioner or hair mask once a week to keep your hair moisturized and prevent dryness, which can lead to breakage and weakened braids.
| Product | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Hair Primer | Protects hair and extends braid life |
| Wax or Gel | Adds grip and durability |
| Heavy-Duty Hair Tie | Securely holds braids |
| Pomade or Mousse | Refreshes and conditions braids |
| Satin Pillowcase | Reduces friction and protects braids |
How To Braid A Guy’s Short Hair
Braiding a guy’s short hair can be a fun and easy way to add some style to his look. Here are the steps on how to do it:
People Also Ask
How do you braid a guy’s short hair that is very short?
If a guy’s hair is very short, you can still braid it by using the same steps as above. However, you may need to use a smaller hair tie to secure the braid.
Can you braid a guy’s short hair if it is curly?
Yes, you can braid a guy’s short hair if it is curly. However, you may need to use a detangling spray or conditioner to help make the hair more manageable.
How long does it take to braid a guy’s short hair?
The time it takes to braid a guy’s short hair will vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair. However, it should typically take no more than 10 minutes.
