Braiding Black Men's Hair: A Step-By-Step Guide (2025)

Braiding hair is a versatile and protective hairstyle for Black men. Whether you're looking to experiment with a new style, or you're a stylist wanting to expand your repertoire, braiding is a skill that requires patience and practice. Braiding is a great way to express yourself and your individuality, and with the right products and techniques, you can create neat and stylish braids.

How to shampoo Black men's hair before braiding

To shampoo Black men's hair before braiding, start by completely wetting the hair. Then, apply shampoo, starting with the roots and working your way down to the ends. Use your finger pads instead of your fingernails to scrub your scalp gently. Rinse and repeat this process if needed. After shampooing, use a conditioner to wash your hair. While your hair is still damp, detangle it with a leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb. Then, apply a hair oil or butter to lock in moisture and make the hair easier to braid.

It is important to work on clean hair when starting a new braid style to remove any buildup and dandruff. Additionally, properly prepping the hair before braiding can help to ensure a neat and painless process.

• Make sure your hair is completely wet before applying shampoo.
• Use your finger pads to gently scrub your scalp, avoiding your fingernails.
• Rinse and repeat the shampoo process if needed.
• Condition your hair after shampooing to add moisture.
• Detangle your hair while it is still damp using a leave-in conditioner and a wide-tooth comb.
• Lock in moisture and make the hair easier to braid by applying a hair oil or butter.
• If you have an oily scalp, you can use a dry shampoo like Batiste Dry Shampoo to soak up oils and refresh your braids.

How to part Black men's hair for braiding

Before braiding Black hair, it is important to wash your hair and scalp with shampoo to remove any buildup and dandruff. Then, use your fingers or a scalp massager to give your scalp and hair strands a good going-over.

When parting Black men's hair for braiding, it is important to decide where the part will be. The two most common part styles are either in rows from the hairline straight back to the nape of the neck or braided in a circular motion around the head from a center part. Use a rat-tooth comb to part the hair in the desired pattern and to split the hair into sections for braiding. The size of the parted section will determine the size of the braid—a smaller part will result in a smaller braid, and a larger part will result in a larger braid.

Once the part is created, separate the rest of the hair with a clip or hair tie to keep it out of the way. Then, apply some edge control or holding gel along the perimeter of the part to control any flyaways and to make the part look sleek.

For cornrows, the braiding is done by creating a French braid very close to the scalp. As you work down the parted section of hair, continue braiding in the same way, grabbing small portions of hair from the unbraided part and incorporating them into each strand you cross over the middle section.

How to braid cornrows for Black men

Cornrows are a chic and protective hairstyle for Black men with natural hair. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create this look:

Prepare your hair:

Start by washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner. It is important to work with clean hair to remove any buildup and dandruff. Completely wet your hair before applying shampoo, and use your finger pads to scrub your scalp, starting from the roots and working your way down to the ends. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Detangle and part your hair:

Before braiding, detangle your hair with a leave-in conditioner and a detangling brush. Apply a hair oil or butter to lock in moisture and make the hair easier to braid. Part your hair in rows from front to back, using the end of a rat-tail comb. Create a middle part from your forehead to your neck, then divide each side into 1-3 more rows, depending on your desired number of cornrows. Secure each row with small-tooth clips or bobby pins.

Create the cornrow braid:

Take a small section of hair from the front row and divide it into three strands. Twist the hair twice like a normal braid, then add hair from below the braid into the middle strand. Using both hands, hold one section of hair with one hand and the other two sections with the other hand. Apply a small amount of edge control gel along your hairline to improve grip and tame flyaways.

Now, begin braiding by swapping the positions of the center and rightmost strands, bringing the right strand under the center strand. Then, swap the positions of the left strand and the new center strand. Repeat this process, alternating as you go. Each time you complete a braid with all three strands, it is called a "braid stitch."

Continue braiding and finish the style:

Continue adding small strands of hair from the section to each braid stitch as you work your way down. When you reach the end of the hair, you can optionally tie it off with an elastic rubber band to prevent it from unravelling. Repeat the braiding process for each row of hair, and you're done!

Remember, braiding takes practice, so don't be discouraged if your cornrows don't turn out perfect the first time. With patience and persistence, you'll be braiding like a pro in no time.

How to braid Black men's hair without causing pain

Braiding Black men's hair can be challenging due to the natural thickness and fullness of the hair. However, with the right techniques and preparation, it is possible to achieve neat and tidy braids without causing discomfort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to braid Black men's hair without causing pain:

Prepare the Hair:

Start by washing the hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo to remove any buildup and dandruff. Completely wet the hair before adding shampoo and use your finger pads to scrub the scalp gently. Rinse and repeat if necessary. Follow up with a deep conditioner to help soften the strands, leaving it on for the recommended time before rinsing with cool water.

Detangle the Hair:

Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle the hair, starting from the ends and working your way up towards the roots. Take your time with this step to minimize discomfort and ensure the hair is ready for braiding.

Blow-Dry and Part the Hair:

Use a blow dryer on a low setting to relax and defrizz the hair, making it easier to manage during braiding. Brush the hair again to remove any remaining knots. Then, use a rat-tailed comb to create a straight part, using your scalp as a guide. Separate the rest of the hair into sections with clips or hair ties.

Start Braiding:

Apply a light gel or edge control product along the part to create a sleek look and control flyaways. For a basic braid, split the hair into three sections. Cross the right section over and under the middle section, then cross the left section over and under the middle. To minimize pain, avoid pulling the hair too tightly, especially at the scalp.

Tips for a Comfortable and Neat Braid:

• Grab a smaller section of hair at the start of the braid, gradually increasing the amount of hair as you go.
• Use the same amount of hair in each "grab" to maintain consistency and avoid bumpy or misaligned spots.
• If you feel any discomfort during the braiding process, communicate this to your stylist or adjust the tension accordingly if you are braiding your own hair.

Relieving Scalp Pain:

If you experience scalp pain or itchiness after braiding, there are several remedies you can try:

• Apply heat to the scalp, such as through the use of an at-home steamer, to provide relief and hydration.
• Incorporate daily oil scalp massages, using peppermint oil to instantly cure itchiness and promote blood circulation.
• Invest in braid sprays specifically designed for scalp relief under protective styling.
• Cover your head with a wet towel for several minutes to trap moisture and alleviate dryness.

Remember, braiding should not be painful. With practice, patience, and the right techniques, you can achieve neat and stylish braids for Black men's hair without causing any discomfort.

How to make braids look neat and tidy

To make braids look neat and tidy, it is important to start with clean hair. Before braiding, use a shampoo and conditioner system that leaves your hair thick and full-looking. Deep conditioning treatments with natural oils like coconut oil or olive oil will leave your hair feeling soft and smooth.

After washing, apply a hair product like pomade or paste to sculpt and reshape your hair while adding a lightweight hold. Comb the product through your hair evenly before you begin to braid. Divide your hair into three even sections. Cross the outer right strand of hair over the middle strand, then cross the left outer strand over the middle strand and repeat. Secure the end of your braid with a hair elastic.

To prevent frizz, use hair ties and a bit of styling gel to keep the sections separate. You can also use hair cuffs to add some spice to your braids. For a casual yet trendy look, pull the braids back into a half-man bun.

To maintain your braids, it is important to keep your hair moisturized. Use a leave-in conditioner to minimize frizz and protect your hair from damage. Get regular trims to prevent split ends, which are a common cause of frizziness. To keep your braids looking fresh, re-braid them when necessary to give them that freshly-done look.

To protect your braids at night, sleep with a silk or satin scarf wrapped around your head. This will prevent friction and keep your braids secure. You can also sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to prevent frizz and breakage.

Frequently asked questions