Do you want to style your hair using braiding methods like African women? Although their braiding hairstyle looks quite impressive and attractive, but it may make you wonder how to do this braid and how long does it take to braid hair?
The steps of the braid and your hair extent play a vital role in determining how long it may take to complete the braid.
However, the time it takes to braid hair can vary significantly depending on the style of braids you are having done. For short to medium hair, it will generally take 4-6 hours. If you have long hair, it can take 6-10 hours. The time also depends on the type of braid and the skill level of the person doing the braiding.
Check out this quick table with different braid styles and an approximate installation time
| Braid Style | Approximate Time |
| Classic Braid | 2 Minute |
| Half-Up Crown Braid | 2 To 3 Minutes |
| Double Side Front Braid | 5 Minutes |
| Upside Down Braid Bun | 8 Minutes |
| Half-Up Bun Braid | 7 To 10 Minutes |
| Fishtail Braid | 5 To 10 Minutes |
| French Braid | 7 To 10 Minutes |
| Dutch Braid | 10 To 15 Minutes |
| Cornrows | 15 Minutes To 4 Hours |
| Twists | 5 To 6 Hours |
| Box Braid | 4 To 8 Hours |
| Jumbo Box Braid | 3 To 4 Hours |
| Faux Locs | 4 To 9 Hours |
| Knotless | 4 To 7 Hours |
| Yarn Braid | 7 To 15 Hours |
| Crochet Braids | Around 3 Hours |
| Micro Braid | 5 To 12 Hours |
| Lemonade Braid | 3 To 4 Hours |
| Tree Braid | 3 To 6 hours |
In the following discussion, we’ll share with you different types of braids and a step-by-step guide on the classic braids to do them successfully.
Types of braids commonly used
There are multiple types of braiding styles for women to choose from. However, which braid hairstyle you should choose is determined by your hair length, texture, volume, and hair strength.
Besides, whether you can do it at home or need help from a professional also plays a significant role in choosing the style.
1. Classic Braid
It’s the easiest and beginner-level method that even young children can do with a little practice. This braiding hairstyle includes dividing your hair into three portions equally.
Then you change one part over the other until you reach your hair’s end and till the part where you want to tie the hair with a scrunchie. Once you master this basic braid, it’ll become easier to implement other intricate twisted methods.
How long does it take to do Classic or regular braids
You can complete your classic braid within 5 to 20 minutes if you have long and straight hair. Short hair may take only a minute to braid your hair.
2. Dutch / French Braids
These two styles are pretty similar and look best on medium hair and long hair. The braiding method is also similar to the classic braid.
However, classic braids expect to start braiding from the middle of the head with all hairs together. While French and Dutch braids also use 3 hair strands but expect to start twisting from the base of your head.
How long does it take to do Dutch braids?
The first time it will probably take you about 20 to 30 minutes. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it in about 10 minutes.
How Long Does It Take To French Braids
It usually takes around 7 to 10 minutes to french braid someone’s hair. The process is a bit more complicated than regular braiding, but it’s definitely worth the effort.
3. Box Braids
This hairstyling method is widely popular among African women and men. Box braids are also known as a carefree or protective style that contains boxy-shaped hair sections.
No matter whether you have longer hair or short hair, you can go for this braid. Just make sure you don’t keep the braids over eight weeks and clean your scalp with clarifying shampoo and let the hair air-dry for an entire day.
how long does it take to do box braids
It usually takes around 4 to 8 hours to do box braids. However, this can vary depending on the size of the braids and the person doing them.
4. jumbo box Braid
Jumbo box braids are a type of braid that is large, chunky, and usually worn in a ponytail or updo. They are often used to add extra volume or thickness to hair, and can be styled in a variety of ways.
how long does it take to do jumbo box braids
This style involves braiding hair in a large box pattern, and it can take anywhere from three to four hours to complete.
While this style does require some time and effort, the results are definitely worth it. Plus, once they’re done, they will last for several weeks before needing to be redone. So if you’re looking for a new look, jumbo box braids may be just what you’re looking for!
5. Micro Braids
The method of these braids is similar to box braids, but micro braids are created with a very small amount of hair that your braided hair may look like thick hair strands sometimes.
It generally takes a longer time to complete; that’s why it’s better to choose this plait when you have short hair. Make sure you wash your scalp with some good deep cleaning shampoo or go to a salon to maintain your micro braid.
how long does it take to do micro braids
It usually takes between five and twelve hours to do a full micro braid hairstyle. This timeframe can vary depending on the person’s hair type, the complexity of the style, and how experienced the stylist is.
6. Cornrows
These braided styles also include multiple braids like box braids, but the ultimate look of cornrows is more beautiful and appealing than box braids. However, you should keep cornrows for a few weeks and make sure to clean your scalp properly.
However, ensure you rinse your hair for at least 5 minutes to rinse out the shampoo completely; otherwise, it can build up residue on your scalp.
how long does it take to do cornrows
In general, it takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 4 hours to complete a set of cornrows.
7. knotless
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional box braids, knotless braids may be a good option for you. They have similar sizes and lengths, and they grow with your hair- so you can style them however you like. Plus, they’re weightless and painless, so you can go about your day without feeling weighed down.
how long does it take to do knotless braids
It usually takes knotless braiders around four to seven hours to complete a style. This time may vary depending on the size and complexity of the style.
8. Lemonade Braids
It’s no secret that braids are a popular style for summertime. Whether you’re going to the beach or just out running errands, this style can keep your hair out of your face and looking great. But how long does it take to get lemonade braids?
How Long Does It Take To Get Lemonade Braids?
Braiding your own hair can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be time-consuming. Depending on the complexity of the design, it can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours to complete the style.
If you don’t have that much time to spare, you may want to consider hiring a professional braider instead.
9. Crochet Braids
Crochet braids have become a popular protective style in recent years. This type of braiding involves adding synthetic hair to your natural hair using a crochet hook. The end result is a style that goes from the front of your head to the back, similar to cornrows.
One of the great things about crochet braids is that you can change your hair color, length, texture, and style without sacrificing your natural curl pattern.
How long does it take to crochet your own hair?
If you’re thinking about trying crochet braids for yourself, keep in mind that it usually takes around three hours to complete the entire process. So make sure you block out enough time in your schedule.
10. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a type of temporary protective style in which your extensions are loc’d—not your real hair. This means that you can experiment with different looks without having to worry about damaging your natural hair. Faux locs can be installed using two methods: the crochet method or the latch hook method.
How Long Does It Take To Faux Locs
Faux locs usually take 4 to 9 hours to install, depending on the style and the size of the locs.
11. tree braid
Tree braids are a type of braid that is growing in popularity. Unlike traditional braids, tree braids don’t require you to braid your hair very tightly. This makes them a good choice for people with thin or fine hair, since they won’t end up with the dreaded “braid head” after wearing traditional braids overnight.
Another advantage of tree braids is that they are invisible. You don’t see the braids in your hair – they just look like normal hair. This makes them a popular choice for people who want to wear their hair in a style that is low-maintenance and easy to care for.
how long does it take to do tree braids
Installing tree braids usually takes 3 to 6 hours. The time it takes to install them depends on the size of the tree braid, the hair type, and how experienced the person is who is installing them.
How Long Does Hair Have to Be to Braid?
Hair growth is a time-consuming and tiresome journey. So having the right target is key to achieving your dream braided style. Different styles require different lengths. The list given below will give you a comprehensive insight into the length requirements for almost all types of braided hairstyles.
braiding hair length chart
| Types of braids | Minimum length of hair |
| Classic Braid | Four to five inches |
| Simple Three-Strand Braid | Five to ten inches |
| Four Strand Braid | Five inches |
| Five Strand Braid | Five inches |
| French Braid | Four inches |
| Fishtail Braid | Seven inches |
| Dutch Braid | Three inches |
| Feather Braids | Five inches |
| Rope Twisted Braid | Four inches |
| Pull Through Braid | Three inches |
| Reverse Braid | Four inches |
| Waterfall Braid | Five inches |
| Milkmaid Braids | Four inches |
| Plait Braids | Two inches |
| Lace Braids | Three inches |
| Ladder Braids | Five inches |
| Lattice Braid | Six inches |
| Crochet Braids | Two to five inches |
| Accent Braids | Three inches |
| Box Braids | Two to three inches |
| Micro Braids | Two inches |
| Crown Braids | Two to three inches |
| Cornrow Braids | Two inches |
| Lemonade Braids | Three inches |
| Braided Buns | Three to five inches |
| Tribal Braids | Two to five inches |
| Halo Braids | Two to five inches |
| Jumbo box | Five inches |
| Knotless Braids | Five to six inches |
| Faux Locs | Ten inches |
| Yarn Braid | Five to seven inches |
| Tree Braids | Four to five inches |
What are the steps involved in braiding hair?
All braid types mentioned above have different ways of making them. However, if you can master the classic, then other braiding methods will become easier automatically.
That’s why we’re here with a complete step-by-step process of how to make a classic braid easily. Before you start, you should gather a hair tie or scrunchie, a comb (wide tooth comb or paddle brush), few hairpins if you have short hair.
However, if you have an electric braider, then you can use that to make classic braids. Here’s the basic hair braiding process:
- Wash Your Hair: Before you braid, you should wash and deep condition your hair. If you have extremely curly hair, consider co wash your hair as it’ll retain extra nourish and moisture in your hair.
- Comb And Prepare Your Hair: After washing your hair, comb and dry your hair. However, when you detangle your hair, try to choose the comb according to your hair type, for example, if you have wavy and straight hair, go for a paddle brush, and go for wide-tooth combs if you have curly hair.
While combing, always start from the ends and gradually go up to the roots. Now, if you want to straighten your natural hair before twisting it, then consider blow dry your hair.
Next, if you have very frizzy and rough hair, apply any styling paste or smoothing cream through the mid-shaft of hair to manage and prepare them for twisting. - Divide Your Hair: After combing, consider dividing your hair into three parts at the back of your neck using your fingers. Make sure all three sections are equal and even.
If you don’t want to show your hairline, then hold all your hair behind the head as if your want to make an updo, then divide them.
You should have a right, middle, and left hair section holding in your hand.
At this point, you can also add black or African colorful synthetic hair with your natural hair to make your ultimate braid look thicker and more colorful. - Start Braiding Your Hair: Now cross the left part of your hair over the middle part. This time, the left part is the new middle part and the middle part is the new left section of your hair.
Then cross the right part again over the new middle part, which was previously the left part. Now the right part became the middle part.
Continue twisting your hair by crossing the new left and right sections with the middle section following the same way.
And braiding hair with an electric braider will complete this twisting process by itself. - Tie Your Braid: Once you finish the briding process until your desired portion of hair, tie it with a hair tie or you can also tie the braid with a fluffy scrunchie to make it look more beautiful.
Generally, the majority of the people always leave about an inch or 2 at the end of the hair unbraided. You can leave more hair unbraided if you want, there’s no specific rule for that.
FAQs
It may take four to eight weeks if you leave to do it naturally. It may be quicker if done by a stylist with force.
Micro box braids are the undisputed winner in times of durability. It can last for two to three months without any problem.
No, it does not. It’s a complete myth that your hair grows faster after braiding. It will grow at its natural rate.
Braids may look neat and last for two to three weeks for males only if they maintain and care for their braids. Besides, male hair grows quickly, which also affects the longevity of braids as regrowth can make braids untidy.
Usually, short braids last longer than bigger braids; the same goes for the twisting method as well. No matter whether you have curls or fine hair, your short braids are supposed to last for 3-8 weeks.
According to a stylist, smaller or thin braids last longer than bigger braids. It’s because bigger braids or twists like box braids, Marley twists, Senegalese twists, etc., last for a few weeks only.
If your hairs are short, it doesn’t mean you can’t braid your hair. In fact, even if you struggle to make a ponytail of your short hair, you can braid your hair. However, you may require many black clips to your braid properly.
Moisture your braids, don’t make them too dense, wash your braids frequently, and air-drying the braids are the crucial steps of caring for braids. The most important thing is to avoid swimming while your braids are in place, as soaking your hair in water puts it at risk of breaking and getting tangled.
Untie the braids in a meek way and use the tip of your finger to release the extensions from plaits. Take help from a professional stylist if you’re not confident.
Using moisturizing cream, deep cleaning shampoo, and little loose braids are enough to take care of box braids. If your box braids are too tight, it can make your scalp itchy, cause headaches, and lead to traction alopecia.
If you can box braid your hair in about 5 to 8 packs, it should cover your full head. However, eight packs of hair are enough for small long box braids. This estimate is suitable for long to short hair women.
A silk durag is often recommended because it is less likely to cause friction and damage to the hair.
It depends on the type of weave you get and how long your hair is. If you have short hair, it will take about 45 minutes. For longer hair, it could take up to 3 hours. Weaves can be done in less than an hour, but that would depend on the type of weave you choose.
The time it takes to make dreadlocks varies depending on the method used. The backcombing and twisting method takes an average of 8-12 hours to complete.
The time it takes to braid short hair varies depending on the style and technique used. On average, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.
It usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour to braid 4 cornrows, but it can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair.
Learning how to braid can take some practice, but it is not necessarily hard. With patience and persistence, anyone can learn how to braid.
Yes, 1 inch hair can be braided, but it may require a different technique than longer hair.
Yes, braiders can braid short hair, but they may need to use different techniques or styles depending on the length and texture of the hair.
Braiding short hair can be more challenging than longer hair, but it is not necessarily hard with practice and patience.
Braiding your hair does not necessarily make it grow longer, but it can help to protect your hair and prevent breakage, which can promote healthy hair growth.
42 inch braiding hair is typically 42 inches in length when stretched.
The length of time it takes to get braids can vary depending on the style, length, and thickness of the hair. It can take anywhere from a few hours to several hours or even a full day.
Sister braids can take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours depending on the style and technique used.
6 cornrows can last anywhere from 2 weeks to a month depending on how well they are maintained.
2 cornrows can last anywhere from a few days to a week or more depending on how well they are maintained.
It is generally better to braid hair when it is dry as wet hair can be more prone to breakage.
To start braids for beginners, you should begin by sectioning the hair and dividing it into three sections. Then, cross the left section over the middle section, and the right section over the new middle section, repeating until the braid is complete.
Braiding fast takes practice and technique. Keeping the sections of hair even and using a consistent pattern can help to speed up the braiding process.
It is generally not recommended to braid hair when it is wet as wet hair can be more prone to breakage. It is better to braid dry hair.
The easiest braid to learn for beginners is usually the basic three-strand braid.
Using products such as hair oil or leave-in conditioner can help to make the hair more manageable and easier to braid.
The hardest braid to do in hair can vary depending on the individual and their skill level, but some people find complex styles like fishtail braids or intricate updos to be more challenging.
It can be easier to braid slightly dirty hair as the natural oils can help to make the hair more manageable, but it is important to avoid braiding hair that is overly dirty or greasy.
Braids can be easy to take care of with proper maintenance, such as regular washing and moisturizing. However, neglecting to care for braids can lead to issues such as scalp irritation or breakage.
Anyone can learn to braid their hair with practice and patience.
To braid 4 or 5 strands, you should divide the hair into equal sections, then cross the outer sections over the middle section in a consistent pattern until the braid is complete.
To braid 4c hair for beginners, it is best to begin with a basic three-strand braid and gradually work up to more complex styles as skill and confidence improve.
The time it takes to cornrow long hair can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair, but it can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day.
The number of braids considered cornrows can vary depending on the style and technique used, but typically, anywhere from 4 to 12 braids can be considered cornrows.
The number of times you should braid your hair depends on your hair type, style, and personal preference. Some people braid their hair daily, while others may braid it once a week or less often.
The number of packs of hair needed for 5 cornrows can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair, but typically, one pack of hair is enough for each cornrow.
Four bundles of hair may be enough for braids, but the amount needed can vary depending on the length and thickness of the hair and the desired style.
Braids can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on how well they are maintained and the type of hair used. Generally, the smaller the braid, the longer it will last.
Conclusion
You now know different twisting methods and how long does it take to get braids into different styles. When choosing the style, the most important thing is to know your hair length, whether you have thick or thin hair density, and hair types.
Besides, hairstylist experts at salons never make tight braids to protect hair from damage, so you should follow the same. Also, give your hair a deep conditioning treatment before twisting to prevent it from damaging.
