Wigs have become increasingly popular as a way to switch up your look without damaging your natural hair. However, to achieve a seamless and natural-looking blend between your wig and your own hair, it’s essential to braid your hair underneath. Braiding helps to create a smooth base for the wig and prevents bulky knots or bumps that can ruin the illusion. With so many braiding options available, choosing the best braid for your hair type and wig style can be a daunting task. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the 12 best braids for under a wig, complete with step-by-step instructions, FAQs, tips, and tricks.
How to Prepare for Braiding Under a Wig
Before diving into the different braiding techniques, it’s important to prepare your hair properly to ensure a smooth and successful braiding experience. Follow these steps:
- Wash and condition your hair: This will remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup that could prevent the braids from holding.
- Detangle your hair: Use a wide-tooth comb to gently remove any knots or tangles.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner: This will help to moisturize and protect your hair from breakage.
- Section your hair: Divide your hair into the desired number of braids. For a wig that covers the entire head, you’ll likely need 4-6 braids.
- Dampen your hair: This will make it easier to braid and prevent breakage.
12 Best Braids for Under a Wig
1. Flat Cornrows
Flat cornrows are a classic choice for under a wig due to their flat and seamless appearance. They are created by braiding three strands of hair together tightly against the scalp.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a small section of hair at the front of your head.
- Divide the section into three equal strands.
- Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the new middle strand.
- Repeat step 3 until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
2. French Braids
French braids are slightly more intricate than cornrows, but they create a beautiful and detailed look. They are similar to cornrows, but with the addition of new strands from the sides as you braid.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a small section of hair at the crown of your head.
- Divide the section into three equal strands.
- Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then take a small section of hair from the left side and combine it with the left strand.
- Cross the new left strand over the middle strand.
- Repeat steps 3-4 with the right side.
- Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
3. Dutch Braids
Dutch braids are very similar to French braids, except that the strands are crossed under instead of over. This creates a raised and voluminous effect.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with a small section of hair at the crown of your head.
- Divide the section into three equal strands.
- Cross the left strand under the middle strand, then take a small section of hair from the left side and combine it with the left strand.
- Cross the new left strand under the middle strand.
- Repeat steps 3-4 with the right side.
- Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
4. Fishtail Braids
Fishtail braids are a more intricate braiding technique that creates a unique and eye-catching look. They are made by dividing the hair into two strands and repeatedly crossing small sections from one strand over to the other.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with two equal strands of hair.
- Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left strand and cross it over to the inside of the right strand.
- Take a small section of hair from the outside of the right strand and cross it over to the inside of the left strand.
- Repeat steps 2-3 until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
5. Herringbone Braids
Herringbone braids are a variation of fishtail braids that create a more defined and zig-zag pattern. They are made by dividing the hair into two strands and crossing small sections from the outside of one strand to the inside of the other, alternating between left and right.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Start with two equal strands of hair.
- Take a small section of hair from the outside of the left strand and cross it over to the inside of the right strand.
- Take a small section of hair from the outside of the right strand and cross it over to the inside of the left strand.
- Repeat steps 2-3, alternating between left and right, until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
6. Box Braids
Box braids are a type of cornrow braid that is created by dividing the hair into small, square sections and then braiding each section tightly against the scalp. They are a great option for under a wig because they are long-lasting and protective.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Divide your hair into small, square sections using a comb or rattail.
- Braid each section tightly against the scalp using the three-strand braiding technique.
- Secure the end of each braid with an elastic band.
7. Faux Locs
Faux locs are a type of synthetic hair extension that can be braided into your own hair to create the appearance of dreadlocks. They are a great option for under a wig because they are lightweight and breathable.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Gather a few strands of faux locs.
- Divide your own hair into a small section.
- Wrap the faux locs around your own hair, starting at the root.
- Continue wrapping the faux locs around your hair until you reach the end.
- Secure the end with a rubber band.
8. Dreadlocks
Dreadlocks are a type of natural hair extension that forms when sections of hair become matted and intertwined. They are a great option for under a wig because they are very secure and durable.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Section your hair into small, square sections.
- Twist each section of hair tightly until it becomes matted.
- Continue twisting the hair until it forms a dreadlock.
- Secure the end of the dreadlock with a rubber band.
9. Micro Braids
Micro braids are a type of very small cornrow braid that is created by dividing the hair into tiny sections and then braiding each section tightly against the scalp. They are a great option for under a wig because they are very secure and long-lasting.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Divide your hair into very small sections using a comb or rattail.
- Braid each section tightly against the scalp using the three-strand braiding technique.
- Secure the end of each braid with an elastic band.
10. Senegalese Twists
Senegalese twists are a type of two-strand twist that creates a voluminous and textured look. They are a great option for under a wig because they are very versatile and can be styled in many different ways.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Divide your hair into two equal strands.
- Twist the left strand around the right strand.
- Twist the right strand around the left strand.
- Continue twisting until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
11. Marley Twists
Marley twists are a type of two-strand twist that uses Marley hair, a type of synthetic hair that is very thick and textured. They are a great option for under a wig because they are very lightweight and durable.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Divide your hair into two equal strands.
- Twist the left strand around the right strand.
- Twist the right strand around the left strand.
- Continue twisting until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
12. Kinky Twists
Kinky twists are a type of two-strand twist that uses kinky hair, a type of natural hair that is very textured and curly. They are a great option for under a wig because they are very voluminous and protective.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Divide your hair into two equal strands.
- Twist the left strand around the right strand.
- Twist the right strand around the left strand.
- Continue twisting until you reach the end of the section.
- Secure the end with an elastic band.
Tips and Tricks for Braiding Under a Wig
- Moisturize your hair: This will help to prevent breakage and make it easier to braid.
- Use a braid spray: This will help to hold the braids in place and