Being natural and not knowing how to braid?

sakiohma · 04-11-2013, 08:18 PM

Am I the only natural who doesn't know how to braid and is basically handicapped when it comes to hairstyles? Do you even struggle at twisting and putting your hair in a bun? It seems like every naturalista or black woman in general knows how to do hair, but me. This is one of the main reasons why I put off going natural for so long, but I figured I could learn. A little over two years into my journey now and I still don't get it. When my hair was relaxed, I only had to worry about straightening it and that's pretty easy compared to braid outs or twist outs. My only styles were either "down" or ponytail; pretty simple. But, as a natural, it seems that you must be gifted with your hands. I just learned how to bun not too long ago and I was so proud of myself despite other people probably thinking it was basic and looked like crap.

Alice_42 · 04-11-2013, 11:14 PM

I can't braid. And I've been natural for over 4 years. Twists and twist outs are my go to style (much easier!). I've gotten better as the years went on, now I can do other people's hair no problem, but it definitely take practice. Lots of it.

marie.blue.7 · 04-11-2013, 11:52 PM

I have no idea how to do anything that isn't a ponytail/bun.

JahNaturalDezign · 04-12-2013, 06:57 PM

I cannot flat twist. I've been practicing. I also cannot cornrow. When my hair was shorter I use to do more with it, bit now that it's long it tangles even more easily so I just stick with braid outs or twist outs.

cora · 04-12-2013, 07:33 PM

I've been natural going on 5 years and I can't braid, bun or twist (at least not twists that could be worn outside). So you are not alone. My hope is that by the end of the summer I will learn how to bun and do a puff (yeah, I'm that bad). My dream is to learn the faux hawk but really I'd be happy with the bun and a (comfortable) puff.

nettie4lyfe · 04-12-2013, 09:18 PM

I'm not the best at braiding or flat twist, my last perm was July 2011. I petty much just started wearing my hair curly. I find the Bantu Knot out is best for me or I use the flexi rods with no heat.

Sent from my HTC Desire C using CurlTalk App

Sistapopdemcurl · 04-13-2013, 06:46 PM

I am in the same boat as you. I can't braid or flat that well. Sometimes I feel very limited in my styles. Regardless no relaxers for me.

KaitAleese · 04-15-2013, 07:35 AM

You should check out YouTube tutorials they really help. I learned by braiding my bangs back. They looked kinda crazy or would come out at first but the more you practice the better you get.

h2wQueen · 04-24-2013, 11:52 PM

I can't braid or flat twist and I do feel handicapped by it. I just bought one of these "top of the line" hair dryers tonight to sit under nad I have vowed that I am going to start using that to do my hair more. I am going to learn to give myself and flat twist out or at least a braid out. I can kinda do a braid, not anything to go out in public with, but probably good enough to do a set with. I'm going to give it a shot because well...I think I've gotta try. i recently moved to a place where no one knows how to do Natural hair so i've gotta give it a shot.

h2wQueen · 04-28-2013, 06:51 PM

So my dryer came and I am actually sitting under it now. I did a roller set and i have not done one of these in years and never as a natural. I am afraid...LOL. but at the end of the day even if it's not like perfectly smooth I think it accomplishes the task of stretching my hair without the blowdryer stress. Next week thought i think i am going to just do a braid-set or Twist-set...I can do that faster that rolling :-)

KinkyChica · 04-28-2013, 07:09 PM

I can totally empathize with this. I can braid and twist, but I am so slooooowww at it that I don't bother. I learned how to cornrow, though, from YouTube videos. They aren't amazing, but they get better every time I do them. I also have a mannequin head to practice on, so hopefully I will be able to style my hair faster and better!

So_Jane · 05-04-2013, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakiohma

Am I the only natural who doesn't know how to braid and is basically handicapped when it comes to hairstyles? Do you even struggle at twisting and putting your hair in a bun? It seems like every naturalista or black woman in general knows how to do hair, but me. This is one of the main reasons why I put off going natural for so long, but I figured I could learn. A little over two years into my journey now and I still don't get it. When my hair was relaxed, I only had to worry about straightening it and that's pretty easy compared to braid outs or twist outs. My only styles were either "down" or ponytail; pretty simple. But, as a natural, it seems that you must be gifted with your hands. I just learned how to bun not too long ago and I was so proud of myself despite other people probably thinking it was basic and looked like crap.

You can learn by practicing on one of those giant barbie style-heads...It looks like the kind they use in beauty schools... It just takes practice and patience, but you'll get the hang of it sure enough. good luck!

lashon20 · 05-05-2013, 05:13 AM

I can't do anything when it comes to styling hair and never have been able to. That's why I'm always wearing a wash n go or puff because I don't know how to do anything else.

Coconut4c · 05-06-2013, 08:57 PM

I think I'm close to being able to flat twist, but cornrows are harder for me, and going to take some time for me to learn. I'm trying though..

Youtube tutorials have been really helpful for me

Kynnib · 05-15-2013, 03:58 PM

I can twist and i can do single braids. I cannot corn row at all and im just now learning how to flat twist