Complete Braids With Beads

Use beads to add a pop of color to braid ends.

Finish off the ends of braids using beads to set off individual woven strands or add a burst of color all around the bottom of the hair. Beads add visual interest to single accent braids as well as a full head of cornrows. Braid wearers of any age can accent with beads, especially if they're looking to add a tropical island feel to their style. Adding beads to braid ends does not require professional experience.

Instructions

1. Determine how many beads you'd like to slide onto each braid end. Set aside the right number of beads to ensure you have enough.

2. Insert the end of a braid into the eye of the hair beader or large eye beading needle.

3. Slip the first bead onto the bottom of the beader or needle.

4. Slide the bead up the needle and onto the braid end. Depending on the size of the braid, the bead might temporarily get stuck as it slides up the braid end. Use your fingers to work it past this thick spot and onto the shaft of the braid.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until you achieve the desired number of beads on the braid. Remove the beader or needle. Leave at least one inch of the braid end free beneath the last bead.

6. Loop the hair end around the bottom of the last bead so that the bead becomes the very bottom of the braid. Slide the rest of the beads up the braid about 1/2-inch. Press the looped hair tips against this empty spot between the bottom bead and the rest of the beads. Twist the tiny elastic band around this area until snug.

7. Bring the rest of the beads back down to meet the bottom bead. As they slide down the braid, they should cover up the tips of the hair, even though they might not slide over the elastic band.

Tags: beads braid, rest beads, around bottom, beader needle, bottom bead, braid ends