Preparing Hair for Styling

• 1
  A spray bottle filled with water is an easy way to keep hair damp while styling.green spray bottle image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  Fill a spray bottle with water, and spritz hair until damp but not wet. If hair is straight or wavy, use less water. If hair is very curly or very coarse, use more water.
  
  
• 2
  Smoothing serum makes hair more malleable, controls frizz, and adds shine.Hair spray image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Dispense a moderate amount of smoothing serum (less for straight hair, more for curly hair) into your hand. Warm it briefly by rubbing the palms together, and apply evenly to hair, paying particular attention to the roots and the ends.
  
  
• 3
  Both a wide-toothed and a fine-toothed comb are useful for braiding.plastic coloured comb teeth image by Warren Millar from Fotolia.com
  
  Comb hair first with a wide-toothed comb, removing any knots or tangles. Then use a fine-toothed comb on tangle-free hair to smooth hair and help distribute the serum evenly.
  
  
• 4
  A flat iron will make curly hair more manageable for braiding.straightening hair image by Horticulture from Fotolia.com
  
  Optional step: If your hair is very curly or unmanageable, use a flat iron to straighten it. Work from root to end, moving the flat iron quickly to avoid damage and overdrying. If the hair feels too dry after straightening, mix a dollop of smoothing serum with a few spritzes of water into your palms, and apply it evenly to the hair.
  
  

Braiding Hair

• 1). Part hair with the tail of the fine-toothed comb according to the desired type of braid. If braiding bangs, for example, use the comb's tail to outline the bangs and to separate them from the rest of hair. Secure hair that will not be braided back and out of the way with an elastic hair band. If more than one section of hair will be braided, secure each with an elastic band until the first braid is completed.
  
  
• 2). Comb through the section to be braided until it is completely smooth. Divide the section into three equal strands. Hold two strands in one hand, and one strand in the other.
  
  
• 3
  Pulling gently as the braid progresses will keep the braid tight and neat.girl plaiting her hair image by Ivanna Buldakova from Fotolia.com
  
  Start the braid by crossing an outer strand from either side over the middle strand. The middle strand will then become an outer strand. Then cross the outer strand from the other side over the middle strand. Pull gently after each cross to maintain tension in the braid. Less tension is needed for a loose or messy braid. Repeat until the braid is as long as desired, and secure the end with an elastic hair band.