“I always remember the first time I successfully braided my hair; I can recall the joy that I felt,” stated Kaitlin Menz, a brilliant braider since the age of five. Menz first learned how to braid from her mother, who taught her at the age of five, while at a dance competition. Meaning Menz has been braiding for 11 years now. Although there are different types, it is essential to master the regular braid first, before leveling to fish tails, Dutch, and or French braids. 

“The most important tip I could give would be the preparation of the hair beforehand. Equally sectioning the hair into three parts is the most beneficial step,” Menz stated in the interview. After equally sectioning the hair into three parts, take the far strand on the left side and move it under the middle strand. The left strand is now in the position of the middle, and the middle, in the position of the far left strand. Following this, take the right far strand and place it under the new middle strand. Now you should repeat this process until you have reached the end of the hair. Be sure to pull each strand tightly to ensure your braid stays for a longer period of time. And for the last step, you should take a hair tie and tie it around the end of the braid, this will prevent the hair from falling out. 

“It is important to have a positive, proper mindset while braiding, sometimes you will not get the perfect braid on the first try,” Menz states. So keep a positive attitude, and allow yourself some grace. Take deep breaths and go for it.