How To Attach Beads To Braids

One way to enhance a braided hairstyle is to adorn the braids with beads. Hair beads are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Attaching beads to braids is a fairly easy process that can be done by sliding them on individually by hand. For faster results, though, many individual opt to use a beading tool.

A beading tool, or beader, speeds up the beading process, especially if you are applying several beads to a braid or if the beads do not slip on easily. To make a beader, take a piece of thin wire, no more than a foot long and bend it over to create an arch. Go down the sides of the arch to the halfway point and pinch them together. Then, twist the two sides across each other all the way down. Your tool should look somewhat like a lollipop, with a circular loop at the top and a stem at the bottom.

Next, apply the hair beads to the beader. Select the beads you want to attach to a braid. Place them on the stem of the beader in the order you want them to appear on a braid. Hold the stem upright to keep the beads from falling off.

With one hand, take a braid and place it through the loop of the beader. Be sure to have the other hand keep the beads from sliding of the beader. While holding the braid, push the beads up the stem and loop until they are attached to the braid.

Secure the hair beads with a clear or colored rubber band. Take the end of the braid and place it up against the last two beads. Push up the upper of the two hair beads and then place the rubber band in the center around the two braid pieces. Band this braid until it is tight. Push the other beads over the rest of the braid end.

There are other ways to secure beads on braids should you prefer not to use rubber bands. Bead stoppers and small barrettes can be purchased at beauty supply stores as well as online vendors. You can also use hair putty to keeps beads in place.

For quick retrieval, keep your beads and bead tool in a plastic container. Try to find a container with several slots or compartments to organized beads by shape and color. Keep this container at your station or work area along with other braiding supplies, like clips, braid sealer and a barbicide jar.