Feed-in braids are created when synthetic hair extensions are added (fed) into cornrows or individual braids.

The braid is then built up strand by strand with the added hair extension.

Feed-in braids are popular as they protect the scalp and hair by safely tucking away the hair and keeping it free from manipulation and excessive heat styling.

How to do Feed-in Braids

Here is a step-by-step process on how to feed in braids.

Step 1: Cleanse, moisturize, detangle

Feed-in braids should be done on clean hair. Wash the hair with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo, deep condition, and dry it properly.

Ensure the hair is tangle-free by detangling gently with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers.

Depending on your hair type, you can stretch the hair to make braiding easier and faster.

Step 2: Prepare the hair extension

Start by preparing the hair extension (braiding hair/weave) to be fed into the cornrow.

There are so many different types to choose from, you can easily get them at your local beauty store.

Experiment with different colors if you want your feed-in braids to stand out.

• Wash the hair extension

If you have a sensitive scalp, the braiding hair can be washed in apple cider vinegar and dried properly before you start. This will prevent itching.

• Divide into smaller sections

If you want the large Jumbo feed-in braids then you will need to have more braiding hair and divide it into bigger sections.

Take note that, excess amounts of synthetic hair fibres can place too much weight on the fragile areas of your hairline and will pull and tighten the hair giving you an unrealistic finished look.

• Detangle

Remove any knots and tangles from the braiding hair. This will make braiding easier and will give you a neat look at the end.

Keep your braids close by, either on your arm, a rack or on a chair nearby. This will enable you to quickly pick up the artificial hair instead of sectioning it as you braid.

Step 3: Feed in the braid

Here is how to feed-in the braids:

• Section the hair

Start by parting the natural hair into rows. Let’s say you want 6 feed-in braids, you will need 5 parts that are all even and straight. The parting is very important because it defines the finished style.

• Braid the natural hair

Braid the natural hair first as it gives your braids a natural look.  

You can also start feeding in the synthetic hair immediately or feed in after braiding the natural hair for a while.

Both of these feed-in methods are great although when you start with your natural hair, the edges are protected from any tension.

• Feed in continuously

Braid one round and feed in the next hair extension.

Keep braiding and feeding in the artificial hair starting from the tiny, small, and medium sections respectively.

As you braid, the style will take shape giving it a beautiful, seamless look.

After feeding in all the synthetic hair, braid it down until the end of the row.

Do the same for all sections, ensuring they are uniform. The feed-in braids give the illusion of having thick, voluminous hair that we all adore.

Step 4: Finish & Style

To prevent the feed-in braids from unraveling seal the ends by dipping them in hot water.

Proceed to moisturize the scalp and accessorize your feed in braids.

How long do feed-in braids last?

Feed in braids can last from 2 to 4 weeks but this will depend on how well you take care of your hair while wearing the hairstyle.

With proper care, the braids can last long enough.

Use hot oil treatments made from oils such as jojoba, olive, and almond oils to prevent any scalp irritation and maintain the feed-in braids.

Remember to sleep in a satin bonnet or scarf to prevent the braids from coming apart due to frizz.

How many braids do you need for 2 feed in braids?

When installing 2 feed-in braids you need 1 or 2 packs of synthetic hair.

Depending on the volume and thickness of your natural hair, you can use each pack on each feed-in braid or just use one for both.

You will need to separate the braiding hair into sections before you do the 2 feed-in braids.