Installing your LL UK Bone Straight braiding hair is an easy and enjoyable process that will leave you with flawless, long-lasting braids. Follow these steps to achieve the best results:
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
LopeLocks Bone Straight Braiding Hair
- Rat-tail comb, sectioning clips, braiding hair separation rack/stand
- Edge brush and optional light hold gel or braiding wax (use sparingly)
- Braid sheen/mist or a light mousse
- Scissors for trimming flyaways
- Towel
- If leaving ends of braids unbraided, straightener or curling wand (use lowest heat setting only)
Prep the Braiding Hair
- Pre-separate bundles: If hair is pre-stretched, you can skip stretching. Separate into equal, ready-to-feed pieces to keep install consistent.
- Reduce static: A light mist of braid spray or a tiny amount of mousse on your hands keeps strands aligned. Avoid soaking the fibres.
Step 2: Prep Your Natural Hair
Cleanse & dry: Start with clean, fully dry hair and scalp. Product build-up makes braiding slippery and reduces longevity.
Detangle & stretch: Gently detangle. If desired, stretch with a cool/low-heat blow-dry or banding. Hair should be smooth but not over-heated.
Protect: Lightly oil the scalp (optional) and apply a small amount of heat protectant if you used a dryer. Avoid heavy oils/butters at the roots.
Step 3: Section Neatly
Map your parts: Decide your grid (e.g., squares or triangles). Part cleanly with a rat-tail comb and clip away surrounding hair.
Control frizz: Apply a small amount of braiding gel/wax to the part line and base to keep sections tidy. Don’t overload—excess product can cause build-up!
Step 4: Install (choose one)
A) Knotless (feed-in) braids
- Start with the natural hair: Begin a small plait at the base using only the client’s hair for 1–2 passes.
- Feed-in gradually: Add small, even pieces of the braiding hair, maintaining consistent tension so the braid lies flat and straight.
- Braid down the length: Keep the three legs even; avoid twisting that can create bends in bone-straight styles.
B) Classic box braids
- Three-strand start: Split the section into three legs and integrate the braiding hair at the base.
- Even tension: Keep tension firm but comfortable, especially in the first 2–3 cm to prevent slippage.
- Braid to the tips: Continue evenly so ends are neat and straight.
Tip: For a bone-straight look, keep hands sliding down the braid as you work to smooth fibres and minimise kinks.
Step 5: Optional Heat Styling
-Test first: Take a small, inconspicuous strand and test on the lowest heat setting to confirm the fibre tolerates your chosen heat setting
-Straighten or add a soft curl: Lightly pass a straightener for polish or add gentle bends/curls. Do not increase heat if the strand shows any softening/melting!
Avoid direct high heat and open flames at all times.
Step 6: Set & Smooth
Mousse & wrap: Apply a light mousse to tame flyaways. Use wrap strips around roots and lengths if desired; set with a cool or low dryer.
Final check: Ensure braids lay flat, parts are visible and clean, and ends are sealed evenly.
Aftercare (to keep it sleek)
Night routine: Cover with a silk/satin scarf or bonnet to reduce friction.
Refresh: Use a light braid spray or a tiny amount of mousse on lengths as needed. Avoid heavy oils on the braids.
Scalp care: Cleanse the scalp gently between rows with a diluted shampoo on a cloth or applicator bottle; dry thoroughly.
Heat touch-ups: If fibres are heat-friendly, you may do quick touch-ups on the lowest heat only—always strand-test first.
Removal: Unravel gently; add a little oil at the ends if needed, then detangle before washing.
