Beginner-Friendly Guide On How To Do Stitch Braids

Whether you are a hairstylist or simply a DIY queen, stitch braids are something you should definitely try out. Stitch braids are a type of protective style that is made using the feed-in technique that is, you continue to add more extension to your natural hair as you braid. To make stitch braids, you have to section the natural hair into thick or thin horizontal lines and then braid the natural hair with the hair extension.

Do I have to straighten my natural hair before I stitch-braid?

The answer to this is both yes and no. You can straighten your (or your client's) natural hair before stitch braiding or you can work with what you have. However, you will need to apply some hair gel, jam, or edge control to the roots to make the natural hair slick and easier to work with.

How long will my stitch braids last?

This depends on a number of factors like how well you care for your stitch braids and what your hair texture is. For type 3 hair that experiences less shrinkage, your stitch braids should last for about 7 - 8 weeks. For type 4 hair that experiences more shrinkage, it should last between 4 - 6 weeks. Remember, how you take care of your stitch braids also determines how long they last.

How do I care for my stitch braids?

It is important to care for both your natural hair and your stitch braids. It is advisable that you cleanse your scalp with shampoo once or every two weeks, while you have your stitch braids on. You can do this by:

Shampooing: Dipping a clean cloth or a ball of cotton into your shampoo and rubbing it through your scalp. You can then clean off the shampoo by dipping another cotton ball or cloth in clean warm water and rubbing it on your scalp.
Conditioning: To condition your hair, apply the same technique as with the shampoo process, only this time you should focus on your hair roots.
Drying: Lastly, let your hair dry and apply some lightweight oil onto your scalp and hair roots.
Moisturizing: You can also rub some moisturizer on your stitch braids so as to get some care in for your natural hair shaft.
Using a satin bonnet: Make sure you sleep with a silk scarf or a satin bonnet at night. You can check here to see a collection of reversible satin bonnets that are perfect for your bedtime.

How many packs of extensions do I need?

This depends on the length of stitch braids you want and also the fullness/thickness of your natural hair. If you desire waist to butt length for your braids (and have full hair), you will need two and a half jumbo packs of hair extensions. If you want a shorter braids length, one jumbo pack and one medium pack of hair extensions are fine.

How to Make Stitch Braids

There are two techniques you can use to make your stitch braids. They are:

1. The Rubber Band Technique

As the name implies, this technique involves the use of rubber bands to create this hairstyle.

To see how to achieve stitch braids using the rubber band technique, this quick tutorial by ChideLovesYou is helpful.

What you need:

Rubber bands
Any hair hold of your choice (edge control, hair wax, etc)
Hair extension packs

Step 1: Section your hair

Start out with freshly-washed hair.
Then, section your hair into two equal parts.

Step 2: Apply hair hold to your hair

Apply your hair hold or edge control to the roots of each section. This will sleek down the hair and make it easier to manage.

Step 3: Make small horizontal parts

Next, part one section into smaller horizontal parts and tie an elastic rubber band on each part. This will hold your roots in place without needing to braid them.

Step 4: Feed in the hair extensions

Now, holding two horizontal parts at a time, feed in the extension into your natural hair and braid down into a cornrow.
Repeat for the other section of hair.

2. The Comb/Finger Technique

As the name implies, this involves the use of a tail comb or your fingers to create the stitches.

In this video tutorial, Slaying it with Ray will show you how she achieves the stitch braids using the comb or finger technique.

What you need

A tail comb
Any hair hold of your choice (edge control, hair wax, etc)
Hair extension packs

Step 1: Section your hair

You can start out with freshly-washed hair.
Then, section off the hair you want to work with.

Step 2: Apply hair hold to your hair

Next, apply your hair hold or edge control to the roots of your hair. This will make your strands easier to work with.

Step 3: Stitch braid your hair

Start with making your first two horizontal parts with a tail comb and then braid.
After the first braid, add the extension and braid down. Then, continue to use a comb or your fingers to make horizontal parts and braid from the hairline to the ends.
Repeat for other sections of your hair.