Feed-in braids are cornrows with extension hair added gradually as you braid. Because each braid starts with your own hair and gets fuller as it goes, there’s no bulky knot at the hairline, so the result looks natural and puts less tension on your edges.
This guide walks you through prepping your hair and extensions, parting, and braiding. For style ideas, see our feed-in braid styles.
What You Need
- Braiding hair: pre-stretched braiding hair is easiest. Two large braids often take one to two packs, while a full head of smaller braids takes more.
- Rat-tail comb for clean parts.
- Braiding gel or edge control for neat parts and smooth stitches.
- Duckbill clips or hair ties to keep rows separate.
- Leave-in conditioner and a light oil.
- Mousse to set the finished braids.
Part 1: Prep Your Hair and Extensions
Wash, Condition and Detangle
Start with clean, conditioned hair. Detangle gently with your fingers and a wide-tooth comb, working from the ends up, since wet hair breaks more easily.
Stretch Your Hair
Stretched hair is much easier to part and cornrow. Blow-dry in sections on low to medium heat with a heat protectant, or use the banding method if you’d rather skip heat. Apply a little leave-in conditioner once your hair is dry.
Choose Your Extensions
Synthetic braiding hair is the most popular choice because it’s affordable, holds its shape well and comes in lots of colors. Human hair braiding hair looks softer and blends more naturally but costs more and frizzes faster in humidity. Pick a length a little longer than you want the finished braids to be.
Pre-Section the Braiding Hair
Before you start, divide the braiding hair into small pieces and lay them out in order, from thinnest to thickest. Having them ready means you can feed them in without stopping. Start with very thin pieces, about a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm), and make each one slightly thicker than the last. More pieces per braid gives a more gradual, natural build-up.
Prepare one set of pieces for each braid. For two braids, for example, make two matching sets.
Part 2: Part Your Hair
For Two Braids
Place the tip of your rat-tail comb at the center of your hairline and draw a straight part back to the nape. Use the tail rather than the teeth so you don’t create tangles, and check it in a mirror.
For Three or More Braids
Part even rows from the front hairline back to the nape. The number of rows decides the number of braids. Use a hand mirror to check the back, and clip each row out of the way until you’re ready to braid it. A little gel along each part keeps the lines sharp.
Part 3: Braid and Feed In the Hair
- Start the cornrow with your own hair. At the front of one row, take a small section and split it into three equal strands. Braid two or three stitches by crossing the outer strands under the middle one, picking up a little hair from the row each time so the braid stays close to the scalp.
- Add your first extension piece. Fold the thinnest piece of braiding hair in half. Place it over one outer strand and the middle strand so each end joins a strand, then keep braiding.
- Keep cornrowing. Continue crossing under and picking up hair from the row with every stitch.
- Feed in the next piece every few stitches. Add the next, slightly thicker piece every two to four stitches. Adding hair gradually is what makes the braid look natural and build in thickness.
- Braid to the nape. Once you’ve picked up all the hair in the row, keep braiding down the length of the extensions in a regular three-strand braid.
- Repeat for each row, keeping your braids the same size and tension.
Part 4: Finish the Braids
- Seal the ends. Many people dip the ends in hot (not boiling) water to set and smooth them. Protect your neck and shoulders with a towel.
- Apply mousse over the braids and tie them down with a scarf for 20 to 30 minutes to set and smooth flyaways.
- Smooth your edges with a little edge control.
How Long Do Feed-In Braids Last?
Feed-in braids usually last about two to four weeks, depending on your hair, how many braids you have and how well you care for them. Taking them out on time helps prevent buildup and matting at the roots.
Care Tips
- Sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet.
- Moisturize your scalp with a light oil or leave-in spray every few days.
- Avoid pulling the braids into tight high ponytails.
- If your scalp feels sore or you see bumps along the hairline, the braids are too tight. Loosen or remove them.
Final Thoughts
Feed-in braids take practice, but the method is simple: start small, feed in hair gradually and keep your parts clean. Begin with two braids, then work up to more rows. When you’re ready for a new look, try stitch braids or butterfly braids.
