What Are Individual Tree Braids?

Individual tree braids tutorial

Individual Tree braids are the mixture of braids and extension hair left loose outside of the braid, which resembles having a weave. For this article, we are focusing on the individual method for creating Tree braids.

With this method, there is free-falling extension hair taken out within each individual braid, which creates the Individual Tree braid effect.

How to Do Individual Tree Braids

Achieving Individual Tree braids is a very similar technique to achieving your average Box braid but without the uniform parts. With Individual Tree braids, you will want to make them small to give the illusion of wearing a weave. The parts do not have to be very uniform or defined.

1. You will want to use two pieces of curly or straight extension hair to complete each braid. You will take the two pieces and begin attaching them to your section of the hair as you would begin your normal box braid.
2. After securing the extension hair to your hair, you will braid down 1 to 2 inches worth; it all depends on when you’d like to begin your Tree braid effect.
3. Once you’ve braided down a length to your liking, you will separate a piece of extension hair from one of the three braiding sections. Set that piece aside using a clip to avoid accidentally adding it back into the braid.
4. You will continue this process but will interchange removing strands of extension hair from the other sections of the braid. Once you notice the braid beginning to thin out a considerable amount, stop removing any hair from the braid and continue braiding down until your hair is completely tucked in. When only the extension hair remains, you can now secure the braid. To secure it, some stylists prefer to create a knot to stop the braid from unraveling, but some choose to use super glue to lock the hair into place. Be sure you are not getting the glue on your real hair, as you only want the glue to seal the extension hair. Once this process is complete, you’ve successfully completed the Individual Tree braid technique.

To preserve the style, you will want to sleep with a bonnet or satin scarf. This will help prevent any frizzing or tangling of the hairstyle, which will aid in its longevity.

When you’re ready to wear it out, just give your hair a nice shake, and you’re ready to go. There is no need to refresh the hair with any type of oil or sheen spray as the extension hair should hold its sheen. Be sure that the braids are not done too tightly, as this can lead to breakage.

Individual tree braids full tutorial.

Are Individual Tree Braids Versatile?

Individual Tree braids are an immensely versatile style. The braids can be installed curly, straight, short, and long.

Individual Tree braids will offer more movability than cornrowed Tree braids, so creating updos will also be easy. You won’t have to worry as much about your underneath cornrows being seen.

How Long Do Individual Tree Braids Last?

With proper care, Individual Tree braids can last up to 6 weeks. Wearing them any longer than this may result in compromising the health of your real hair, and the style may be more prone to frizz and tangle.

The style will take at least 3 to 6 hours to complete, and when removing the braids, they should be unraveled from the bottom up. Having a stylist remove them will better ensure no damage is done to your real hair.

Who Are Individual Tree Braids Suitable For?

Individual Tree braids are a good style for coarse hair textures ranging from 3A to 4C. The style can be done on hair states ranging from natural, relaxed, or transitioning. Take precautions if you have a sensitive scalp, as the style will require tension to secure the braids.

Always tell your stylist if the braids are too tight so they can loosen their grip. Not doing this can result in an uncomfortable installation and unnecessary breakage to your hair.

When to Wear Individual Tree Braids?

Individual Tree braids can be worn year-round, as they aren’t specific to any time of the year. Many wearers of the style will prefer to wear them in warmer months since braids are a common hairstyle for the summer.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• They take less time than box braids to install. Individual Tree braids are a great braided style option as opposed to box braids and the installation time is one reason why. While box braids can take up to 9 hours to complete, tree braids take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to install. This is a considerable time difference and might be important if you aren’t fond of sitting in a salon chair for hours on end.
• They are a long-lasting protective style. Individual Tree Braids are a terrific option for long-lasting protective styling. The style can be kept up for up to 6 weeks, which gives you a break from styling your hair. During this time, your real hair will be protected and tucked into the braids to give it a break from constant manipulation.
• They give the illusion of wearing a weave. For those of you that desire the look of wearing a weave but want more accessibility to your scalp, Individual Tree braids can help with that. The loose extension hair that comes with tree braids gives the appearance of weave, but you’ll have more freedom to your scalp compared to weave.

Cons

• They can cause breakage. Although Individual Tree braids are good for protective styling, it’s imperative to make sure they are installed correctly. If the braids are installed too tightly, this will cause too much tension on your hair and scalp. This can have long-term consequences as it can lead to breakage and hair loss.
• They can be difficult to cleanse. The free-falling hair involved with this style can get in the way of trying to cleanse your scalp. With this style, you won’t be able to apply your cleanser normally. It is best to use a shampoo with an applicator nozzle to reach the scalp directly. The Cantu Refresh Root Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar and Tea Tree Oil is a good cleanser for this as it comes in an applicator bottle.