• Braid curly hair when damp for best results.braid image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
  
  At first, braiding curly hair can appear a bit daunting since curly hair is often thick and hard to handle. It is often best to braid curly hair when it is damp as it is much easier to deal with; however the hair should not be dripping wet since it will take a long time to dry. Hair should be washed, conditioned, and combed before braiding. It is ideal to leave some conditioner in the hair before braiding so that it is less frizzy and easier to manage.
  
  

Dragged Side Braid

• Hair should be combed through and parted at the center into two equal parts. Take one part and comb it down, making it as straight as possible. Divide this hair into three sections and braid hair in a plain plait. This is done by taking the strand on the right and moving it over the center strand, then taking the left strand over to the center. Repeat until hair is fully braided. The strands should be pulled into the face while braiding to create a dragged braid. Secure with a hair tie and tuck the braid behind the ear, using a hair grip to keep the braid in place.
  
  

French Braid

• Curly hair can be braided into a French braid provided that conditioner is left in to control the frizz. Starting at the crown, divide a small section of damp hair into three equal sections. Comb each section until smooth. Cross the right section of hair over the middle section of hair so that the right section is now the middle. Cross the left section of hair over the middle section, bringing the left portion of hair to the middle. Repeat this process; pull sections away from each other to keep braid tight. Lift a section of hair on the right side of the head with the pointed end of a rat tail comb. This can be done any time you wish to start adding more hair to the braid, though a few inches below the crown or at least the middle of the head are recommended. Those with shorter hair might want to start adding hair from the sides immediately. Add this hair to the existing right section of hair and cross it over the middle section, keeping the braid tight. Repeat process on left section. Continue until all hair is braided. Secure with a hair tie.
  
  

French Braid Headband

• Braid headbands are another attractive look for curly hair and keep hair out of the face, especially if it is layered in the front. Braid hair when wet for best results. Part your hair on one side and take the front section of hair to use for braiding. This section can be as large or as small as you want the braid to be. The rest of the hair should be secured with a hair clip while braiding hair. French braid the section of hair following the French braid instructions listed above. Keep the braid tight and angle it back. After braiding, secure with a hair tie. Take a front section of hair on the opposite side of face to braid. Clip remaining hair back and out of the braid. Braid hair again following the instructions listed above and secure with a hair tie. The unbraided hair can be pulled back in a ponytail or left loose.