How to Braid Beads Into Your Hair

Co-authored by Amber Rose

Last Updated: March 3, 2023

Braids with beads is a fun way to jazz up your hair. You can create all kinds of variations on braids with beads once you get the basic style down. Try using floss to create this style. A threading tool will work well, too. If you don’t have much on hand, you can use just the beads and a little ingenuity to create this hairstyle.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Braiding Beads with Floss

1
Select two to three strands of hair. These are the strands that you are going to braid. You may pick strands on one side of your head or at the back of your head. It may be easier to start with strands on one side. Pick thin strands if you are using narrow beads and thicker strands if the beads are wide in diameter.
- You may braid the strands a bit so the bead sits in the middle of the braid.
- Alternatively, you can put the bead in your hair first and then braid the rest of your hair.
2
Tie the floss around the strands. Loop the floss around two to three strands of your hair. Then, tie the floss around the strands. Make a simple knot with the floss.
- The strands should form a V-shape, if they are not already braided.
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3
Thread the ends of the floss through the bead. Slide the bead through the ends of the floss. Pull the bead down so it sits just above where the floss is tied onto your hair.
- You may start with plastic craft beads that are narrow and round. Over time, you can try using professional metal beads that are larger or narrower.
4
Pull the floss and your hair through the bead. Pull the bead through the floss until it slides onto your hair. Gently pull your hair through the bead along with the floss. Your hair may make a “pop” sound as you slide it through the bead.
- If your hair does not slide through the bead with the floss easily, you may need to use a wider bead or use less hair in the braid. Start over with a wider bead or less hair.
5
Use an elastic to secure the bead. Once the bead slides onto your hair, remove the floss and use a clear elastic band to secure the bead to your hair. You can then slide the bead over the elastic to keep it in place.
- Alternatively, if your hair is thick enough, you may not need an elastic to secure the bead.
6
Braid around the bead. Once the bead is secure, braid the rest of your hair and secure it with an elastic. You can also add more beads and then braid your hair, if you’d like.
- Try braiding half way down your hair, then secure a bead, and continue braiding. Vary the types of braids you use in your hair, integrating beads as you go.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Braiding Beads with a Threading Tool

1
Braid your hair. Start by braiding your hair as you’d like. Create thick braids if you are using wide beads. Make the braids thinner if you are using narrow beads.
- Leave half of the braid undone if you'd like the bead to appear in the middle of the braid. Finish the braid and leave the bottom undone if you'd like the bead to appear at the end of the braid.
2
Loop the threading tool around your braided hair. Threading tools for hair are thin, short hooks made of wire. Loop the hook part of the threading tool around a portion of your braided hair.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}^{[2]
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- You can find threading tools online or at beauty supply stores. Sometimes they come in a kit with hair beads and pins that keep the beads in place.
- You can also make your own threading tool at home using craft wire or jewelry wire.
3
Pull the bead through the threading tool. Take the bead and slide it through the two ends of the threading tool. Pull the bead through the tool until it sits just above your braided hair.^{[3]
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4
Thread your hair and the bead through the tool. Next, pull your hair and the bead through the threading tool. You may need to gently tug on your hair to get it through the bead and the threading tool.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Expert Interview. 13 April 2021.}
5
Check that the bead is secure. Remove the threading tool from your hair and check that the bead sits firmly on your braid. Use a clear elastic band to secure the bead. Tie the elastic band to your braid and slide the bead over it so it stays in place.
- You can also use a bead pin to keep the bead in place. Clip the bead pin to your braid and slide the bead over it so it stays put.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using Just the Beads and Water

1
Braid your hair. Start by braiding your hair in an area of your choice. The side of your head may be the easiest area to start with. Make the braid thick if you are using wide beads and use a thin braid if you are using narrow beads.
2
Twist the end of the braid. Leave the end of the braid loose. Then, twist the end with your hand so it forms a narrow strand of hair.^{[5]
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3
Wet the twisted end. Use your mouth to wet the twisted end of hair. You can also run the end under running water or use a spray bottle of water to wet it.^{[6]
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- Wetting the end will make it easier to thread through the bead.
4
Thread the bead through your hair. Take the bead and carefully thread it through the wet, twisted end of hair. Try to get all of your hair into the opening of the bead.^{[7]
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5
Secure it with a hair elastic. Slide the bead up the braid to where you’d like it to sit. Then, tie a clear hair elastic onto your hair. Pull the bead over the hair elastic so it stays in place.
- You can then braid the rest of your hair or add more beads as you see fit.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I keep beads in my hair without rubber bands?

Amber Rose
Licensed Cosmetologist
Amber Rose is a Licensed Cosmetologist and the Founder and Owner of Quality Style Weaves and Braids Salon in Orlando, Florida. With over ten years of experience, Amber is experienced in twists, braids, weaves, cutting, styling, and conditioning treatments. She specializes in hair growth for all hair types.

Amber Rose

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

If you use a threading tool to add your beads, you just need to continue your braid as normal and they'll stay in place.