Basket Weave Braid by Sam Villa
Basket Weave Braid by Sam Villa

This basket weave braid by style master Sam Villa, Co-Founder of Sam Villa and Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken, is the perfect accent or foundation for so many looks. “This simple two strand twist technique can easily be transformed into many different styles, and the pattern draws a lot of attention to long, medium and/or short hair,” Villa says. “Basket weaves are all about rhythm, get your rhythm down and your sections will be uniform and your confidence will soar.”

The Basics: Take a section, slice into 2, twist away from face, take a section from top surface, drop in between, twist away, continue rhythm and secure end with elastic.

NOTES:

  • The pattern can be customized to be straight across or diagonal.
  • Each row should mirror the sections of the previous row – they don’t need to be exact, but more uniform than relaxed pancaked patterns.
  • It’s ideal for one-length hair, if working with layers; the pattern might have to start lower (top of ear to nape area).
  • When creating patterns, minimize the time hair is loped through elastics by twisting the elastic multiple times to tighten around hair and just loop through once.
  • Once the pattern is created, hair can hang naturally, be folded under or sculpted into an up do or ponytail.

Here Villa shares the details in this short and informative video:

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, Click here.

Read more about