Rumi Braid Tutorial
Double Pull-Through Mohawk Dragon Braid — a bold Gabby101 signature style built with clean boxes, elastic control, double-pass structure, and dramatic dragon braid shaping.
What Is the Rumi Braid?
The Rumi Braid is an elastic-based double pull-through mohawk dragon braid. You create a centered row of boxed ponytails, then repeat the rhythm: Pass A → Add Hair → Pass B → Advance.
That double-pass stacking creates the raised mohawk spine, while directional pulling creates the dramatic dragon-scale shape.
Why This Style Pops
Two passes per section build height, thickness, and control.
Great for long wear, sports, kids, and performance styles.
Turns the braid into sculpted scales instead of flat pancaking.
Once the pattern clicks, the style becomes repeatable.
Tools Needed
- Rat-tail comb for clean parting
- Sectioning clips
- Gabby Gang Braiding Gel or edge control
- Small clear elastics
- Detangling brush and smoothing brush
- Optional: wax stick, shine spray, edge brush
Pattern Key
- TOP = the ponytail above that gets split into two halves.
- CENTER = the ponytail in the middle that receives new hair.
- CAGE = the ponytail created when TOP wraps around CENTER and gets tied.
Step-by-Step Rumi Braid
Step 1: Prep the Base
Detangle completely, smooth the mohawk area, and apply gel for clean control.
Step 2: Part the Mohawk
Part a centered mohawk from hairline to nape. Clip the sides away and divide the mohawk into even horizontal boxes.
Step 3: Create the First Two Ponytails
Make Ponytail 1 at the front and Ponytail 2 directly behind it. These two decide the whole braid, so keep them centered.
Step 4: Pass A
Split TOP into left and right halves, wrap both halves around CENTER, then tie them together behind CENTER. This creates the CAGE.
Step 5: Add Hair
Add the next mohawk box into CENTER and secure it with an elastic.
Step 6: Pass B
Split CAGE into two halves, wrap around the updated CENTER, and tie again. This is what creates the signature Rumi thickness.
Step 7: Shape the Dragon Spine
Gently tug each section evenly left and right. Keep the center line lifted and clean.
Quick Cheat Sheet
Screenshot this before you start. The mistake most people make is skipping Pass B — and that turns the style into a regular pull-through instead of the Rumi Braid.
Common Mistakes
- Uneven boxes: the mohawk spine drifts.
- Loose elastics: the structure collapses.
- Skipping Pass B: you lose the signature Rumi volume.
- Pulling too hard too early: creates frizz and distortion.
- Over-pulling one side: causes twisting instead of clean dragon scales.
Pro Tips From Gabby101
- Prep determines finish. Gel, clean parting, and smooth tension matter.
- Keep CENTER consistent. Same position, same tension, every section.
- Shape with intention. Dragon scales come from controlled directional pulling.
- Fix drift early. Do not wait until the end to correct the spine.
Watch the Tutorial
Braid along with the full Signature Study™ 01 Rumi Braid tutorial.