i was wondering what would be the best method of learning how to braid your own hair. the only thing i can do is part my hair and braid each side (regular braid). should i use a mirror? should i start with a certain type of braid? ect... what have you girls done in the past to learn and how and to perfect?

thanks in advance :)

I find that using a mirror to watch what I'm doing works for me.  Others say don't use a mirror because it can confuse you in what you're doing.
I seperate my hair into 3 sections in the back of my head,weird as it sounds,I hold one section either under my chin or in my mouth.  I found that is the only way for me to get control and uniformity.

Learning to braid hair requires practice, practice, practice.  Initially you will want to use a mirror to see what you are doing, but after you have learned the braiding, you won't need the mirror.  I found the mirror confusing when learning to do the french braid.  I was better off without it!  

You should be able to do a basic 3 strand braid before trying french or dutch braids, or any other fancy braids.  Most braids will use the 3 strand as the basis for the style.

Ditto what BB said about practice. I started braiding my own hair at about this same time last year and I still don't venture beyond a basic 3 strand braid. It's difficult enough to get my hair to do this without breaking it to bits, so I just leave well enough alone. Even a wonky braid is better than leaving it down when it could get into harm's way.

As far as mirrors go, I never used one facing backwards, and I can braid blind if absolutely necessary (ie. if there isn't a mirror around). For beginners, I recommend starting with a simple 3 strand braid. My best advice is to go slow, especially at first, so your fingers can get used to the rhythm of what they're supposed to be doing. After awhile, it will be come more and more comfortable and familiar. As for "perfecting" a braid, I'm afraid that I couldn't help you there. Mine still look like crud sometimes.  ;D