References If you notice the bottom part of your French braid seems a little loose or has a bulging appearance, you may be loosening your grip towards the end. The Best Hair, Makeup, and Nails at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Separate your section into 3 equal strands. Yes, you can learn. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect. Keep tension on the strands of hair as you work to prevent loose weaves. All of our experts agree that French braids are a great solution for second or third day hair; however curly girls may find more control braiding on . The French braid is a slightly elevated version of your classic three-strand braid that looks just a little bit more put together; its the kind of hairstyle that you can wear for two or three days straight and it wont budge. Set yourself in front of a mirror, grab a brush and a comb, and learn this timeless hairstyle. They're also a great protective style for natural hair, and suit all face shapes, to boot. French braids don't have to be confusing. Be sure to gently comb through any bumps to keep a sleek look. It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. "This is key when braiding with layers," says Metz, who recommends applying it liberally after the braid is complete.". Since Im no pro, I enlisted the help of hairstylist, braid queen, and author of All Hair is Good Hair Annagjid Kee Taylor to provide some expert-backed tips for learning to French-braid your own hair. Create a fuller braid with extensions: If you have short hair or simply want a longer, sexier braid, adding clip-in extensions can help give you more length and volume. Start at the crown of your head and grab a small chunk of hair. Hi here I demonstrate how to do a dutch braid (boxer braids) for beginners. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission, if you click through the link and make a purchase. Wrap the pigtail braid from the other side under your head, near the nape of your neck, and secure with bobby pins. Repeat on the other sections of hair. ", http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/french-braid-hair, http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair-ideas/french-braids-0608, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/hair-mistakes_n_3790579.html, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh8MTdgIDaA&t=1m38s, http://www.hairromance.com/2013/02/lace-braid-hairstyle-tutorial.html, http://www.twistmepretty.com/2014/05/learn-your-4-basic-braids.html. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. I use my left pointer finger to add a small section of hair to the existing left section . As for natural hair: "French braids on textured hair begins with elongation of texture with a stretching drying method or blow drying to make the hair manageable for a smooth finish," shares Groover. Research source Pick up a small section of hair on the right and add it to the right strand by sliding it between your thumb and index finger to add to the braid. Repeat these steps on the other side (making sure to pull tightly each time you cross a section) and youll have two beautiful French braids. Like I said, practice makes perfect, and the best part about learning this skill now is that if your braids dont turn out even or are a little bumpy, no one has to see but you. When you hold back your hair with a loose French braid, you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. to learn, but it wasn't. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. Tutorial: How to Do a Simple and Stylish Braid, 45 Half Braided Hairstyles You Can Master in Minutes, Dove Refresh+Care Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo, TRESemm TRES Two Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray, TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Texture Hold Level 1 Hair Spray, 10 Perfect Two Braids Hairstyles That We Love, 20 Side Part Hairstyles for Every Hair Length, Suave Professionals Biotin Infusion Strengthening Conditioner, Box Braids with Loose Ends: 10 Looks Were Obsessed With, Flat Twist Hairstyles: 10 Ways Culture Inspired the Runway, In Bloom: 10 Flower Hairstyles Were Gushing Over Now, Halo Braid with Box Braids: 3 Stylish and Simple Ways to Get The Look, 15 Red Braids Styles Were Utterly Obsessed With, How to Create a Chic, Half-Up Braided Style, Style It On: Braided Prom Updo with Mini Marley, Natural Hair Tips: Caring for the Crochet Twist and Other Protective Styles with Daven Mayeda, Cute Braid Styles: 10 Super Pretty Pinterest-Worthy Ideas. The good news: You don't have to enlist the help of a talented friend or roommate to achieve the style. This will help refresh your hair and provide it with some volume. If you have bangs, you can either brush them out of this section or include them in the area. Secure your French braid with a hair elastic. Your arms may get tired while braiding your hair. Cross the middle section over the front outside section. Creating a Classic French Braid 1 Prep your hair so it is ready for styling. You can also condition your French braids by gently massaging the conditioner into your braids rather than rubbing them. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. Finally, secure the braid and enjoy! If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. Then take a two-inch section of hair from either side of your part, separate it into three equal pieces . By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline. Once you have added hair to the left strand, cross over to the middle section. Then cross the right section over the center section. Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. 2. Although many people assume French braiding your own hair is challenging, it is easier than you might think. Step 3: Holding the center and right sections in my right hand and the left section in my left hand, I cross the right section over the center. Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. Brush your hair in the general direction of where you want your braid to go. When your hair is in braids, it can protect it from the sun and outdoor pollution. Surprisingly, some people find that not looking in a mirror makes it easier to pay attention to feeling their hair. Our virtual concierge will create a hair care regimen just for you. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site. Tuck it in: For a more refined look, tuck the end of your braid under to create a full-updo that's perfect for a hot summer day. Secure it with a bobby pin and hide that under the rest of your hair. A French braid only has a few extra steps if you already know how to do a standard three-strand braid. You've completed a French braid all on your own! Start Here Hair Care Styling Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, Written by: Author Olivia Moore |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Use a comb to create a smooth middle part. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. Taylor explains that the thicker the sectioning, the thicker and easier the braid will be. Before you start braiding, you want to make sure there are no tangles in your hair. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. It will just make the biggest tangle ever. It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. Sign up to the newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks. A French braid is formal enough for any wedding theme. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Start at the top of your head and section off a portion of hair, about three to four inches wide. Go messy: "One of my favorite French braid variations is to lightly pull out the sides of each section all the way down the braid," says Metz. French braiding your hair before bed and sleeping on a silk pillowcase is a great technique to prevent tangles in the morning, among, When there is friction on your hair, it can cause hair damage. Only use a little, though, because too much will stiffen your braids, she says. With natural hair, Groover opts for a different technique: "Part the hair down the middle or with a low side part and divide the hair into two sections." Not only will this stop the bottom of your braids from looking straggly, but it will also reduce any chances of your style falling out. Thank you, wikiHow. Keep your hands as close to your scalp as possible rather than braiding up in the air. For best results, use a comb for parting each section, says Metz. Next, she parts her hair down the middle with the tail of a fine-tooth comb, rakes a dollop of moisturizing hair butter through the lengths of her hair, and smooths a bit of styling gel along her roots and part to keep the braid smooth. ", time it failed, but the second time it was lot easier. % of people told us that this article helped them. Once shes finished braiding down to the very end of her hair, she lays her edges and boomall set. , you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. Great if you want to go to a party, wedding, or even just in public or around the house. This hairstyle is great for activities like dancing or cheerleading. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Repeat this 2-3 times. To help you out, weve broken this process into seven simple stages to show you how to create two French braids like a pro! Read more here - https://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/disclosure/#HowToBraidYourOwnHair #HowToBraidHair #EasyHairstyles We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Bend forward to release tension or rest your arms on a surface behind you (ex. Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids, Taylor says. "Wet hair is more fragile than dry," she explains. As you continue with the process of a standard braid, add in pieces of other hair, starting with the right side. 3. Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. Twist your ponytail until it's pulled tight. Use your index fingers to pick up pieces of hair below the crown from just outside the plaited area along the way (try to pick up half-inch sections of hair to keep the braid balanced) and pull them into the braid. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. Editors tip: For a more textured look, we love using a light-hold hairspray like TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. Start with a traditional braid. BriAnne Wills. retailers. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. Finish your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. 1Start with clean, dry hair. Boho Braids Are TikTok's Favorite Protective Hairstyle. Luckily, we will give you plenty of tips for French braiding your own hair so you can start styling it. Enjoy! Step Three: Braiding. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Each outer piece must be crossed over the inner piece once. , French braiding may be a good alternative for you to try. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the braid. To do a fishtail braid, divide your hair into 2 sections and bring one strand of hair over one section and into the other. In that case. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. Keep a firm grip on hair as you work through the beginning of this process to prevent a loose-looking French braid. Freshly-washed hair will be harder to braid. The TikTok-Viral Dyson Airwrap Is Back in Stock! The actor describes Harry Styles as "a very kind guy.". Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). - https://amzn.to/3iqDD3G *Silver Shampoo - https://amzn.to/3hkb5Yl *Deep Waver Iron (Great for beautiful waves!) There are plenty of fun ways to add a little flair to a standard French braid: Adding a ribbon: Up the strands you're working with to four, and you can add in a cute ribbon or scarf. Congrats! We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Run your fingers through each subsection to ensure you have three evenly-sized pieces. Using the end of a rat-tail comb, divide your hair down the center of your head. With a few twists of the wrists you're suddenly twinning with the likes of Disney princesses like Rapunzel and Belle. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. "Once the desired texture is achieved, make sure the ends are detangled to avoid breakage," instructs Groover. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. But do not grip tightly to prevent breakage," warns Groover. Now that youve learned how to style your hair into two French braids, you wont believe how many more hairstyles are now at your fingertips. Youll be surprised at how powerful your sense of touch is. starts here. "I can never do a French plait on my hair usually and this really helped!! If its easier to think of this without sides, think of having two outer pieces and one inner. HOW TO FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR (Playlist)https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKr1OU5EnX8ZJgAMy4LnxuGGl8VKh4oQu HOW TO DOUBLE FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR FOR BEGINNERShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2g57cXO-2Q\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=6 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID (SINGLE BRAID 1 way of adding hair in)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6kixAppktE\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=8 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID (SINGLE BRAID 2 way of adding hair in)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HopFCgzKmoA\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=32 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR (SINGLE BRAID - REAL-TIME TALK THROUGH)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOz5ujBilWA\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=19 HOW TO DOUBLE FRENCH BRAID STEP BY STEP FOR BEGINNERShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV6-2WiRRqs\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=2 M A N N E Q U I N H E A D // (Affiliate Links Below read the disclaimer at the bottom of the infobox) My mannequin head is not available anymore, but I have linked similar dolls below, that I would purchase myself. Continue down your scalp. Deep conditioning your hair or applying a detangling spray will make braiding it easier. As you braid, your arms may get tired. Ndeye Anta Niang. One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. Need some style inspo? The only difference between French braiding and regular braiding is that now every time you go to cross a section over the middle, you add a little more hair. Then, grab a small section of hair towards the back of your head to add the left side, and cross it over the center. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Gather a small section of hair from towards the top of your head (a little from the right side, a little from the left side, and a little from the middle.) Braid the shaft of the hair down to the ends. If you have thick hair, you'll want to pull in bigger chunks of hair so that you incorporate all of the hair into the braid before you reach the nape of your neck. Your California Privacy Rights. I carefully take all three sections of hair, each still separated by a finger in my right hand (see image below). Separate it into 3 equal parts and perform a braid. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,540,583 times. ", I made a classic french braid. a headboard or backrest).You could also temporarily tie it with elastic and give your arms a rest. You can braid your hair dry or damp. After youve gathered all of your hair into the French braid, group the ends together, create three evenly-sized sections, and finish braiding with a standard 3-section braid. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Optional: add a little mousse or gel to keep hair intact and to prevent . She explains that dry hair. You'll also want to apply a small amount of hair oil (like Oribe's Gold Lust) to dry hair to smooth down frizz and flyaways, says Metz. The . These step-by-step videos helped. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Braid your hair in the mirror, so that you can see what you're doing. When you're finished, secure the end of the braid with a hair tie and let down your other section of hair. You can even opt to secure your hair with an elastic close to the nape of your neck. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Your hair will be easier to braid if its still slightly damp, but you can still braid dry hair. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. Most people like to part their hair in the center for two French braids, but I like to keep my side part intact. Did You Hear "Did You Lotion" Growing Up? To do double French braids, start by dividing your hair down the center of your head. Keep going because your style will be worth it! Youre not the only one whos wanted to give up at this point and throw your hair in a ponytail. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. Getting a great French braid starts with sectioning the hair off correctly. Ultimately, one of the best tips for French braiding your own hair is to give yourself plenty of time to practice. Is it better to braid your hair wet or dry? Every time you cross over, work in another small piece of hair. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. This allows you, in the next step, to rock your hand forward and release the first strand. When it comes to using products to prep your hair for French braiding, Taylor tells me that less is more. Yes, if you do it correctly. Yes, you can shower with French braids. I love the simple step-by-step instructions and videos! Follow These Steps to Create a Sleek Long Ponytail, 8 Easy Summer Hairstyles to Recreate If You Have Long Hair, 8 of the Most Beautiful Protective Styles to Try Year Round, The 10 Best Curly Hair Products To Create a Full, Frizz-Free Routine, The Best Hot Air Brushes for a Smooth, Shiny At-Home Blowout, These Dyson Airwrap Attachments Make All the Difference, Easy Hairstyles You Can Create on Every Natural Hair Texture, How To Create a Halo Braid on Natural Hair, How to Re-Twist Your Own Locs, According to Expert Locticians, How to Master the Big, Bouncy '90s Blowout, How to Air-Dry Your Hair No Matter Your Texture, The Best Braided Hairstyles for Thin Natural Hair, The Best Hot Oil Treatments You Didn't Know Your Natural Hair Needed, OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray. What sets a French braid apart from, say, a Dutch braid is that youre crossing the pieces over the middle section instead of taking them under, which makes the braid appear flatter and not raised. Gather Hair at Top of Head and Divide Into Three Sections Starting at the Hairline: Get enough hair from the top of the head to start a regular braid. With this stylist-approved easy step-by-step guide, even complete beginners will master the art of French braiding, whether a single strand or pigtails, in no time. References If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Beautiful, with long, red-haired hairy girl, hairdresser weaves a French braid, close-up in a beauty salon. Then switch hands and rest the other arm. French braided hair looks elegant and can be worn casually, professionally, or on a date. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. Each time you cross one section over the other, grab a chunk of hair from the same side as the section. This lightweight oil works tohydrateyour strands while also keeping frizz at bay. Taking a piece of hair around 3-4 inches from just above your temples, divide it into three equal sections. The length of the braid also determines where you will focus on applying product. Then, tie one side up with a hair tie so it's not in your way while you're braiding the other side. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. When you're done with the French braid, you can take the extra step of hiding the elastic tie if you want an all . .css-9quk5{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;background-color:#000000;border-radius:50rem;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.03em;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;padding:0.625rem 1.25rem;padding-bottom:0.8rem;padding-left:1.3125rem;padding-right:1.3125rem;padding-top:0.76rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-9quk5:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#000000;}.css-9quk5:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Subscribe here! The higher the bun, the less sag you will get. Step One: Prep Your Hair Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. Start at the top of your head, next to the part, and grab a small section of hair.