Braid the shaft of the hair down to the ends. ", Another quick tip: Use a strong hold finishing spray. Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, youre gathering slightly more hair. If you washed your hair within the past couple of days, use a texturizing product to add some grip. French braiding is a hair-styling technique that is quite similar to a standard braid; the only difference is adding hair to the sections as you go. But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. French braiding is a hairstyle that not only looks good for any occasion but is also a protective hairstyle that offers multiple benefits. You may even be able to dip your toe in some advanced techniques, like adding ribbons or trying your hand at the Dutch braid (essentially an inside-out French braid). Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). Boho Braids Are TikTok's Favorite Protective Hairstyle. I give my whole head a good, thorough brush with my Tangle Teezer before taking a fine-tooth comb and running it horizontally down the back of my head. Hold the right section in your right hand, the left section in your left hand, and the middle . When your hair is in braids, it can protect it from the sun and outdoor pollution. If your hair thins out toward the bottom, combine the two tails for one big three-strand braid so the waves at the ends of your hair dont get too tight and crimped-looking. Method 1 Creating 2 Separate Braids 1 Divide your hair down the center of your head. Shake the braid a bit from the tail to loosen the look and make your hair look thicker. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. All the Weird Areas You Can Get Injectables. Pro-tip: if you have stray hairs, use a spiral bobby pin to hold them in place. "Let the product secure the strands in place.". HOW TO : French/Dutch Braid Your Own Hair, Learn How To French Braid + CHALLENGE BEGINS!!!!! 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. ", I made a classic french braid. And thats it, youve created your double French braids! Thanks! Repeat this 2-3 times. Now its time to learn how to French braid your hair! Then cross the right section over the center section. By using our site, you agree to our. Steps 1 and 2: Take a Two-Inch Section of Hair and Begin the French Braid. Optional: add a little mousse or gel to keep hair intact and to prevent . As you continue with the process of a standard braid, add in pieces of other hair, starting with the right side. Method 1 Classic 3-Strand Braid 1 Brush your hair so it's free of knots. After youve crossed one strip of hair over another strip of hair, youll transfer all the sections to the same fingers on the other hand to keep the flow going. When you're done with the French braid, you can take the extra step of hiding the elastic tie if you want an all . Most people like to part their hair in the center for two French braids, but I like to keep my side part intact. Taylor explains that the thicker the sectioning, the thicker and easier the braid will be. Yes, if you do it correctly. All rights reserved. Transfer both strands to your right hand. Start at the top of your head and section off a portion of hair, about three to four inches wide. Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Finally, French braid that section of hair like you did with the other section and then you're finished. Creating a Classic French Braid 1 Prep your hair so it is ready for styling. This Chemical Peel Majorly Healed My Hormonal Acne, I Tried the New Long-Lasting Botox Alternative (!). I've Been Single for 8 Yearsand I Blame My Makeup. Start by taking a section about 2 inches wide from the front hairline. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Let's chat! Then split the hair into three equal sections so you chunks on the left, in the middle, and on the right. Keep adding little sections as you braid until you reach the ends, then tie it off with an elastic. We asked Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist at Tracey Mattingly, how to French braid our hair on our own. This article has 56 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. BRB, going to book an appointment for these braids. Regardless of your skill level, each of these how-tos will answer all your burning braiding questions so youll never again have to wonder, Wait, what the #^%* am I supposed to do with my fingers?! As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Your hair will retain more moisture in a French braid. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is what will give your French braid that woven look. 2023 Cond Nast. Now all thats left to do is to give your braided style a spritz of some hairspray, like TRESemm TRES Two Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray. However, smaller pieces typically look better in the end result. This way you free up your left hand to repeat the same sectioning technique on the other side. OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray protects hair up to 450 degrees, minimizes drying time, and smells divine. 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. Hi here I demonstrate how to do a dutch braid (boxer braids) for beginners. ATH Investigates, Natural Hair Care Guide and Products to Fight Humidity, ATH Opinion: Why the Nostalgia Trend is Creating an Ongoing Conversation Across Decades, 10 Tapered Haircuts and Short Hairstyles for Men Seen on the Runway, 15 Sweet and Striking Shades of Honey Brown Hair, Understanding Why the Appropriation of Hair Ingredients is Culturally Wrong, 8 Shampoos for Straight Hair that Add Body and Shine. If your hair is frizzy, spritz a bit of no-frizz hair product on your hair. The length of the braid also determines where you will focus on applying product. 1Start with clean, dry hair. Taking a piece of hair around 3-4 inches from just above your temples, divide it into three equal sections. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/v4-460px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/aid22372-v4-728px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"

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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Divide it into three equal sections. Add on to your braid on both sides by picking up another little chunk of hair and then performing another braid. Then take a two-inch section of hair from either side of your part, separate it into three equal pieces . Be careful not to let go of your hair while French-braiding it, or it might undo and you may have to start over. 6. Start by adding some volumizing mousse before braiding your hair. Brush Hair: Smooth out any knots or tangles. Then, grab a small section of hair towards the back of your head to add the left side, and cross it over the center. So things are going well until those pesky layers start sticking out from every direction? We suggest practicing while youre watching your favorite movie or TV show to get plenty of practice. If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. If youd like to keep your braids dry. Move all strands over to your left hand, separating them with your fingers. Although its intricate weave may appear complicated, creating your own French braid is a simple process. Let layers in front of your ears fall out of the braid on their own, says Hawkins. Learn how to do a French braid yourself! Ad Choices. For example, you may want to tie off your braid just below the nape of your neck, depending on how long your hair is. You might want a braid down the side of your head instead, or maybe you're making more than one braid. 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. You've completed a French braid all on your own! You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. A French braid is formal enough for any wedding theme. 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. This content is imported from poll. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. 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. If you only pick up pieces from the center (near the main strand), they'll get covered up later with strands from the outside. Take . Wrap the long twist around the base of your ponytail (where the hair meets the back of your head). Tochterman breaks down the exact way to French braid below. Clipping up one section helps stop you from accidentally pulling in any hair from the other side. In the morning, unravel the braids for really natural waves, no heat required. Damp hair can help you get your technique down and leave you with bouncy waves when you take your French braid apart. , French braiding may be a good alternative for you to try. Need some style inspo? Multiple braids, like pigtails, may sound like a big jump in technical ability, but it's really quite simple once you know what you're doing. This will create the part in the back. French braiding takes a lot more time than more basic hairstyles. It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. 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. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. "If the ends of your hair are stick straight, they will be more likely to poke out," she explains. Though it will likely not be the look youre going for, it will help you get the movement down. Support wikiHow by Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, its a look that every woman should have up her sleeve. At the same, "Yes, it was fun braiding the hair but because of my thick hair, it became a little bit more difficult. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. Repeat step 4 all the way down your head. When you're somewhere past half way braided, grab the middle strand and scrunch up the braided hair towards your scalp. YouTuber Rayann starts with stretched hair, then uses a detangling brush to smooth any knots before braiding. VIDEO: 8 Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making With Your Protective Style. a headboard or backrest).You could also temporarily tie it with elastic and give your arms a rest. Thank you, wikiHow. Then, grab a 3-inch section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal pieces. A hair bungee is better than tying your hair with. Cross the middle section over the front outside section. X Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. Promise. If you have bangs, you can either brush them out of this section or include them in the area. For natural hair, Groover recommends "smoothing and designing your edges." Continue down your scalp. 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. Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair. The Duchess of York casts "no judgment" toward her nephew. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. I'm Athena, your personal Hair Assistant. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,540,583 times. Continue grabbing chunks of hair as you braid the left section over the center section, then the right over the center section, and so on. I was just plaiting my hair wet to make. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission, if you click through the link and make a purchase. Now repeat on the other half of your hair and secure your two French braids in place each with a hair tie. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. It takes a lot of patience to grab small sections, especially if you are new to the French braid. Sign up to the newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks. 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 . Then, "grab and grab" as I like to say. Congrats! We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Make sure that all of the hair that you gather in this section is coming from the top of your head. Hold two subsections with one hand and the other section in the other. This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. Whether you choose big or small chunks to weave in, do your best to grab the same size each time for a consistent look. Once you're ready, prep your hair with antioxidant-filled RandCo Suncatcher, "[It's the] perfect leave-in conditioner lightweight, has vitamin C, helps detangle and nourish, and has UV protection," gushes Tochterman. - https://amzn.to/3mgTcxd *S U B S C R I B E // https://www.youtube.com/shinylipstv?sub_confirmation=1I N S T A G R A M // http://instagram.com/everydayhairinspirationB L O G // http://everydayhairinspiration.comF A C E B O O K // https://www.facebook.com/everydayhairinspirationP I N T E R E S T // https://www.pinterest.dk/everydayhairinspirationB L O G P O S T // http://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/2018/06/29/how-to-french-braid-step-by-step/M U S I C // Music provided by Majestic Casual - https://www.youtube.com/majesticcasualAlvy Alchimie, Pt 2 | Majestic Color - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qgo7NWf87AB U S I N E S S I N Q U I R E S // ShinyLipsTvContact@gmail.comD I S C L A I M E R // This video is not sponsored. It also takes less time to braid dry hair and your braids will last longer without visible flakes and frizz, she says. . In that case. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. French braids don't have to be confusing. And if you ever wanted to know the key to a sharp part, "the secret weapon is tracing the part with the African Pride Edge Styling Wax for shine and a detailed finish. Ultimately, one of the best tips for French braiding your own hair is to give yourself plenty of time to practice. Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. If you have layered hair, spray some hairspray onto your fingers and use it to set down any flyaways that may have escaped from your braid. Start at the top of your head, next to the part, and grab a small section of hair. ", time it failed, but the second time it was lot easier. How to French-braid your own hair. "Large braids give a fuller look; small to medium braids are tighter and have less frizz," explains Groover. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to make an alternate French lace braid, keep reading! If you'd like, you can tuck the ends of each braid under the opposite braid to create a hair "crown." If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. If the clip is loose on your hair, the braid will start to loosen. "It takes practice, but I eventually got it (be sure to practice a lot!) Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,157,117 times. 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. No, you dont have to ask your one friend whos really good at hair to do yours every single time, because all you need is the right products, some patience, and a little (okay, more than a little) practice. Beautiful, with long, red-haired hairy girl, hairdresser weaves a French braid, close-up in a beauty salon. 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. Cue minor freak-out. Once shes finished braiding down to the very end of her hair, she lays her edges and boomall set. Avoid using rubber bands, as these rip and break hair when you remove them. HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. You can braid the rest of your hair as far down as you like. % of people told us that this article helped them. it curly, so it didn't need to be that neat but it's still the best one I've done. Finish with a quick spritz of medium-hold hair spray like Ouai's Texturizing Hair Spray ($28). If you opt for a wet look braid, Tochterman recommends a quarter size of RandCo Motorcycle Flexible Hold Gel. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.glamour.com/story/cute-diy-braided-hairstyles, http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=10, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=28, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=43, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=113, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=63. ", time it had details and it really taught me to do a french braid. Separate that small section into three equal pieces. She has a BA in Business Management from the California State University - East Bay and she received her Cosmetology License specializing in Hair Styling and Hair Design from the Fremont Beauty College. Many other tutorials get overly complicated and confuse me but this I understood. Repeat until your braid is finished. Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids, Taylor says. How to: French braid your own hair in two parts neatly Chloe Gillian 90.9K subscribers Subscribe 17K Share 3.8M views 11 years ago Hey everyone! How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline. French braids are classic. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. It does, however, take more time to French braid than to do a standard braid. For fine to medium hair, after you brush, Tochterman advises the following: first, taking a section of hair from the forehead to the back of the head. Ideally, this chunk of hair should extend from temple to temple and reach the crown of the head. But taking matters into your own hands (quite literally) and learning to French-braid your own hair definitely takes practice and patience. Run your fingers through each subsection to ensure you have three evenly-sized pieces. Yes, you can shower with French braids. But heres where the ~French~ part comes inonce youve started your braid, begin adding a small sliver of hair to each section every time you cross it over the middle. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. Marsai Martins Lengthy Goddess Box Braids Have the Perfect Curly Texture. She's ready to turn the page following ex-husband's cheating. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. Enjoy! Continue adding more to your braid as you move down your head until you reach the nape of your neck. (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. ISince the final look isnt the braid, its okay if you have a few bumps and pieces sticking out. Follow These Steps. If You've Never Heard of Knotless Braids, It's Time to Catch Up. If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. French braids look stylish in just about any atmosphere. When you grab chunks of hair to add to your braid, start by adding more significant pieces. By using our site, you agree to our. This article has been viewed 7,540,583 times. Once you get your general technique down, you can start refining your process. Those with coarse or thicker hair might want to apply a dab ofleave-in conditioner throughout their hair to add a dose of moisture and keep the braids from frizzing. My technique: grab the original strand between index finger and curled middle finger. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to combine 2 French braids into a single braid, keep reading! Secure your French braid with a hair elastic. Anyone whos ever rocked two French braids will agree when we say theyre pretty much the superwoman of hairstyles. When French braiding your hair, keep the process of a standard braid and add chunks of hair to each outer section as you layer them over one another. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. unlocking this staff-researched answer. References You can also condition your French braids by gently massaging the conditioner into your braids rather than rubbing them. Set yourself in front of a mirror, grab a brush and a comb, and learn this timeless hairstyle. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. Every time you cross over, work in another small piece of hair. From here, all you need to do is take up more hair from the surrounding area, pulling it into the braid as you go. Optional Ending 1. Each outer piece must be crossed over the inner piece once. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. Mattingly (who has tamed the tresses of Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, and Adele, to name a few) broke down the plaiting process in five easy steps. 2. Separate your section into 3 equal strands. Because these are GIFs and are step-by-step, you can re-watch the same step for as long as you need it. 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. 2022 Galvanized Media. Plus, it's easier to separate dry strands, reducing the chance you'll end up with all kinds of lumps and bumps throughout. 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. Approved. Once you have sectioned off your hair for each braid, work on one side at a time. STEP 4: ADD HAIR AS YOU GO. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. You can also use a hair clip if youd prefer. Each time you cross one section over the other, grab a chunk of hair from the same side as the section. I taught myself how to do them as a teenager on the night before my SATs, partly as a distraction, and partly because I realized that they were the perfect hairstyle for successfully getting my hair out of my faceand keeping it there for many, many hours. As you braid, your arms may get tired. Meet Our Expert: Hannah Metz, hair and style expert with Hannah Elisabeth Beauty. You can use that same styling wax or the edge control of your choice. This type of French braid doesn't involve the entire head, so it's a lot easier and less time-consuming to create. 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. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect. This allows you, in the next step, to rock your hand forward and release the first strand. How To French Braid With Hair Extensions | EverydayHairInspiration, HOW TO: Master the Messy French Braid (Bohemian Style), French Braid & Tuck | DIY Hairstyles | Cute Girls Hairstyles, French Braid Crown: Last Minute Holiday Hairstyle, A Beginner's Guide to French Braiding Hair, Get Madelyn's Glazed Vanilla French Manicure, From Women's Health for Xeomin Aesthetics, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. In your left hand, hold each strand between your fingers, with the pinky holding the left strand, the middle finger holding the middle strand, and your index finger holding the right strand. Plus, two French braids are an easy style to master and theyre not nearly as intricate as they look. The first ending . Yes. But do not grip tightly to prevent breakage," warns Groover. Start your French braid with one row of a traditional braid, which you can do by first crossing the right strand into the center, then crossing the left strand into the center. Keep tension on the strands of hair as you work to prevent loose weaves. Oh, and did I mention the whole process doubles as an arm workout? "To make sure that your hair has some texture and hold to it, avoid thick conditionersespecially those with silicone in themthat make strands slippery," Hawkins says. Twist your ponytail until it's pulled tight. Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Vanessa has over 10 years of experience in styling hair. 8 Hairstyles for Growing Out a Pixie in 2023, How to Style Curtain Bangs With a Flat Iron | Step-by-Step. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Can I learn to French braid my own hair if I can French braid my friend's hair? Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. Plus, once you get to the back of your head, you wont be able to see anyway. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. It was really helpful, thank, "This article really helped me. Dont stress! Try twisting your strands into a low braided bun for aquick and easy updo, or take inspiration from the image above and rock these playful pigtails. Last Updated: October 21, 2021 If you must shampoo, apply a sea salt spray (Hawkins loves the KMS California Hairplay Sea Salt Spray) after towel-drying to give the hair extra weight and texture. They're also a great protective style for natural hair, and suit all face shapes, to boot. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Ndeye Anta Niang. Once you have no more hair to incorporate, continue the traditional three-strand braid to the ends of your hair and secure with an elastic. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big 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. You start with a small section, but the braid grows thicker as you add more hair. Practice makes perfect, and the best way to get good at French braiding your own hair is to do it over and over again. To help you out, weve broken this process into seven simple stages to show you how to create two French braids like a pro! Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. Editors tip: For a more textured look, we love using a light-hold hairspray like TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. You can braid your hair dry or damp.