How to French Braid Your Hair Step by Step
A French braid starts at your crown and incorporates new hair sections as you braid down, creating that woven-in look that stays put all day.
Step by step
Start with the right prep
Work with day-old hair that has some texture and grip - freshly washed hair is too slippery and will slide around. Brush everything smooth and spray with a light texturizing spray if your hair is particularly fine or slippery.
Create your foundation section
Take a triangle section at the very top of your head, starting about two inches back from your hairline. This section should be about three inches wide at the base. Divide this into three equal strands - this is your starting point.
Begin the basic braid pattern
Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle. Do this twice to establish your braid before you start adding hair - this gives you something solid to work with.
Add hair as you go
Before crossing each outside strand over the middle, pick up a small section of loose hair and add it to that strand. Keep your additions even in size and tension consistent. Work your way down the back of your head, always braiding close to the scalp.
Finish strong
Once you've incorporated all the loose hair, continue with a regular three-strand braid to the ends. Secure with a clear elastic and gently tug at the edges of each section to make it look fuller and less perfect.
Questions people ask
Why does my braid look bumpy?
You're picking up uneven sections of hair or your tension is inconsistent - practice keeping your grip firm and your additions the same size.
How do I keep short layers from falling out?
Use bobby pins to secure flyaways as you go, and a strong-hold hairspray before you start braiding.
Should I braid on wet or dry hair?
Always dry - wet hair will break and the braid will loosen as it dries and shrinks.
Ems Take
If you can't French braid your own hair after three honest attempts, just embrace the messy bun life - some people have the arm flexibility for this and some don't.
Variations
- Dutch braid: Cross strands under instead of over for a braid that sits on top of your head.
- Side French braid: Start at one temple and braid diagonally across to behind the opposite ear.
- Double French braids: Part hair down the middle and create two French braids, one on each side.