Wrap the long twist around the base of your ponytail (where the hair meets the back of your head). French braiding is a hairstyle that not only looks good for any occasion but is also a protective hairstyle that offers multiple benefits. So if youre looking for another heatless way to style your hair, and a French braid has been on your unofficial bucket list forever, try following one of these YouTube tutorials, below. Every time you cross over, work in another small piece of hair. You might want a braid down the side of your head instead, or maybe you're making more than one braid. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. Voila! 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. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. it curly, so it didn't need to be that neat but it's still the best one I've done. Is it better to braid your hair wet or dry? Luckily, you can do a few things to make your practice runs a little easier. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Why Trust Us? If you have thin hair, you'll need to pull in less. Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. References You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. From here, all you need to do is take up more hair from the surrounding area, pulling it into the braid as you go. 1Start with clean, dry hair. You may want to use the long end of a rat tail comb to make a clean part. Tips: Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Start at the crown of your head and grab a small chunk of hair. Make sure that you are pulling your hair tightly throughout the entire braiding process. Vanessa has over 10 years of experience in styling hair. I've Been Single for 8 Yearsand I Blame My Makeup. Creating a Classic French Braid 1 Prep your hair so it is ready for styling. It can result in an easy-to-achieve professional hairstyle that can also moonlight as an effortless summer style to keep your hair out of your face. All Rights Reserved. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. Can I learn to French braid my own hair if I can French braid my friend's hair? Ad Choices. Boho Braids Are TikTok's Favorite Protective Hairstyle. Keep gathering and adding hair from the left and right until you have reached the nape of your neck and all of the hair is accounted for in three large sections. unlocking this staff-researched answer. If you washed your hair within the past couple of days, use a texturizing product to add some grip. Yes. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. Cross the middle section over the front outside section. Deep conditioning your hair or applying a detangling spray will make braiding it easier. How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. Before you start braiding, you want to make sure there are no tangles in your hair. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. Use a comb to create a smooth middle part. Move all strands over to your left hand, separating them with your fingers. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the 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. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Then take the next strand by grabbing between curled index finger and thumb. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. Continue down your scalp. "If the ends of your hair are stick straight, they will be more likely to poke out," she explains. This Chemical Peel Majorly Healed My Hormonal Acne, I Tried the New Long-Lasting Botox Alternative (!). Editors tip: For a more textured look, we love using a light-hold hairspray like TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. ", 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. Using the end of a rat-tail comb, divide your hair down the center of your head. In short, youll be using all your fingers as little hooks to hold the three sections as you braid. After youve got your start with your regular braid, continue to hold all three pieces, but grab a small section from the front of your hair to add to the right piece, then cross it over the middle. If you'd like, you can tuck the ends of each braid under the opposite braid to create a hair "crown." Method 1 Creating 2 Separate Braids 1 Divide your hair down the center of your head. 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. 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. to learn, but it wasn't. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. | Twist Me Pretty, No Heat Summer Beach Waves w/ Consistent Curl, How to French Braid Natural Hair for Beginners Step by Step, Yes, You *Can* French-Braid Your Own Hair, It's Time to Learn How to Dutch-Braid Your Hair, French Braids With Mini Buns Will Give You *Life*, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. We asked Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist at Tracey Mattingly, how to French braid our hair on our own. You start with a small section, but the braid grows thicker as you add more hair. She is also the founder of Model Citizen, a sustainable fashion company that encourages peer-to-peer clothing sharing and supports emerging designers. The French braid is a beautiful and classic hairstyle and a favorite to many. Freshly-washed hair will be harder to braid. 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. Start by adding some volumizing mousse before braiding your hair. When using a mirror, youre looking at a backward image. If youd like to keep your braids dry. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. // Blonde Mannequin Head - Real Hair (Table Clamp included) https://amzn.to/2Ztoebz *// Blonde Mannequin Head - Synthetic fiber Hair (Table Clamp included) https://amzn.to/3ke2hoV *// Tabel Clamp - Cheaper version (If you buy a head without one) - https://amzn.to/35FQVFV *// Tabel Clamp Fancy version (If you buy a head without one) - https://amzn.to/32xFXk5 *P R O D U C T S I U S E // (Affiliate Links Below - read the disclaimer at the bottom of the infobox)Mini Rubber Bands - https://amzn.to/3mdFds9 *Rat Tail Comb (Use this everyday to style my own hair) - https://amzn.to/35suQL3 *Small Mirror (Similar) - https://amzn.to/3kmmWH4 *Topsy Tail set - https://amzn.to/3qhbNLF *Hair Clips (Similar) - https://amzn.to/38Q9mtt *Styling Powder (This is great!!) This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. ", I made a classic french braid. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. By using our site, you agree to our. It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. Our content is for informational purposes only. Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. Keep adding little sections as you braid until you reach the ends, then tie it off with an elastic. Give yourself a crown: Embrace your inner princess by French braiding in a circle around your head rather than straight down. 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. Be careful not to let go of your hair while French-braiding it, or it might undo and you may have to start over. unlocking this expert answer. When there is friction on your hair, it can cause hair damage. 8 Hairstyles for Growing Out a Pixie in 2023, How to Style Curtain Bangs With a Flat Iron | Step-by-Step. To do a fishtail braid, divide your hair into 2 sections and bring one strand of hair over one section and into the other. a spray bottle. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). However, don't let this discourage you no need to wait 'til your next hair appointment to ask your hairstylist to hook you up. Your French braid will last all day (or even days!). I carefully take all three sections of hair, each still separated by a finger in my right hand (see image below). Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Is Skin Cycling the Secret to Better Skin? Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. 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 . Once you get your general technique down, you can start refining your process. Next, French braid the loose section of your hair starting at the top of your head and working your way down to the ends of your hair. It will just make the biggest tangle ever. Wet hair tends to be easier to maneuver as you twist and weave your hair. One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. "Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids," Taylor says. This is similar to a french braid except the outer strands go under the middle strands instead of over. Add bobby pins along both braids, making sure they feel tight and secure on the rest of your hair. 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). 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. How do you French braid with thick short hair without getting too much hair? If you have bangs, you can either brush them out of this section or include them in the area. Damp hair can help you get your technique down and leave you with bouncy waves when you take your French braid apart. Thanks! Congrats! 10 January 2020. Twist your ponytail until it's pulled tight. Editors tip: For any natural-haired ladies out there looking to learn how to do French braids, skip the dry shampoo and apply a nourishing oil, like The Good Stuff Frizz Control Oil, throughout your endsbefore styling. Vote for your favorite beauty products now. 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. Try to create an even part as you go down your hairline. Then split the hair into three equal sections so you chunks on the left, in the middle, and on the right. Want the mag? The actor describes Harry Styles as "a very kind guy.". Keeping your hair in braids can reduce friction on your pillow while you sleep, helping to prevent breakage. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. Cross the left piece over the center, then the right over the center. You simply divide hair into two sidesone on each side of your hair, then follow the steps above, one side at a time. If youd like to try out this fun hairstyle, you have two options. Surprisingly, some people find that not looking in a mirror makes it easier to pay attention to feeling their hair. The . Professional hair care and creating hairstyles. Although its intricate weave may appear complicated, creating your own French braid is a simple process. Create 3 equal sections from the portion of hair you just grabbed. Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, its a look that every woman should have up her sleeve. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect. There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect French braid. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. How to Create a Chic, Half-Up Braided Style Tutorial Style It On: Braided Prom Updo with Mini Marley Article Natural Hair Tips: Caring for the Crochet Twist and Other Protective Styles with Daven Mayeda Gallery Side Braids: 8 Ways to Wear this Trend Gallery Cute Braid Styles: 10 Super Pretty Pinterest-Worthy Ideas Don't miss out Stay inspired 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. 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. 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. But do not grip tightly to prevent breakage," warns Groover. If the clip is loose on your hair, the braid will start to loosen. Once you've gotten the basics of a traditional braid down, you could try a French lace braid for a fancy twist. For best results, use a comb for parting each section, says Metz. 2. "It's the perfect prep for all hair types." Pull tightly as you go to eliminate any bumps. If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. {"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":"