Many other tutorials get overly complicated and confuse me but this I understood. Once you have sectioned off your hair for each braid, work on one side at a time. Start with your section of hair. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. I love the simple step-by-step instructions and videos! Your French braid will last all day (or even days!). A French braid is formal enough for any wedding theme. "If the ends of your hair are stick straight, they will be more likely to poke out," she explains. 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. All About Wavy Perm for Long Hair and 10 Styles to Try this Season, 33 Flattering Haircuts and Hairstyles for Round Faces, 10 Auburn Hair with Blonde Highlights to Elevate Your Look, 13 Boho Box Braids and Twist Styles to Give You Wanderlust Vibes, 20 Shades of Brown Hair and How to Pick the Best for Your Skin Tone, Is Rice Water Good for Hair Growth? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. However, if youre loyal to your hair washing schedule, use dry shampoo, like Dove Refresh+Care Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. When working in new sections, grab horizontal pieces from your hairline by your face and neck. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. 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. Practice makes perfect, and the best way to get good at French braiding your own hair is to do it over and over again. Hold the right strand with your pinky, the middle strand with your middle finger, and the left strand between your index and thumb. The singer reveals how grueling life was on the road. The secret is to add a strand of hair to each section before braiding it. Keep tension on the strands of hair as you work to prevent loose weaves. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Vanessa has over 10 years of experience in styling hair. This hairstyle is great for activities like dancing or cheerleading. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Get Madelyn's Glazed Vanilla French Manicure, This Hair Removal Device Is On Sale For 50% Off RN, How To Style Bangs With Thin Hair, Per Experts, Best Hair Dryer Brushes, Per Experts And Reviews, The 13 Best Face Sunscreen For Your Skin Type, Heres How Exercising Messes With Injectables, Bobbi Brown Shares Her Go-To Daily Sunscreen. The length of the braid also determines where you will focus on applying product. Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. This will help refresh your hair and provide it with some volume. Transfer both strands to your right hand. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. Yellow is going over red. There's something undeniably alluring about the .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}classic French braid. The good news: You don't have to enlist the help of a talented friend or roommate to achieve the style. Begin just as you would start a regular braid: by crossing the right piece over the middle, then doing the same thing with the left. 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! Start with a traditional braid. It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. (We promise it's easier than it seems). Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. Once youve reached the nape of your neck, you should find that youve run out of extra hair to bring into your braid. Secure it with a bobby pin and hide that under the rest of your hair. How much new hair you grab each time doesn't matter, but the less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. French braiding your hair before bed and sleeping on a silk pillowcase is a great technique to prevent tangles in the morning, among other benefits. It will take a little practice getting used to doing it on your own hair, but since you already know how to do it on a friend's, you have a nice head start! Wrap the long twist around the base of your ponytail (where the hair meets the back of your head). The French braid is an excellent option for beginner braiders. Surprisingly, some people find that not looking in a mirror makes it easier to pay attention to feeling their hair. For a single braid going down the back of your head, brush your hair backwards, away from your forehead. Did you know you can get premium answers for this article? Voila! Keep them separate. Your hair will be easier to braid if its still slightly damp, but you can still braid dry hair. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. If you are making a single braid, wrap it all the way around your head. Once you're done, finish the braid with the hairspray of your choice "to calm flyaways and keep the shape," says Tochterman. This article has been viewed 7,540,583 times. French braiding requires you to pay close attention to your rights and lefts, and a mirror can add confusion. 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. 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. Then, "grab and grab" as I like to say. To keep it from looking too messy, pin some of the longer layers into the base of the braid. Start by taking a section about 2 inches wide from the front hairline. Marsai Martins Lengthy Goddess Box Braids Have the Perfect Curly Texture. With your free hand, pull out any weaves below the part where you are joining the 2 braids. Keep adding little sections as you braid until you reach the ends, then tie it off with an elastic. X Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. 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. OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray protects hair up to 450 degrees, minimizes drying time, and smells divine. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Divide it into three equal sections. Continue doing this all the way down your head. HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. ", I made a classic french braid. She specializes in creating SEO and e-commerce content across a range of lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. 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. Yes, you can shower with French braids. Separate it into 3 equal parts and perform a braid. Only use a little, though, because too much will stiffen your braids, she says. This article received 22 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. BriAnne Wills. Separate hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections. If its easier to think of this without sides, think of having two outer pieces and one inner. ", looked it up, I had to do something with my hair before my performance. Tie off the end. Alternatively, you could create your new sections by joining the left and middle sections of your left braid, the right section of your left braid and the left section of your right braid, and the middle and right sections of your right braid. 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. If you have curly, textured hair that isn't prone to unraveling, you won't need an elastic, so it's optional. 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. Last Updated: October 21, 2021 "Large braids give a fuller look; small to medium braids are tighter and have less frizz," explains Groover. Before you start braiding, you want to make sure there are no tangles in your hair. For best results, use a comb for parting each section, says Metz. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. A French braid only has a few extra steps if you already know how to do a standard three-strand braid. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. Thank you, wikiHow. Wet hair tends to be easier to maneuver as you twist and weave your hair. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, youre gathering slightly more hair. This article has been viewed 1,157,117 times. How To French Braid Your Own Hair Step By Step For Complete Beginners - FULL TALK THROUGH EverydayHairInspiration 297K subscribers Subscribe 137K Share 8.7M views 6 years ago French. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. It takes a lot of patience to grab small sections, especially if you are new to the French braid. What's The Difference Between a Dutch Braid and a French Braid? One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. This article was co-authored by Vanessa Garcia and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. Cross the left piece over the center, then the right over the center. YouTuber Rayann starts with stretched hair, then uses a detangling brush to smooth any knots before braiding. 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. 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. You can French braid hair that is longer than chin-length, though the style works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length long. Be careful not to let go of your hair while French-braiding it, or it might undo and you may have to start over. 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). To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to combine 2 French braids into a single braid, keep reading! We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. a headboard or backrest).You could also temporarily tie it with elastic and give your arms a rest. This Chemical Peel Majorly Healed My Hormonal Acne, I Tried the New Long-Lasting Botox Alternative (!). 2. 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. Start at the top of your head and section off a portion of hair, about three to four inches wide. She is also the founder of Model Citizen, a sustainable fashion company that encourages peer-to-peer clothing sharing and supports emerging designers. Add bobby pins along both braids, making sure they feel tight and secure on the rest of your hair. You can braid the rest of your hair as far down as you like. Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. 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. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission, if you click through the link and make a purchase. % of people told us that this article helped them. Make sure that you are pulling your hair tightly throughout the entire braiding process. Is a French braid formal enough for a wedding? Do your best to brush your fingers through each section of new hair to keep your French braid looking sleek and bump-free. Taylor explains that the thicker the sectioning, the thicker and easier the braid will be. The Best Hair, Makeup, and Nails at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Ndeye Anta Niang. 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?! Youll be surprised at how powerful your sense of touch is. unlocking this expert answer. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. References How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids, Taylor says. I carefully take all three sections of hair, each still separated by a finger in my right hand (see image below). There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect French braid. , you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. French braided hair looks elegant and can be worn casually, professionally, or on a date. Finish your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. Leave about two inches of hair unbraided and secure with an elastic. 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. In short, youll be using all your fingers as little hooks to hold the three sections as you braid. Start at the hairline, dividing the sections into two strands. 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. They distribute hair weight evenly along your scalp and reduce friction on your hair. Here, InStyle spoke with hairstylist Bobby Tochterman, co-founder of Maverick House NYC, a receptionist-free salon, and Robin Groover, owner of Too Groovy Salon in Atlanta, Ga., to give you a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to French braid your hair, no matter the texture. The important thing is that all new hair comes from the same side of the braid. "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. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. French braids are classic. Enjoy! She also has significant experience creating native and branded content. I'm Athena, your personal Hair Assistant. Before beginning your French braid, brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Most people like to part their hair in the center for two French braids, but I like to keep my side part intact. For example, you may want to tie off your braid just below the nape of your neck, depending on how long your hair is. "This was so helpful. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. Check out how to master these two French braids. 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 . Professional hair care and creating hairstyles. Cross the left section over the center section. The model also addressed men profiting off her body. If youd like to keep your braids dry, use a shower cap to prevent water from touching them. Read more here - https://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/disclosure/ Meet Our Expert: Hannah Metz, hair and style expert with Hannah Elisabeth Beauty. This type of French braid doesn't involve the entire head, so it's a lot easier and less time-consuming to create. Easy to explain, but how TF do you actually do it? Practice on the side of your head, where you can see your fingers, or on someone else! Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. If you washed your hair within the past couple of days, use a texturizing product to add some grip. Anyone whos ever rocked two French braids will agree when we say theyre pretty much the superwoman of hairstyles. Give yourself a crown: Embrace your inner princess by French braiding in a circle around your head rather than straight down. 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. You've completed a French braid all on your own! 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. Deep conditioning your hair or applying a detangling spray will make braiding it easier. 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