As you prepare to repeat your braid, grab a small section of new hair from the area of hair you wish to include in your braid, and incorporate it into the next cross. 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. Finish your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. Check out how to master these two French braids. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. With each new stitch, add a little more hair into your braid. You may want to use the long end of a rat tail comb to make a clean part. French braiding takes a lot more time than more basic hairstyles. BRB, going to book an appointment for these braids. Clipping up one section helps stop you from accidentally pulling in any hair from the other side. One hair is added to the right strand, cross the right strand over the middle, and bring all the hair to the right hand. Though it may look challenging, it will be second nature to you once you get your system down. 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. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. "This is key when braiding with layers," says Metz, who recommends applying it liberally after the braid is complete.". "It's the perfect prep for all hair types." I watched many videos but none of them helped until I watched this one. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. So things are going well until those pesky layers start sticking out from every direction? Separate your section into 3 equal strands. 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. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. Practice makes perfect, and the best way to get good at French braiding your own hair is to do it over and over again. Gold-foiled eyes, Farrah Fawcett bangs, 3D manicures what doesn't this red carpet have? You start with a small section, but the braid grows thicker as you add more hair. To do a fishtail braid, divide your hair into 2 sections and bring one strand of hair over one section and into the other. She also has significant experience creating native and branded content. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. Since it's difficult to see what your hands are doing behind your head, things can easily get, quite literally, tangled up back there. 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. Yes, you can shower with French braids. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Once youve reached the nape of your neck, you should find that youve run out of extra hair to bring into your braid. Yes, if you do it correctly. She explains that dry hair allows you to have more control of the separate strands when braiding, while wet hair is heavier and more prone to mixing into other pieces, which gets messy. Start at the hairline, dividing the sections into two strands. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, youre gathering slightly more hair. Every time you cross over, work in another small piece of hair. However, smaller pieces typically look better in the end result. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Enjoy! 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? To help you out, weve broken this process into seven simple stages to show you how to create two French braids like a pro! Let layers in front of your ears fall out of the braid on their own, says Hawkins. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. a spray bottle. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). When it comes to using products to prep your hair for French braiding, Taylor tells me that less is more. When you grab chunks of hair to add to your braid, start by adding more significant pieces. Tips: Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Take . You can learn how to French braid your own hair and we're here to help. Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. French braiding is actually a. that keeps your hair in place and may help prevent damage, especially at night. This is similar to a french braid except the outer strands go under the middle strands instead of over. f you still havent mastered the perfect French braids, practice at night before bed and wear them to sleep for beach waves in the morning. 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. You'll need to secure the braids in place with a few bobby pins. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Support wikiHow by Thank you, wikiHow. Make sure that you are pulling your hair tightly throughout the entire braiding process. Whether you choose big or small chunks to weave in, do your best to grab the same size each time for a consistent look. Take the band out and gently pull on the outer edges to loosen it. However, if youre loyal to your hair washing schedule, use dry shampoo, like Dove Refresh+Care Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo. Part slightly damp hair on the right side. Learn how to do a French braid yourself! Then split the hair into three equal sections so you chunks on the left, in the middle, and on the right. "It takes practice, but I eventually got it (be sure to practice a lot!) 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. Repeat right side and left side until you run out of hair to add into the braid. 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 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. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to combine 2 French braids into a single braid, keep reading! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our I couldn't get my cousin to do my hair so I, "This article was great. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. This frees up your right hand to work with. You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. Separate that small section into three equal pieces. You simply divide hair into two sidesone on each side of your hair, then follow the steps above, one side at a time. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). Prepare Sections of Hair. ", 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. Braid your hair in the mirror, so that you can see what you're doing. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. Dont stress! Is it hard to French braid your own hair? It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. If you have short layers, Metz suggests curling the end of your layers before you start the braiding process. If you have thin or fine hair, you may notice that your French braid falls a little flat literally. 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. The French braid is an excellent option for beginner braiders. How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline. 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. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,540,583 times. 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. Give yourself a crown: Embrace your inner princess by French braiding in a circle around your head rather than straight down. This will help refresh your hair and provide it with some volume. To do double French braids, start by dividing your hair down the center of your head. Want the mag? If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. Luckily, we will give you plenty of tips for French braiding your own hair so you can start styling it. But let's be real: it takes time to master the art of braiding. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Read more here - https://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/disclosure/ Beautiful, with long, red-haired hairy girl, hairdresser weaves a French braid, close-up in a beauty salon. "Shorter braids require more product to prevent the braids from unraveling, [while] longer braids require more product on the ends to protect and prevent splitting," she states. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission, if you click through the link and make a purchase. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Vanessa has over 10 years of experience in styling hair. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. 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. If you French braid your hair wet, you will have wavy hair once you take it out. Make sure that all of the hair that you gather in this section is coming from the top of your head. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Start at the top of your head and section off a portion of hair, about three to four inches wide. Continue this until you have taken it out. Wrap the long twist around the base of your ponytail (where the hair meets the back of your head). 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. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. This content is imported from poll. When there is friction on your hair, it can cause hair damage. However, don't let this discourage you no need to wait 'til your next hair appointment to ask your hairstylist to hook you up. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own 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. Brush Hair: Smooth out any knots or tangles. A hair bungee is better than tying your hair with traditional elastic bands, which can cause breakage. If youd like to keep your braids dry, use a shower cap to prevent water from touching them. The singer reveals how grueling life was on the road. 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"Let the product secure the strands in place.". to learn, but it wasn't. Support wikiHow by We suggest practicing while youre watching your favorite movie or TV show to get plenty of practice. And they expand like classic elastic bands; however, each end has a hook to secure hair without pulling on it, making it beneficial to those with coarse or thick hair. It is easier to braid if your hair is wet. Danielle James is a New York-based journalist who covers all things fashion, beauty, and celebrity. Plus, two French braids are an easy style to master and theyre not nearly as intricate as they look. Let's chat! Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. 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. Yes, you can learn. Damp hair can help you get your technique down and leave you with bouncy waves when you take your French braid apart. 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. If youd like to try out this fun hairstyle, you have two options. French braids look stylish in just about any atmosphere. Grabbing larger sections may be easier for beginners and will take less time to complete. When using a mirror, youre looking at a backward image. Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. 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. 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. Add on to your braid on both sides by picking up another little chunk of hair and then performing another braid. Your French braid will last all day (or even days!). You've completed a French braid all on your own! You need to remember to start the braid high on your head and secure it with bobby pins as you go. Method 1 Creating 2 Separate Braids 1 Divide your hair down the center of your 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. starts here. 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. 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. 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. You can even opt to secure your hair with an elastic close to the nape of your neck. 2. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. "So starting with dry hair will help avoid breakage." Hold the right section in your right hand, the left section in your left hand, and the middle . If you have thicker hair, you may need to start with more hair in your 3 sections. unlocking this expert answer. One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. Separate hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections. STEP 4: ADD HAIR AS YOU GO. 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 doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. Our content is for informational purposes only. 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. Then, use your brush to grab the middle section of hair on the top of your head. Set yourself in front of a mirror, grab a brush and a comb, and learn this timeless hairstyle. Taking a piece of hair around 3-4 inches from just above your temples, divide it into three equal sections. Continue doing this all the way down your head. For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to make an alternate French lace braid, keep reading! Before beginning your French braid, brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. While were all stuck at home and probably overdue for a haircut, now is the perfect time to learn. But taking matters into your own hands (quite literally) and learning to French-braid your own hair definitely takes practice and patience. This article has been viewed 1,157,117 times. 1Start with clean, dry hair. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. Marsai Martins Lengthy Goddess Box Braids Have the Perfect Curly Texture. Freshly-washed hair will be harder to braid. Professional hair care and creating hairstyles. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. How To French Braid Your Own Hair Step By Step - Hair For Beginners | EverydayHairInspiration EverydayHairInspiration 294K subscribers Subscribe 12K Share 1.1M views 6 years ago. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you place heat on your hair, don't forget to shield your hair with a heat protectant. - 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. Secure your French braid with a hair elastic. Brush your hair in the general direction of where you want your braid to go. Repeat on the other sections of hair. 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. For best results, use a comb for parting each section, says Metz. The initial chunk of hair will not affect how full your French braid will be, so start with a small 3-4 section of hair for best results. When you're finished, secure the end of the braid with a hair tie and let down your other section of hair. HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. 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. Here are some tips for French braiding your own hair: If you are new to the world of French braiding, practicing your braids with damp hair can make the process easier. This article was co-authored by Vanessa Garcia and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Each time you cross one section over the other, grab a chunk of hair from the same side as the section. Repeat this 2-3 times. When your hair is in braids, it can protect it from the sun and outdoor pollution. 6. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. The woven look of a French braid differs from that of a Dutch braid because when creating a Dutch braid, the strands are woven over each other rather than underneath the middle piece. 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. Avoid using rubber bands, as these rip and break hair when you remove them. 8 Hairstyles for Growing Out a Pixie in 2023, How to Style Curtain Bangs With a Flat Iron | Step-by-Step. Tie it off with a small, clear hair tie. Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. This Chemical Peel Majorly Healed My Hormonal Acne, I Tried the New Long-Lasting Botox Alternative (!). 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. unlocking this staff-researched answer. When working in new sections, grab horizontal pieces from your hairline by your face and neck. When you're somewhere past half way braided, grab the middle strand and scrunch up the braided hair towards your scalp. I couldn't do any French braids before, and I can do them now. (We promise it's easier than it seems). ", time it failed, but the second time it was lot easier. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you should encompass all of your hair into the French braid. This lightweight oil works tohydrateyour strands while also keeping frizz at bay. Start by taking a section about 2 inches wide from the front hairline. We asked Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist at Tracey Mattingly, how to French braid our hair on our own. From here, there are two options to finish the braid. The French braid is a beautiful and classic hairstyle and a favorite to many. How do you French braid with thick short hair without getting too much hair? 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. Do your best to brush your fingers through each section of new hair to keep your French braid looking sleek and bump-free. 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. Read more here - https://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/disclosure/#HowToBraidYourOwnHair #HowToBraidHair #EasyHairstyles Before you start braiding, you want to make sure there are no tangles in your hair. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. Start by adding some volumizing mousse before braiding your hair. Your next perfect blowout (at home!) This will help you achieve cleaner lines and contribute to the overall look of the braid. You can also use a hair clip if youd prefer. Practice on the side of your head, where you can see your fingers, or on someone else! Last Updated: October 21, 2021 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?! 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. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Vote for your favorite beauty products now. (We promise it's easier than it seems). Once you have sectioned off your hair for each braid, work on one side at a time. It does, however, take more time to French braid than to do a standard braid. These step-by-step videos helped. Tochterman breaks down the exact way to French braid below. Optional Ending 1.