Step by Step French Braiding

You can French braid any type of hair.

A French braid is a versatile hairstyle that you can wear while visiting friends, at home or at work. French braids are also convenient for you to wear while you exercise, since a French braid will hold hair out of your face. This hairstyle is suitable if you want to style your hair quickly, since French braids take only about five minutes to style. A French braid is a fancier version of a basic braid, so it is a good hairstyle option if you want an elegant alternative to the basic braids you may normally wear.

Things You'll Need

• Brush
• Elastic hair band
• Hairspray
• Bobby pins

Instructions

1. Detangle your hair with a brush. Brush the hair on top of your head toward the back of your head until your part is not visible. Grasp the hair on the top of your head with your left hand. Separate the hair in your left hand into three even sections. Cross the section on the right over the middle portion of hair. Cross the left section over the middle section.

2. Hold the sections in your right hand. Place a finger between each section so they stay separated. Add a small section of hair from the left side of your head to the left section of the braid with your other hand. Cross the left section of the braid over the middle section. Move the braid to your left hand and add a section of hair from the right side of your head to the braid. Cross the right section over the middle of the braid.

3. Continue adding sections of hair from alternating sides of your head until all the hair around your head is collected in the braid. Tighten the braid each time you add a section by pulling on the hair gently. Braid the rest of your hair without adding sections. Stop braiding three inches above the end of your hair.

4. Wrap a hair band around the end of your hair. Spray your French braid with hairspray to maintain the style. Pin down any loose strands with bobby pins.

Tips & Warnings

• Braid your hair when it is wet if dry hair is difficult to manage.

• Practice braiding a friend's hair when you first learn to French braid. This will allow you to see the style before you braid your own hair.

• Add hair accessories like ribbons, flowers or decorative pins to your French braid.

• Do not pull the braid too tightly or your head will ache after a few hours.

• Do not apply too much hairspray or your braid will look stiff.

References

• 2Good2Lose: How to French Braid Your Hair Step by Step Instructions
• "Seventeen" Magazine; French Braids; Samantha Giordano