How to Do a Good Hairline Braid

Hairline braids work for most hair lengths.

Whether you’re tired of your old hairdo, need a quick fix for a morning when you’re running late or just want a fun design, a hairline braid may be just what you’re looking for. Create a hairline braid with long or short hair; they work for both casual and dressy styles. Pull the rest of your hair to the back of your head in a sleek ponytail to highlight the braid, or tousle it in waves so the braid just peeks through. However you style it, braiding along your hairline is a simple way to liven up your hair.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Water
• Optional hair styling products
• Comb
• Hair pins or elastic bands

Instructions

1. Comb through your hair and remove any tangles.

2. Section off approximately 3 inches of hair using a comb, starting at your right temple and moving across your head to your left temple. Secure the rest of your hair behind your head with hair pins or an elastic band.

3. Spray the loose section of hair lightly with water from a spray bottle, keeping it damp throughout the process. Add a styling product, such as mousse, if desired and work it evenly through the loose hair.

4. Grasp a 1- to 2-inch section at the right side of your head and divide it into three equal sections. Cross the section on the right over the section in the middle, and then cross the left section over the middle section.

5. Hold all three sections of the braid in your left hand, and place a finger between each section to keep them separated. Grasp a small section of hair near the scalp, add it to the right section of the braid, and then cross the right section over the middle section of the braid. Grasp a small section of hair near the scalp on the left side and add to the left section of the braid, and then cross the left section over the middle.

6. Repeat the process until your braid is the desired length. Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a wider section of hair for a larger braid, or a narrower section for a thinner braid.

• Fasten the braid to the outside of your hair with a hair pin, or hide it underneath by securing it with a hair pin or wrapping an elastic band around both the braid and a nearby section of hair.

References

• Allure: How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline
• Hair Boutique: Hairline Braids
• Nicky Clarke: Get the Look by Warren Holmes