How to Elegantly French Braid Your Hair

A French braid can top off a sophisticated red carpet look.

French braiding, suitable for medium-length to long hair, creates an attractive woven pattern down the back of the head. A French braid catches the light beautifully if your hair is glossy and straight, and it keeps curly hair in place while adding visual interest. But a hanging braid with a visible ponytail holder looks sloppy and casual. To dress up a French braid, conceal the hanging braid by tucking it under and pinning it into place. The resulting look is polished, elegant and suitable for work, parties and formal events.

Things You'll Need

• Hairbrush
• Texturizing spray or lotion
• Transparent hair elastic
• Bobby pins
• Decorative hairpins

Instructions

1. Brush the hair to remove all tangles. Lightly mist it with texturizing spray, or work a small amount of texturizing lotion evenly into the hair. Lightly brush hair again to smooth it.

2. Gather a wide section of hair at the top back of the head, including the hair from the sides of the head. Divide it into three equal pieces, using both hands to hold the pieces in place.

3. Cross the left piece of hair over the center piece of hair, switching hands as the pieces trade places. Cross the right piece over the center piece of hair. This is the base of your French braid. Pull the sections out and against each other to tighten the braid.

4. Starting on the left side, gather a lock of hair about an inch wide and add it to the left piece of the braid. Cross the left piece of hair over the center piece. Repeat on the right side. You can start with the right side if it feels more natural. Pull the braid tight.

5. Continue to braid down the back of the head, adding new locks of hair into the braid each time you cross the left and right pieces of hair over the center piece. Incorporate all hair that's long enough to reach the braid. Keep going until you reach the nape of the neck.

6. Complete the French braid with a standard braid. Secure the end of the braid with a transparent hair elastic.

7. Tuck the end of the free-hanging braid under the French braid at the nape of the neck. If the braid is very long, roll it neatly under or create a tidy bun. Pin the braid into place with bobby pins, using pins on each side to hold it securely in place. If desired, add ornamental hairpins on each side of the French braid's base.

Tips & Warnings

• Freshly washed hair may be difficult to braid. If your hair slips out of the braid as you work, add more texturizing spray. Alternately, work with hair that's slightly damp.

• For a more edgy and stylish version of the French braid, make it deliberately messy. Don't worry if the braid is smooth – some unevenness and loose locks will give your braid a hip, high-fashion look.

• French braiding your own hair is a skill that requires some practice to master. If you have trouble, ask a friend to help.

References

• The Professional's Illustrated Guide to Haircare & Hairstyles; Nicky Pope
• Cozy's Complete Guide to Girls' Hair; Cozy Friedman
• Glamour: We're Mad About Braids!!!