How to Braid a Criss Cross French Braid

Learning how to braid a criss-cross French braid is easier than it looks. This is a striking fanciful hair braiding look that can can be accomplished by beginning braiders. Braided hair styles are a great way to keep children's hair tidy and this braid looks excellent for bridal flower girls, quincenera hair styles or for everyday wear.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spray bottle
• Wide toothed comb
• Narrow toothed comb
• Large clip to keep hair sections separated
• Ponytail holder
• Medium-long hair

1. 
   Hair Braiding Begins Like This

   Detangle hair with a wide toothed comb before you begin. Make sure that the hair is free from snarls and knots.

2. Dampen hair with a spray bottle. Damp hair is easier to braid than very wet or dry hair. Damp hair tends to hold braided hair styles longer and look smoother then dry-braided hair. Spritz the hair while you're combing it, so that the water is forced through the hair to ensure even coverage.

3. Put a dollop of mousse or hair gel through the midsection of the hair. Avoid using mousse or gel near the scalp when you're braiding because the line sections will be too prominent.

4. 
   Sections for Hair Braiding

   Divide the hair into four sections by creating a part that runs straight down the center from front to back and again from side to side. Clip the back two sections away because this braided hair style starts up front.

5. 
   How to Braid a Criss Cross

   Create two French braids that run from the temple area to the crown of the head. Continue braiding all the way until the ends of the hair and secure each braid with a ponytail holder.

6. 
   Learning How To Braid is Fun

   Untie one of the back sections and comb it out. Begin to French braid it, using the tail end of the front section on the opposite side. Rephrased; the front two braids are combined with the back two braids, on opposite sides (hence, the criss-cross).

7. 
   Braided Hair Styles are Cute

   Repeat the step above, using the remaining back section and the opposite front section.

Tips & Warnings

• Braided hair styles lend themselves easily to the addition of flowers, beads or ribbons.
• Removing a fancy braid should be done carefully so that the hair doesn't become tangled and knotted. Unravel the braid carefully to avoid damaging the hair.

Resources

• Criss-Cross braid Pictorial