Things You'll Need:
- Medium to long hair
- Elastic ponytail holder
- Wide-toothed comb
- Mousse or gel
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Step 1
Shampoo and condition the hair thoroughly. Because this french braid will be worked upside down, it might be beneficial to rinse the hair upside down to prevent tangling. This can be done by leaning over the sink or the side of the bathtub.
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Step 2
Find a comfortable position to work on the client's head, A massage chair is effective for proper positioning, as is a straight backed chair. If you're using a massage table, have the client lay on her stomach with her chin down, past the outside edge of the table.
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Step 3
If you're working the french braid on your own head, it's easiest to sit down on the couch or on a chair and lean forward. This will take considerable amount of practice and might be easier standing.
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Step 4
Detangle the hair completely (while leaning forward) using a wide-toothed comb.
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Step 5
Place a dollop of mousse or hair gel into the hair and distribute throughout the midshaft area of the hair.
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Step 6
Separate a section of hair along the nape of the neck and divide it into three pieces. Each of these three pieces will take turns replacing the centerpiece to form the braid. First, move the piece on the left into the center while the center piece moves to the left. Then, the piece on the far right will move to the center. At every turn, hair from the rest of the head will be added to the braid, and sent to the center.
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Step 7
Continue braiding and when you reach the crown area of the head, add the rest of the hair into it, so that your final braid won't be so close to the front hairline.
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Step 8
Secure the bottom of the braid and allow the ends of the hair to protrude into a messy look, or curl and allow the curls to cascade from the top of the head. You might want to continue braiding and wrap a cobra-bun on top of the head, or twist the ends into a different kind of bun or style. Experiment with different looks and find one you like.
