How to Make a French Braid

French Braids Are Pretty

Have you always wanted to learn how to French braid? Anyone can learn by following these simple instructions. Ideal for bridal hair, prom hair, cheerleading, sports or even just a casual day, French braids are versatile and simple to learn.

Instructions

1. 

   Untangle the hair and make sure it is completely free from snarls or tangles. Remove a section of hair from the top of the head and comb it into your hand.

2. 

   Split the hair into three sections by pressing your index finger and your middle finger up through the hair from underneath.

3. 

   Create the first turn by rotating the sections so that the section of hair that is farthest to the right side goes into the center and the piece that was in the center is now on the far right. Secure it between your fingers while you use the comb to bring a new section of hair from outside of the braid into it.

4. 

   Add the new hair to the far right side and give another turn so that the section that is in the center trades places with the section that's to the far left.

5. 

   Continue having the sections trade places, first the center and the right, then the center and the left.

6. 

   Add new hair from the appropriate sides of the head at each turn.

7. 

   Continue braiding the same way all the way down the head. At the midpoint, you have the option of stopping and creating a half French braid, which is also attractive.

8. 

   Continue adding new hair to each section at every turn to create a full French braid.

9. 

   Have your model look down while you braid the nape of the neck, so that the braid doesn't stand too far away from the scalp and look messy.

10. 

    Comb all three ends of the braid when you're done adding sections.

11. 

    Continue braiding to the ends of the strands of hair.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a comb to lift the new sections, untangling as you add them to the French braid.

• Remove French braids carefully, by unraveling them so that the ends don't get looped around each other.

Resources

• French Braid Pictorial