How to French Braid Someone's Hair

A French braid is a style you can wear to work, a party or a baseball game. The hairdo can be seen on women and girls of all ages. French braids offer several styling options--a full braid, an updo or a half braid. You can create French braid styles at home with a basic knowledge of braiding.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Seamless wide-toothed comb
• Leave-in conditioner
• Styling gel
• Hair elastic or scrunchie

1. Make sure the hair is clean and dry. Gently comb out tangles with a wide-toothed comb.

2. Apply leave-in conditioner to her hair. The conditioner makes hair easier to braid, smooths hair together and creates shine.

3. Separate a section of hair on the top of the person’s head, above the ears. Make the section large enough to begin the base of your braid.

4. Hold the section so that it lays smooth against her head and divide the section into 3 equal segments.

5. 
   The base of a French braid--a 3-strand braid

   Braid the segments in a 3-strand braid pattern. Place the left segment over the middle segment. Lay the right segment over the left segment. Loop the middle segment around the right segment. The braid should be centered on the back of her head. Repeat this pattern 3 times.

6. 
   French braid pattern close-up

   Take a section of hair from the left side and add it into the original left segment of the braid. Keep the hair smooth as you add hair to the braid. Lay the left segment over the middle segment and then include a section of hair from the right side into the right segment. Braid the right segment over the left segment. Now insert hair from the left side into the middle segment and loop the middle segment over the right segment. Repeat the pattern until the braid reaches the nape of the neck.

7. 
   Completed French braid

   Braid the remaining length of the hair in the 3-strand braid pattern as described in Step 5. Secure the braid with a hair elastic or scrunchie. Apply gel to any fly-away hairs. Your braid should last all day.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a long-tail (rat-tail) comb to neaten any lumpy areas of the braid. Stick the comb handle through the lump and carefully smooth the braid with the handle and your fingers.
• Add shine and smooth hair around the braid with a boar bristle brush. Do not brush the braid.
• Create a French braid updo. After French braiding the hair to the nape of the neck, tuck the remaining hair into a bun with a hair clip.
• If you prefer a half-braid, French braid the hair to the nape of the neck and then secure the rest of the hair in a ponytail with a scrunchie.
• Never braid wet hair because it can cause splits in delicate wet hair. Braid damp or dry hair to avoid potential damage.
• Do not make the braid too tight because it could pull on the scalp and cause a headache.

Resources

• Dreamweaver Braiding--Braiding instructions for a variety of braid types