...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Creating two French braids on the sides of your head may sound like a project for a hair artist, but it really is not. French braid pigtails are actually simpler to create than the traditional French braid, because you are working with less hair on each side of your head, once the hair is parted. With a few utensils, French braiding your hair is a breeze.

...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Brush your hair to remove any knots. For the French braid, you want your hair to be as smooth as possible. Knots will create unnecessary lumps and bumps.

...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Using a comb, part your hair in the center from the front of your hair line all the way to your neck. A comb will create a neater part, because it is smaller and more tailored than a brush.

...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media
...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Divide the top layer of the loose side of your hair into three, even pieces. Ideally, you want these pieces to be around 2-inches wide. Begin braiding by taking one side piece and placing it on top of the center piece, and taking the other side and placing it over the previous piece. Continue this three more times.

...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Add additional pieces of hair from the sides as you continue down the side of your head. Ideally, you should add pieces that are around 1 1/2 to 2 inches as you continue the braid, so you have an even, polished look. Continue adding hair until you run out of hair to add.

...
Vaida Kaklauskaite/Demand Media

Finish braiding the rest of the hair until you are an inch from the hair's tips. Secure the ends of your braided hair with a ponytail holder. Repeat the steps on the other half of your hair.

Tip

If you French braid your hair while it's damp, you will not have have as many flyaway loose ends, plus it will be easier to grab even pieces.

Warning

Layered hair might not hold up in French braids as well as hair that is all one length. Shorter pieces may become loose as the day goes on.