How to French Braid Long Hair

Long hair can be a challenge. It takes more time to wash and dry, and certainly more time to style. Long hair can limit your styling choices, but that doesn't mean you have no creative options whatsoever. French braids are an attractive and easy way to style hair of any length, including even the longest hair. French braiding your hair can take a bit of time and skill to master, but once you know how to do it, it is simple to braid hair of any length.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comb
• Hair tie
• Spray bottle

1. Wash your hair prior to braiding it. Clean hair is much simpler to braid than dirty hair.

2. Comb your hair thoroughly. Any knots or tangles in your hair will make French braiding it virtually impossible.

3. Dampen your hair with the spray bottle. It does not need to be completely soaked, but damp hair holds together and makes braiding much easier.

4. Separate the top portion of your hair into three sections, beginning all the way up at the scalp. Make sure the sections are even and separated completely, down to the scalp.

5. Begin your braid by crossing the left section over the middle section. Pull the sections tight and do not let them slip. If your braid starts off loose, it will not finish well.

6. Cross the right section over the middle and left sections, holding it firmly between your fingers. Be sure the section is flat and that there are no bumps or ridges in it.

7. Pull the middle section from under the right and left sections and cross it over them. Keep all the sections well separated by your fingers to avoid tangling the hair.

8. Divide a small section from the left side of the rest of your hair and incorporate it into your braid. Dampen the hair as you go to make it easier to work with.

9. Add to your braid by pulling a section from the right side and working it into the existing hair. Keep tension on the hair to keep the braid tight.

10. Continue adding new hair to your braid until you have incorporated all of the hair from your scalp. Once you’ve gotten to the bottom of the scalp, continue your braid as normal until you get to the end of the hair.

11. Finish your French braid with the hair tie. Wrap the tie around the end of the hair to secure your newly completed braid.

Tips & Warnings

• Use hair ties without metal. Metal bits can rub your hair and break it off, causing permanent damage.
• Do not try to braid uncombed hair. Braiding over tangles will only make them worse.