How to Do Braided Styles

A classic braided hairstyle works for home, office, sports, or a glamorous evening out. Styling your hair with braids gives you the versatility to go morning to night with little additional preparation. Once you master the basics, experiment with braiding to add your personal touch to any up-do or hairstyle for a night on the town.

Things You'll Need

• Hair ties Bobby pins Comb

Instructions

1. Begin with damp or wet hair for an easier and smoother braid. Braiding your hair wet, and it will have waves when you un-braid it---a nice aftereffect.

2. Determine what type of braid you want. If you have short hair, you may find it easier to opt for two braids instead of one. Have the appropriate number of hair ties available.

3. Create an English braid. To make this traditional braid, divide your hair into three equal sections. Bring the right section across the middle section, so that the two sections change places: right section's now in the middle, while the former middle section's moved to the right. Tighten by gently pulling the sections away from each other. Next, cross the left section of hair across the middle section, allowing them to change places. Pull the hair tight again. Repeat these steps, alternating right and left, until braid reaches the desired length or you run out of hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie.

4. French braid your hair. Begin with one cycle of a traditional English braid, created from a small section of hair (usually at the crown of your head). This means you will be starting the braid with the majority of your hair still loose below it. Once you've crossed the right over the middle, and the left over the middle, add hair to create a woven effect. Just below the section hair you used to start your braid, gather a parallel section of hair using your finger or a comb to pull it back from your face towards the center braid. Add this section of hair to the right section of braiding hair, and smooth it out with fingers or comb. Cross the newly enlarged section over the middle section, and pull tight. Repeat this on the left side. Add hair at each alternation as you move from the top of your head to the bottom. When you run out of hair, secure the French braid with a hair tie.

5. Create two braids. Make a part in your hair, selecting a side, center, or zigzag part based on your personal preference. You can braid at an angle or diagonally across your head, varying the style to fit your mood.

6. Bobby pin your hair up on your head for an up-do look that can go day to night. Make two French braids and cross the loose tails at the bottom for one look. French braiding creates an open pocket below the hair, into which you can tuck the opposite-side braid before pinning, hiding hair ties. For another way to make braided look more exciting, tie off your braid early, leaving loose hair below. Whether you prefer a loose ponytail or a half-up look, you can curl or style the loose hair as use like. Use bobby pins to get creative with the tails of your braids and your loose hair.