How to Make an Easy French Twist Updo

The updo hairstyle, French twist, can be a formal style or it can be a casual fun look. Women wear French twists for formal events such as prom, weddings, and upscale dinner. Some women find French twist convenient for daily wear, especially if need to keep hair out of the way.

French twists are best for medium to long hair, however, very long hair may need to be folded many times to form a roll to fit comfortably along the back of the head. Short hair is uneasy to make a French twist, but there exist variations and "semi twists" that may be used.

This tutorial article will show you how to do a simple French twist. Once you are familiar with the technique, the easy French twist can be rolled in less than 10 minutes. Instructions for making an easy French twist >>

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comb
• Leave-in or spray-on conditioner
• Hairspray, gel, mousse
• Hair accessories, e.g. bobby pins, butterfly clips.

1. Create French twist a day after you washed your hair. This is, so your hair can use its natural oils to help achieve the sleek look instead of commercial products while you twist.

2. Brush your hair. Form your hair in a loose ponytail at the lower back of your head. If you have stray strands, use mousse or gel to collect them. To minimize tangles, you can use a spray-on or leave-in conditioner.

3. Lift the ponytail upwards against the back of your head until it stops, in the position you would like the twist to rest. Twist the hair to form a roll.

4. Tuck ends under to bend the roll. Taking note that the top of the finished twist is the bend at the top.

5. Tuck the entire roll, including loose ends, inside and under itself. For a casual/informal look, you can leave the ends loose free. The result is creating a crease at the edge of the twist, so keep tucking until the outer edges of the roll disappear. Use consistent pressure while tucking as you want to keep hair on the outside of the twist smooth.

6. If there are small bumps on a finished twist, use a damp fine-toothed comb to smooth them out.

7. Spray lightly the finished twist to keep the style smooth and elegant. The spray also minimizes frizz.

8. Secure the twist with hair pins, bobby pins, hair sticks, butterfly clip (also called claw), or other hair accessories. Add style to the French twist with additional accessories such as flowers, decorative pins, or shaped combs. Repeat article steps to create additional "twists" on the back or on the top of your head, if desired.
   
   For the first few times, your "twist" results may not look perfect or even recognizable. But with practice on rolling hair into a nice looking twist, you'll figure out the method that works best for your preferences. The French twist is actually countless in variations, you can customize for personalization and flair. Knowing how to do simple French twist will help you make further unique and different styles for any occasion.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find twisting your own hair too difficult, consider visiting a hairstylist for help with your technique.
• It may take several tries to achieve a suitable result when you first twist your hair, but once you’ve perfected your own technique it will be easy.
• Use mirror(s) to help see yourself and your hair better while creating French twist.

[lighthouse1958]

on 10/2/2009 The picture looks so good. This is a very pretty hairdo. 5*

[sonni57]

on 10/2/2009
Good info on how to do a french twist updo.