How to Do a French Pleat in Hair

A French pleat is an effective way to keep long hair neat.

Making a French pleat or braid in your hair will give you a carefree hairstyle that will last for two or three days or until the next time you wash it. This style looks classic and sophisticated. It will keep your hair out of your face and eyes, so it is perfect for a casual picnic or an elegant party. If you have long hair, putting a French pleat in it while it is wet and allowing it to dry will leave you with soft waves cascading over your shoulders.

Things You'll Need

• Wide-toothed comb or paddle brush
• Ponytail holder
• Hair spray

Instructions

1. Comb your hair with a wide-toothed comb until it is tangle free or use a paddle brush.

2. Grasp a 2-inch section of hair from the top of your hairline to the back of your crown area.

3. Separate the hair section into three equal portions.

4. Bring the portion of hair in the right hand, so it crosses over the middle portion. It will now be in the middle position. Continue the method of French pleating your hair by bringing the left section over the middle, so it is now the middle section.

5. Grasp the braid in your left hand; you want to hold it firmly enough, so the sections do not start to loosen. This will keep the braid looking smooth and organized.

6. Use your index finger on your right hand to lift some hair from the area above your right ear. You want the section to be a horizontal part from the hairline area back to about the center of your head. Incorporating new sections of hair into the previous pleat is what differentiates French pleats from basic braids.

7. Join the new section into the braid by bringing it together with the right portion of the hair, cross it over the middle section and then grasp the braid into your right hand.

8. Incorporate a new horizontal section on the left side and join it together with the left section of the braid. In essence, you are doing a simple braid, but are adding to it each time on both sides of the head after the initial start-up.

9. Braid the hair another time incorporating horizontal parts on each side and then finish braiding the rest of the hair in a regular braid.

10. Finish the French pleat by securing the hair with a ponytail holder and spray it with hair spray to keep any stray ends in place.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a lovely hairstyle to wear to an outdoor wedding or afternoon garden tea party. You can insert baby's breath or other small flowers into your braid to give it a fresh, springtime appearance.

References

• Seventeen.com: French Braids