How to Tie a French Twist in Hair

The French twist requires a lot of bobby pins.

The French twist endures as a classic, yet simple, hairstyle. By adding their own personal touches to the hairstyle, style icons from Audrey Hepburn to Gwen Stefani have shown that it is also versatile. You can wear it just as easily to a formal event as you can to work or the grocery store. The elegance of the French twist can make it seem intimidating. However, the secret to creating this iconic look lies in applying the right styling products.

Things You'll Need

• Hair gel
• Bobby pins
• Hairspray

Instructions

1. Apply gel throughout your hair from root to tip. A French twist is supposed to be very neat, with no stray hairs.

2. Smooth your hair toward the back of your head. Gather all your hair at the base of your skull. Hold your hair in your hand as if you were going to make a low ponytail that lies over your right shoulder.

3. Flip the ponytail up along the back of your head. The result should resemble a mohawk. Fold any hair that passes the crown of your head down underneath the hair you flipped up.

4. Continue holding your flipped ponytail in one hand and smooth back the hair on each side of your head. Push the hair from the left side of your head over the flipped ponytail and twist the bun (which you have just formed) tightly to the right to secure the hair. Push hair up from the nape of your neck into the bun.

5. Open a bobby pin and slide the bottom prong under the hair on the right side of the bun. Slide the top prong of the bobby pin into the bottom edge of the bun and leave the bobby pin to secure it. Hold the bun in one hand and continue adding bobby pins until the bun is secure without your hand.

6. Smooth down any stray hairs with gel. Apply hairspray to your French twist.

Tips & Warnings

• You can part your hair between Steps 1 and 2 for a different look.

References

• The Beauty Bunny: How To: Style a French Twist