How to Do an Across the Top Braid

Over the top hair braids keep the hair out of your face and eyes.

Learn how to do an over the top braid to create a headband made of your hair. This hairstyle is appropriate for work, school or social engagements. Dress it up by winding ribbon through the hair as it's being braided, or use crochet hooks to wind the ribbon through the hair after it's braided.

Things You'll Need

• Comb
• Pony tail elastic
• Spray bottle of water
• Ribbon
• Crochet hook

Instructions

1. Part the hair from ear to ear, horizontally. Pull the back section of hair into a pony tail so it's out of your way.

2. Comb the top section of hair to the side. It doesn't make any difference which side you choose.

3. Make another part, about an inch above the ear. This part is a vertical part, leaving you with a square of hair.

4. Divide this into three sections. Pull the back section of hair under the center section of hair, so the two sections trade places.

5. Pull the front section of hair under the center section of hair so the two sections trade places.

6. Make another horizontal part. Make this part similar in distance as the first part was. Divide this section in half. Pick the back half of this parted hair up and blend it with the back section of hair. Pull the back section under the middle section, so the two sections trade places.

7. Pick up the front half of the newly parted hair and blend it with the front section. Pull the front section of hair under the middle section, so the two sections trade places.

8. Make another horizontal part. Make this part similar in distance as the first part was. Divide this section in half. Pick the back half of this parted hair up and blend it with the back section of hair. Pull the back section under the middle section, so the two sections trade places.

9. Pick up the front half of the newly parted hair and blend it with the front section. Pull the front section of hair under the middle section, so the two sections trade places.

10. Continue parting and adding hair as you braid until there is no more hair to be picked up. Braid the remaining hair in a normal braid and secure with a pony tail elastic.

11. Remove the pony tail elastic from the back section of hair that's not being braided and comb it smooth.

Tips & Warnings

• It's easier to pick up the new hair and control it if the hair is slightly damp.

• Make the horizontal parts the same distance from each other. Experiment with wide parts and narrow parts to find the style you like best.

• Pull the braid straight out from your head rather than down the side of your head for another variation of this braiding style.

References

• Hair Braiding Styles:How to French Braid a Headband in Your Hair