Ideally, this chunk of hair should extend from temple to temple and reach the crown of the head. Tuck it in: For a more refined look, tuck the end of your braid under to create a full-updo that's perfect for a hot summer day. French braiding is a hair-styling technique that is quite similar to a standard braid; the only difference is adding hair to the sections as you go. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. Steps 1 and 2: Take a Two-Inch Section of Hair and Begin the French Braid. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). For the best-looking French braid, pick up the hair near your face and neck. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to make an alternate French lace braid, keep reading! With a few twists of the wrists you're suddenly twinning with the likes of Disney princesses like Rapunzel and Belle. Be careful not to let go of your hair while French-braiding it, or it might undo and you may have to start over. With each new stitch, add a little more hair into your braid. Once you're ready, prep your hair with antioxidant-filled RandCo Suncatcher, "[It's the] perfect leave-in conditioner lightweight, has vitamin C, helps detangle and nourish, and has UV protection," gushes Tochterman. As for natural hair: "French braids on textured hair begins with elongation of texture with a stretching drying method or blow drying to make the hair manageable for a smooth finish," shares Groover. Step 3: Holding the center and right sections in my right hand and the left section in my left hand, I cross the right section over the center. Run your fingers through each subsection to ensure you have three evenly-sized pieces. Leave about two inches of hair unbraided and secure with an elastic. Creating a Classic French Braid 1 Prep your hair so it is ready for styling. Let layers in front of your ears fall out of the braid on their own, says Hawkins. By using our site, you agree to our. Now repeat on the other half of your hair and secure your two French braids in place each with a hair tie. You can finish up the rest of your braid using the three-strand method again. If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. Add bobby pins along both braids, making sure they feel tight and secure on the rest of your hair. So, What Are the Best Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. 2. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. . Just make sure that you don't let go of the braid. To help you out, weve broken this process into seven simple stages to show you how to create two French braids like a pro! February's Hair Launches Are the Foundation of Great Hair Days. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. I taught myself how to do them as a teenager on the night before my SATs, partly as a distraction, and partly because I realized that they were the perfect hairstyle for successfully getting my hair out of my faceand keeping it there for many, many hours. Then split the hair into three equal sections so you chunks on the left, in the middle, and on the right. In this tutorial, YouTuber Abby Smith shows you how to transfer all three sections in one hand to free up the other so you can easily grab your additional small sliver of hair. "It's the perfect prep for all hair types." Practice makes perfect, and the best way to get good at French braiding your own hair is to do it over and over again. From here, there are two options to finish the braid. "Let the product secure the strands in place.". But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. Part slightly damp hair on the right side. Whether you choose big or small chunks to weave in, do your best to grab the same size each time for a consistent look. The outer pieces always cross over the inner one.). How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. To do double French braids, start by dividing your hair down the center of your head. Hold the right section in your right hand, the left section in your left hand, and the middle . Hold the right strand with your pinky, the middle strand with your middle finger, and the left strand between your index and thumb. Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. Start Here Hair Care Styling Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, Written by: Author Olivia Moore |Reviewed by: Editorial Team. Although its intricate weave may appear complicated, creating your own French braid is a simple process. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our French braiding is actually aprotective hairstylethat keeps your hair in place and may help prevent damage, especially at night. 10 January 2020. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect. When you grab chunks of hair to add to your braid, start by adding more significant pieces. % of people told us that this article helped them. You've completed a French braid all on your own! Then cross the right section over the center section. Clipping up one section helps stop you from accidentally pulling in any hair from the other side. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. Keep going because your style will be worth it! Because these are GIFs and are step-by-step, you can re-watch the same step for as long as you need it. Only use a little, though, because too much will stiffen your braids, she says. Continue grabbing chunks of hair as you braid the left section over the center section, then the right over the center section, and so on. If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. You can also use a hair clip if youd prefer. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. Separate your section into 3 equal strands. Your hair will be easier to braid if its still slightly damp, but you can still braid dry hair. If your hair is frizzy, spritz a bit of no-frizz hair product on your hair. Continue down your scalp. Keep your hands as close to your scalp as possible rather than braiding up in the air. This article was co-authored by Vanessa Garcia and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. .css-9quk5{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#fff;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;display:inline-block;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;background-color:#000000;border-radius:50rem;font-family:RundDisplay,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-size:0.75rem;line-height:1;font-weight:bold;letter-spacing:0.03em;margin-bottom:0.625rem;margin-top:0.625rem;padding:0.625rem 1.25rem;padding-bottom:0.8rem;padding-left:1.3125rem;padding-right:1.3125rem;padding-top:0.76rem;text-transform:uppercase;width:auto;}.css-9quk5:hover{color:#fff;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;background-color:#000000;}.css-9quk5:focus-visible{outline-color:body-cta-btn-link-focus;}Subscribe here! As you French braid your hair, focus on the feelings in your fingers rather than relying on what youre looking at. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. For consistent waves, keep filled with water nearby and continue to lightly dampen the hair as you braid. If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. The initial chunk of hair will not affect how full your French braid will be, so start with a small 3-4 section of hair for best results. Multiple braids, like pigtails, may sound like a big jump in technical ability, but it's really quite simple once you know what you're doing. Tutorial: How to Do a Simple and Stylish Braid, 45 Half Braided Hairstyles You Can Master in Minutes, Dove Refresh+Care Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo, TRESemm TRES Two Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray, TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Texture Hold Level 1 Hair Spray, 10 Perfect Two Braids Hairstyles That We Love, 20 Side Part Hairstyles for Every Hair Length, Suave Professionals Biotin Infusion Strengthening Conditioner, Box Braids with Loose Ends: 10 Looks Were Obsessed With, Flat Twist Hairstyles: 10 Ways Culture Inspired the Runway, In Bloom: 10 Flower Hairstyles Were Gushing Over Now, Halo Braid with Box Braids: 3 Stylish and Simple Ways to Get The Look, 15 Red Braids Styles Were Utterly Obsessed With, How to Create a Chic, Half-Up Braided Style, Style It On: Braided Prom Updo with Mini Marley, Natural Hair Tips: Caring for the Crochet Twist and Other Protective Styles with Daven Mayeda, Cute Braid Styles: 10 Super Pretty Pinterest-Worthy Ideas. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. Start at the top of your head, next to the part, and grab a small section of hair. STEP 4: ADD HAIR AS YOU GO. [1] Nineties pick-and-drop braids walked so today's boho braids could run. If You've Never Heard of Knotless Braids, It's Time to Catch Up. Some people find it easier to feel the sections of hair as they start reaching to the back of their heads. Each outer piece must be crossed over the inner piece once. A hair bungee is better than tying your hair with. Follow These Steps. Support wikiHow by You can tie off your hair at any point during your braid. Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding tips for French braiding your own hair. This lightweight oil works tohydrateyour strands while also keeping frizz at bay. How do you French braid with thick short hair without getting too much hair? This article has 56 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. How much new hair you grab each time doesn't matter, but the less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. Did You Hear "Did You Lotion" Growing Up? Yes, if you do it correctly. Finish with a quick spritz of medium-hold hair spray like Ouai's Texturizing Hair Spray ($28). Enjoy! Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, its a look that every woman should have up her sleeve.