Introduction
If you’re looking for an easy way to style your hair that is both chic and practical, look no further than the French braid. Not only is this versatile hairstyle timeless and always in trend, but it also keeps your hair perfectly in place no matter what the weather conditions may be. In this article, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to French braid your own hair.
Step-by-Step Guide
To get started on your French braid, follow these simple steps:
- Section off hair into three parts: Start by combing your hair thoroughly and then gather a small section of hair at the top of your head where you want the braid to begin. Split that section of hair into three equal parts, left, right, and middle, holding each section firmly in each hand near your scalp.
- Start braiding with a few strands: Starting at the crown of your head, cross the right section over the middle section of hair. Then, cross the left section over the middle section, creating a basic braid. Repeat this process two or three times to establish a base for your French braid.
- Add more hair to each section with each braid: As you go along, pick up one thin strand of hair on the right side and add it to the right section, then cross it over the middle section. Repeat on the left side, picking up a thin strand of hair and adding it to the left section. Cross the left section over the middle section again.
- Repeat until all hair is braided: Keep braiding and picking up more hair from the sides as you go, alternating sides each time, until all of your hair is incorporated into the braid.
- Tie the braid off with a hair elastic: Once you’ve braided to the end of your hair, secure the bottom with a hair elastic, making sure the elastic is hidden underneath the braid.
Video Tutorial
If you’re someone who finds it easier to learn a new skill by watching someone else do it first, you’re not alone. Check out this helpful video tutorial on how to French braid your own hair for a visual reference:
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips to help you master the art of French braiding:
- Section off hair properly: Make sure you’re grabbing an equal amount of hair each time you add to a section of your braid. You want your braid to be even rather than lopsided!
- Maintain even tension throughout the braid: Make sure the tension when picking up hair and crossing it over is even, as this will keep your braid tight and secure.
- Keep stray hairs from sticking out: Use hairpins or clips to secure and hide uncooperative strands of hair.
- Hide the hair elastic: Tuck your hair elastic underneath the braid to keep it hidden from view.
Variations and Styles
Once you’ve mastered the French braid, there are so many different hairstyles you can create with it.
Here are a few variations on the classic French braid:
- Half-Up, Half-Down: Create two French braids on the top of your head, then tie both braids and the remaining loose hair in the back, into a half-up half-down style.
- Messy or Bohemian: Loosen up the braid by gently pulling on the sides of it to create a messy, undone look. This style is perfect if you’re looking for something bohemian-inspired and effortless.
Product Recommendations
Here are some of the best products used in creating and maintaining a French braid:
- Hair elastics: Elastic bands that are gentle on the hair, prevent breakage, and do not tear hair edges like most conventional hair elastics do, such as Invisibobble or Kitsch Elastic Hair Ties.
- Hairpins and clips: Clear mini elastics or bobby pins to secure any loose strands of hair in your braid, such as Scunci No-Slip Grip Bobby Pins or MetaGrip Premium Hair Pins
- Flexible hold hair spray: A flexible-hold hair spray to keep your French braid and any flyaways in place, like L’Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray or Got2B Glued Blasting Freeze Spray.
Conclusion
That’s it for our step-by-step guide to French braiding your own hair! With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to master this classic and versatile hairstyle.
