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. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. This allows you, in the next step, to rock your hand forward and release the first strand. ", short or long. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. Then take the next strand by grabbing between curled index finger and thumb. French braiding can cause a little strain on your arm muscles, but do your best to pull each section taut and keep a firm grip on your braid. Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, its a look that every woman should have up her sleeve. Once shes finished braiding down to the very end of her hair, she lays her edges and boomall set. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you should encompass all of your hair into the French braid. French braids look stylish in just about any atmosphere. Once youve reached the nape of your neck, you should find that youve run out of extra hair to bring into your braid. Try twisting your strands into a low braided bun for aquick and easy updo, or take inspiration from the image above and rock these playful pigtails. If you have layered hair, spray some hairspray onto your fingers and use it to set down any flyaways that may have escaped from your braid. With your free hand, pull out any weaves below the part where you are joining the 2 braids. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. Is it hard to French braid your own hair? Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide, There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Here, InStyle spoke with hairstylist Bobby Tochterman, co-founder of Maverick House NYC, a receptionist-free salon, and Robin Groover, owner of Too Groovy Salon in Atlanta, Ga., to give you a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to French braid your hair, no matter the texture. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair: Step-By-Step. "Once the desired texture is achieved, make sure the ends are detangled to avoid breakage," instructs Groover. ISince the final look isnt the braid, its okay if you have a few bumps and pieces sticking out. She specializes in creating SEO and e-commerce content across a range of lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. French braiding is actually aprotective hairstylethat keeps your hair in place and may help prevent damage, especially at night. I give my whole head a good, thorough brush with my Tangle Teezer before taking a fine-tooth comb and running it horizontally down the back of my head. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Give yourself a crown: Embrace your inner princess by French braiding in a circle around your head rather than straight down. But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. "Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids," Taylor says. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Start by creating a standard three-strand braid, braiding left over middle, right over the middle. Not only will this stop the bottom of your braids from looking straggly, but it will also reduce any chances of your style falling out. Brooke Shunatona is a contributing writer for Cosmopolitan.com. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. Approved. Youre not the only one whos wanted to give up at this point and throw your hair in a ponytail. It was really helpful, thank, "This article really helped me. This content is imported from poll. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. Vote for your favorite beauty products now. You'll also want to apply a small amount of hair oil (like Oribe's Gold Lust) to dry hair to smooth down frizz and flyaways, says Metz. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. Each time you cross one section over the other, grab a chunk of hair from the same side as the section. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Our virtual concierge will create a hair care regimen just for you. Brush your hair in the general direction of where you want your braid to go. Gold-foiled eyes, Farrah Fawcett bangs, 3D manicures what doesn't this red carpet have? "I can never do a French plait on my hair usually and this really helped!! With each new stitch, add a little more hair into your braid. There are a few secrets to crafting the perfect French braid. Your French braid will last all day (or even days!). Use your index fingers to pick up pieces of hair below the crown from just outside the plaited area along the way (try to pick up half-inch sections of hair to keep the braid balanced) and pull them into the braid. Approved. At the same, "Yes, it was fun braiding the hair but because of my thick hair, it became a little bit more difficult. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Next, French braid the loose section of your hair starting at the top of your head and working your way down to the ends of your hair. Using the end of a rat-tail comb, divide your hair down the center of your head. Create the section in the direction you want to braid. Go messy: "One of my favorite French braid variations is to lightly pull out the sides of each section all the way down the braid," says Metz. Keep them separate. Finish your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Our content is for informational purposes only. And they expand like classic elastic bands; however, each end has a hook to secure hair without pulling on it, making it beneficial to those with coarse or thick hair. But heres where the ~French~ part comes inonce youve started your braid, begin adding a small sliver of hair to each section every time you cross it over the middle. Then, use your brush to grab the middle section of hair on the top of your head. Keep going because your style will be worth it! I've Been Single for 8 Yearsand I Blame My Makeup. By using our site, you agree to our. If you have thick hair, you'll want to pull in bigger chunks of hair so that you incorporate all of the hair into the braid before you reach the nape of your neck. Braid the shaft of the hair down to the ends. French braided hair looks elegant and can be worn casually, professionally, or on a date. Create a fuller braid with extensions: If you have short hair or simply want a longer, sexier braid, adding clip-in extensions can help give you more length and volume. In your left hand, hold each strand between your fingers, with the pinky holding the left strand, the middle finger holding the middle strand, and your index finger holding the right strand. Double French braids are a fun and cute hairstyle thats also very practical. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. ", looked it up, I had to do something with my hair before my performance. Need some style inspo? If you suffer from ponytail headaches, French braiding may be a good alternative for you to try. If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. Method 1 Classic 3-Strand Braid 1 Brush your hair so it's free of knots. HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. If you are making a single braid, wrap it all the way around your head. Then take a two-inch section of hair from either side of your part, separate it into three equal pieces, and start braiding your hair as you usually would: Cross the right piece over the middle piece, then cross the left piece over the middle piece. "It's the perfect prep for all hair types." Continue this until you have taken it out. Then switch hands and rest the other arm. Take the band out and gently pull on the outer edges to loosen it. The only difference between French braiding and regular braiding is that now every time you go to cross a section over the middle, you add a little more hair. 4 Best French-Braid Tutorial For Curly Hair. Divide it into three equal sections. Keep a firm grip on hair as you work through the beginning of this process to prevent a loose-looking French braid. Luckily, we will give you plenty of tips for French braiding your own hair so you can start styling it. When you grab chunks of hair to add to your braid, start by adding more significant pieces. You can also condition your French braids by gently massaging the conditioner into your braids rather than rubbing them. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. When there is friction on your hair, it can cause hair damage. This article has been viewed 7,540,583 times. Tips: Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. If you opt for a wet look braid, Tochterman recommends a quarter size of RandCo Motorcycle Flexible Hold Gel. (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. I watched about a dozen YouTube videos on how to do it, which you'd think would be a good way. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. There are plenty of fun ways to add a little flair to a standard French braid: Adding a ribbon: Up the strands you're working with to four, and you can add in a cute ribbon or scarf. You simply divide hair into two sidesone on each side of your hair, then follow the steps above, one side at a time. "If the ends of your hair are stick straight, they will be more likely to poke out," she explains. Hold the right strand with your pinky, the middle strand with your middle finger, and the left strand between your index and thumb. So youve started your braid and youve got a good flow goingbut then you realize you have more sections than hands. This type of French braid doesn't involve the entire head, so it's a lot easier and less time-consuming to create. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. "I never knew how to do a French braid because my cousin always did it. Alternatively, you could create your new sections by joining the left and middle sections of your left braid, the right section of your left braid and the left section of your right braid, and the middle and right sections of your right braid. She's ready to turn the page following ex-husband's cheating. Keep tension on the strands of hair as you work to prevent loose weaves. Braid your hair in the mirror, so that you can see what you're doing. This is what will give your French braid that woven look. ", Another quick tip: Use a strong hold finishing spray. Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, youre gathering slightly more hair. French braiding is actually a. that keeps your hair in place and may help prevent damage, especially at night. 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. Pro-tip: if you have stray hairs, use a spiral bobby pin to hold them in place. 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. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. If the clip is loose on your hair, the braid will start to loosen. If your hair thins out toward the bottom, combine the two tails for one big three-strand braid so the waves at the ends of your hair dont get too tight and crimped-looking. Try to create an even part as you go down your hairline. Prepare Sections of Hair. :)", "It was helpful to have a video as well as written words to secure the process in your head.". BriAnne Wills. If youd like to keep your braids dry. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. Step Three: Braiding. (We promise it's easier than it seems). The TikTok-Viral Dyson Airwrap Is Back in Stock! If you'd like, you can tuck the ends of each braid under the opposite braid to create a hair "crown." Yes, you can shower with French braids. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. But taking matters into your own hands (quite literally) and learning to French-braid your own hair definitely takes practice and patience. Since Im no pro, I enlisted the help of hairstylist, braid queen, and author of All Hair is Good Hair Annagjid Kee Taylor to provide some expert-backed tips for learning to French-braid your own hair. You can French braid hair that is longer than chin-length, though the style works best on hair that is at least shoulder-length long. Before beginning your French braid, brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Each user should evaluate the information on our site and is encouraged to do further research before taking any action, inaction, or making any decision based on the content provided on our site. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). | Twist Me Pretty, No Heat Summer Beach Waves w/ Consistent Curl, How to French Braid Natural Hair for Beginners Step by Step, Yes, You *Can* French-Braid Your Own Hair, It's Time to Learn How to Dutch-Braid Your Hair, French Braids With Mini Buns Will Give You *Life*, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. She explains that dry hair allows you to have more control of the separate strands when braiding, while wet hair is heavier and more prone to mixing into other pieces, which gets messy. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. Dont stress! Last Updated: October 21, 2021 2022 Galvanized Media. The grittiness of the dry shampoo might make it easier for the braids to stay in place, too. Because these are GIFs and are step-by-step, you can re-watch the same step for as long as you need it. To do a fishtail braid, divide your hair into 2 sections and bring one strand of hair over one section and into the other. Pull tightly as you go to eliminate any bumps. ", Unlock premium answers by supporting wikiHow, https://www.glamour.com/story/cute-diy-braided-hairstyles, http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=10, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=28, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=43, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=113, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiMeih4b3Sw&feature=youtu.be&t=63. If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. Oh, and did I mention the whole process doubles as an arm workout? French braiding your hair before bed and sleeping on a silk pillowcase is a great technique to prevent tangles in the morning, among other benefits. Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. 1Start with clean, dry hair. To hide your elastic band, wrap a small strand of hair from the two-inch remains around the elastic so your braid appears to end seamlessly. Some people find this method easier, though it might not look as smooth where the braids join. If your hair is frizzy, spritz a bit of no-frizz hair product on your hair. Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the braid. A French braid only has a few extra steps if you already know how to do a standard three-strand braid. February's Hair Launches Are the Foundation of Great Hair Days. When you're somewhere past half way braided, grab the middle strand and scrunch up the braided hair towards your scalp. Cue minor freak-out. You did it, boo. How much new hair you grab each time doesn't matter, but the less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. As you continue with the process of a standard braid, add in pieces of other hair, starting with the right side. When you get to the very bottom of your scalp and there's no more hair to add in from each side, complete a normal (non-French) braid until you have just about an inch of hair left. Yes, if you do it correctly. This lightweight oil works tohydrateyour strands while also keeping frizz at bay. How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline. Continue doing this all the way down your head. ", time it had details and it really taught me to do a french braid. You Probably Need a Haircut is reader-supported. Start your French braid with one row of a traditional braid, which you can do by first crossing the right strand into the center, then crossing the left strand into the center. Now that youve learned how to style your hair into two French braids, you wont believe how many more hairstyles are now at your fingertips. Thanks! .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}Get Madelyn's Glazed Vanilla French Manicure, This Hair Removal Device Is On Sale For 50% Off RN, How To Style Bangs With Thin Hair, Per Experts, Best Hair Dryer Brushes, Per Experts And Reviews, The 13 Best Face Sunscreen For Your Skin Type, Heres How Exercising Messes With Injectables, Bobbi Brown Shares Her Go-To Daily Sunscreen. 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. This article has been viewed 1,157,117 times. Yes, you can learn. Start with a traditional braid. , you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. With this stylist-approved easy step-by-step guide, even complete beginners will master the art of French braiding, whether a single strand or pigtails, in no time. Using three fingers, separate the larger section into three smaller but equal pieces. And so are five other '90s tattoo styles. If you have thin or fine hair, you may notice that your French braid falls a little flat literally. 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. Once you have no more hair to incorporate, continue the traditional three-strand braid to the ends of your hair and secure with an elastic. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). I couldn't do any French braids before, and I can do them now. You've completed a French braid all on your own! Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair. STEP 4: ADD HAIR AS YOU GO. You can tie off your hair at any point during your braid. "Let the product secure the strands in place.". Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. Getting a great French braid starts with sectioning the hair off correctly. You may want to use the long end of a rat tail comb to make a clean part. Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. This spray helps keep your style in check all day and tames any wayward frizz. You can easily keep bangs and flyaways out of your face. The singer reveals how grueling life was on the road. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,540,583 times. Do your best to brush your fingers through each section of new hair to keep your French braid looking sleek and bump-free. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Sign up to the newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. We do not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. If youd like to try out this fun hairstyle, you have two options. This is similar to a french braid except the outer strands go under the middle strands instead of over. Why Trust Us? (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The Duchess of York casts "no judgment" toward her nephew. Can I learn to French braid my own hair if I can French braid my friend's hair? If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. At this point, the hard work is over. Start at the crown of your head and grab a small chunk of hair. User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and 03 of 35. Run your fingers through each subsection to ensure you have three evenly-sized pieces. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. Let's chat! You can also use a hair clip if youd prefer. Your arms may get tired while braiding your hair. Twist your ponytail until it's pulled tight. Once you're done, finish the braid with the hairspray of your choice "to calm flyaways and keep the shape," says Tochterman. Separate your section into 3 equal strands. Thank you, wikiHow. For consistent waves, keep filled with water nearby and continue to lightly dampen the hair as you braid. The actor describes Harry Styles as "a very kind guy.". 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. How to: French braid your own hair in two parts neatly Chloe Gillian 90.9K subscribers Subscribe 17K Share 3.8M views 11 years ago Hey everyone! This will help refresh your hair and provide it with some volume. VIDEO: 8 Mistakes You Didn't Know You Were Making With Your Protective Style. Once you've gotten the basics of a traditional braid down, you could try a French lace braid for a fancy twist. ", Next, "divide the subsection into three small sections and begin the braid at the edges with the tiny short cross movements for a precise finish and style longevity. Although many people assume French braiding your own hair is challenging, it is easier than you might think. She has a BA in Business Management from the California State University - East Bay and she received her Cosmetology License specializing in Hair Styling and Hair Design from the Fremont Beauty College. - https://amzn.to/3iqDD3G *Silver Shampoo - https://amzn.to/3hkb5Yl *Deep Waver Iron (Great for beautiful waves!) it curly, so it didn't need to be that neat but it's still the best one I've done. Step 3: Transfer to Right Hand. This way you free up your left hand to repeat the same sectioning technique on the other side. "To make sure that your hair has some texture and hold to it, avoid thick conditionersespecially those with silicone in themthat make strands slippery," Hawkins says. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. Here is a step-by-step process along with tips for French braiding your own hair: Frizz can make braiding challenging, so you want your hair to be as smooth as possible before you get started. How To French Braid Your Own Hair Step By Step - Hair For Beginners | EverydayHairInspiration EverydayHairInspiration 294K subscribers Subscribe 12K Share 1.1M views 6 years ago. Whether you choose big or small chunks to weave in, do your best to grab the same size each time for a consistent look.