Braid the shaft of the hair down to the ends. 6. I watched about a dozen YouTube videos on how to do it, which you'd think would be a good way. 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. Use a detangling brush to remove all tangles in your hair. The length of the braid also determines where you will focus on applying product. ", looked it up, I had to do something with my hair before my performance. ", time it failed, but the second time it was lot easier. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the braid. Here are some tips for French braiding your own hair: If you are new to the world of French braiding, practicing your braids with damp hair can make the process easier. I'm Athena, your personal Hair Assistant. The outer pieces always cross over the inner one.). If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. (We promise it's easier than it seems). unlocking this expert answer. Tie off the end. Plus, once you get to the back of your head, you wont be able to see anyway. You can also condition your French braids by gently massaging the conditioner into your braids rather than rubbing them. "If the ends of your hair are stick straight, they will be more likely to poke out," she explains. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. This hairstyle is great for activities like dancing or cheerleading. Step Three: Braiding. References Just make sure that you don't let go of the braid. Weather, workout and all-around life-proof, its a look that every woman should have up her sleeve. But let's be real: it takes time to master the art of braiding. Keep a firm grip on hair as you work through the beginning of this process to prevent a loose-looking French braid. One hair is added to the right strand, cross the right strand over the middle, and bring all the hair to the right hand. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. 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. Cross the left section over the center section. As you French braid your hair, focus on the feelings in your fingers rather than relying on what youre looking at. Enjoy! If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. Last Updated: October 21, 2021 If you have short layers, Metz suggests curling the end of your layers before you start the braiding process. You did it, boo. Congrats! They distribute hair weight evenly along your scalp and reduce friction on your hair. Your California Privacy Rights. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. Then cross the right section over the center section. You may need to rest your arms sometimes while you braid. "This was so helpful. If youd like to keep your braids dry, use a shower cap to prevent water from touching them. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. With natural hair, Groover opts for a different technique: "Part the hair down the middle or with a low side part and divide the hair into two sections." 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. 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. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). "Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids," Taylor says. For fine to medium hair, after you brush, Tochterman advises the following: first, taking a section of hair from the forehead to the back of the head. 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. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our 3. Approved. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. If you French braid your hair wet, you will have wavy hair once you take it out. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. All the Weird Areas You Can Get Injectables. Red flags that you're dealing with a man-child. Show more. OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray protects hair up to 450 degrees, minimizes drying time, and smells divine. Easy to explain, but how TF do you actually do it? Love the look of a French braid but not sure how create the hairstyle yourself? So youve started your braid and youve got a good flow goingbut then you realize you have more sections than hands. You've completed a French braid all on your own! When using a mirror, youre looking at a backward image. Some people find this method easier, though it might not look as smooth where the braids join. Be careful not to let go of your hair while French-braiding it, or it might undo and you may have to start over. "Wet hair is more fragile than dry," she explains. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). Pull tightly as you go to eliminate any bumps. 5. Our virtual concierge will create a hair care regimen just for you. 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. Secure your French braid with a hair elastic. If you have thicker hair, you may need to start with more hair in your 3 sections. Thanks! HelloGiggles.com is part of the Dotdash Meredith Beauty & Style Group. Once you have sectioned off your hair for each braid, work on one side at a time. However, don't let this discourage you no need to wait 'til your next hair appointment to ask your hairstylist to hook you up. Then switch hands and rest the other arm. 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. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. 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. "I didn't know how to french braid my hair. Each time that you pull in hair, make sure that it's equal amounts for each of the 3 sections, so that the braid will be neat. Twist your ponytail until it's pulled tight. But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. Separate hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections. If you must shampoo, apply a sea salt spray (Hawkins loves the KMS California Hairplay Sea Salt Spray) after towel-drying to give the hair extra weight and texture. Separate that small section into three equal pieces. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Try to keep the 3 sections equal in size to make the braid look more uniform. To keep it from looking too messy, pin some of the longer layers into the base of the braid. Want the mag? It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. Try to create an even part as you go down your hairline. Support wikiHow by Add bobby pins along both braids, making sure they feel tight and secure on the rest of your hair. Keep going because your style will be worth it! 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. We asked Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist at Tracey Mattingly, how to French braid our hair on our own. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. To ensure hair from the other side doesn't get in your way when braiding, secure each section with a tie or clip, says Metz. % of people told us that this article helped them. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. After youve gathered all of your hair into the French braid, group the ends together, create three evenly-sized sections, and finish braiding with a standard 3-section braid. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. 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. After youve crossed one strip of hair over another strip of hair, youll transfer all the sections to the same fingers on the other hand to keep the flow going. 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. The French braid is an excellent option for beginner braiders. The good news: You don't have to enlist the help of a talented friend or roommate to achieve the style. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. Hi here I demonstrate how to do a dutch braid (boxer braids) for beginners. . Yes, if you do it correctly. Support wikiHow by Your hair will be easier to braid if its still slightly damp, but you can still braid dry hair. It may take a few tries to get your French braid down. Step 3: Transfer to Right Hand. 2022 Galvanized Media. Secure it with a bobby pin and hide that under the rest of your hair. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Ad Choices. It will just make the biggest tangle ever. In that case. Keep your hands as close to your scalp as possible rather than braiding up in the air. "Large braids give a fuller look; small to medium braids are tighter and have less frizz," explains Groover. Brush your hair in the general direction of where you want your braid to go. After each crossover, repeat, adding hair in from alternating sides. Break this large chunk of hair into three equal-sized sections. 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. Before beginning your second braid, let your arms rest for a few minutes. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. She says that people with thinner hair might want to add a little bit of dry shampoo to the middle of their strands to provide extra thickness and body. Is it better to braid your hair wet or dry? 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. What's The Difference Between a Dutch Braid and a French Braid? How to French-braid your own hair. French braided hair looks elegant and can be worn casually, professionally, or on a date. Take the left strand and cross over to the middle. Like I said, practice makes perfect, and the best part about learning this skill now is that if your braids dont turn out even or are a little bumpy, no one has to see but you. As you continue to practice your new hairstyle, keep these additional tips for French braiding your own hair in mind. Editors tip: For a more textured look, we love using a light-hold hairspray like TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. They're also a great protective style for natural hair, and suit all face shapes, to boot. Why Trust Us? 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. References ", 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. Love Cosmo? Once you have added hair to the left strand, cross over to the middle section. ", http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/french-braid-hair, http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair-ideas/french-braids-0608, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/hair-mistakes_n_3790579.html, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh8MTdgIDaA&t=1m38s, http://www.hairromance.com/2013/02/lace-braid-hairstyle-tutorial.html, http://www.twistmepretty.com/2014/05/learn-your-4-basic-braids.html. 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! However, if youre loyal to your hair washing schedule, use dry shampoo, like Dove Refresh+Care Volume and Fullness Dry Shampoo. You dont want to braid your hair when completely wet because it will keep your hair from fully drying. retailers. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. There's something undeniably alluring about the .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}classic French braid. 2. If you have any frizz or flyaways, use a little hairspray to keep them under control. By using our site, you agree to our. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. French braids look stylish in just about any atmosphere. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). YouTuber Rayann starts with stretched hair, then uses a detangling brush to smooth any knots before braiding. 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. You can finish up the rest of your braid using the three-strand method again. ", 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. Pro-tip: if you have stray hairs, use a spiral bobby pin to hold them in place. So I have made a video on how to french. Begin the braid where you'd do a deep side part. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. She also has significant experience creating native and branded content. This article has been viewed 7,540,583 times. 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. Each outer piece must be crossed over the inner piece once. This is similar to a french braid except the outer strands go under the middle strands instead of over. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. This frees up your right hand to work with. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. As you prepare to repeat your braid, grab a small section of new hair from the area of hair you wish to include in your braid, and incorporate it into the next cross. Method 1 Classic 3-Strand Braid 1 Brush your hair so it's free of knots. You simply divide hair into two sidesone on each side of your hair, then follow the steps above, one side at a time. Pick up a small section of hair on the right and add it to the right strand by sliding it between your thumb and index finger to add to the braid. How much new hair you grab each time doesn't matter, but the less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. So grab your comb and your hair ties, and lets get braiding: Its best to weave with hair thats a little more lived-in and dirty. However, smaller pieces typically look better in the end result. Let's chat! Need some style inspo? Luckily, we will give you plenty of tips for French braiding your own hair so you can start styling it. Twist the two strands of hair together, feeding in more strands of hair from your parted section as you go along. The grittiness of the dry shampoo might make it easier for the braids to stay in place, too. Thank you, wikiHow. Since it's difficult to see what your hands are doing behind your head, things can easily get, quite literally, tangled up back there. This will create the part in the back. "It takes practice, but I eventually got it (be sure to practice a lot!) This article was co-authored by Vanessa Garcia and by wikiHow staff writer, Amy Bobinger. Now you know how to French braid your hair your own hair in five easy steps. Begin just as you would start a regular braid: by crossing the right piece over the middle, then doing the same thing with the left. You start with a small section, but the braid grows thicker as you add more hair. Tips: Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. Optional Ending 1. After you secure your French braid with an elastic, gently pull apart each braid to fluff it out. 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. If you notice the bottom part of your French braid seems a little loose or has a bulging appearance, you may be loosening your grip towards the end. Now repeat on the other half of your hair and secure your two French braids in place each with a hair tie. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. If you want two French braids, split your hair in half and clip one side out of the way. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Tochterman breaks down the exact way to French braid below. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. If you havent tried French braiding yet, you may want to give it a try. If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. If you need help purchasing a product directly from Allure, go to our FAQ. "I never knew how to do a French braid because my cousin always did it. If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. Gold-foiled eyes, Farrah Fawcett bangs, 3D manicures what doesn't this red carpet have? "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. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. I've Been Single for 8 Yearsand I Blame My Makeup. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. Though it may look challenging, it will be second nature to you once you get your system down. Finally, secure the braid and enjoy! For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to make an alternate French lace braid, keep reading! Vanessa has over 10 years of experience in styling hair. This spray helps keep your style in check all day and tames any wayward frizz. Begin the same way that you would a normal braid: Cross the right piece over the middle, then the left. Yes, you can shower with French braids. "So starting with dry hair will help avoid breakage." Repeat these steps on the other side (making sure to pull tightly each time you cross a section) and youll have two beautiful French braids. All Rights Reserved. It takes a lot of patience to grab small sections, especially if you are new to the French braid. I carefully take all three sections of hair, each still separated by a finger in my right hand (see image below). Start with your section of hair. It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. HOW TO FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR (Playlist)https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKr1OU5EnX8ZJgAMy4LnxuGGl8VKh4oQu HOW TO DOUBLE FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR FOR BEGINNERShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2g57cXO-2Q\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=6 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID (SINGLE BRAID 1 way of adding hair in)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6kixAppktE\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=8 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID (SINGLE BRAID 2 way of adding hair in)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HopFCgzKmoA\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=32 HOW TO FRENCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR (SINGLE BRAID - REAL-TIME TALK THROUGH)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOz5ujBilWA\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=19 HOW TO DOUBLE FRENCH BRAID STEP BY STEP FOR BEGINNERShttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV6-2WiRRqs\u0026list=PLKr1OU5EnX8YbBYmW3kHQwehFHT9FAD7a\u0026index=2 M A N N E Q U I N H E A D // (Affiliate Links Below read the disclaimer at the bottom of the infobox) My mannequin head is not available anymore, but I have linked similar dolls below, that I would purchase myself. The Best Hair, Makeup, and Nails at the 2023 Grammy Awards. Using the end of a rat-tail comb, divide your hair down the center of your head. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. But taking matters into your own hands (quite literally) and learning to French-braid your own hair definitely takes practice and patience. In the morning, unravel the braids for really natural waves, no heat required. Finish with a quick spritz of medium-hold hair spray like Ouai's Texturizing Hair Spray ($28). You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. Your next perfect blowout (at home!) Shake the braid a bit from the tail to loosen the look and make your hair look thicker. I was just plaiting my hair wet to make. "It's the perfect prep for all hair types." All rights reserved. Once shes finished braiding down to the very end of her hair, she lays her edges and boomall set. Continue down your scalp. Grabbing larger sections may be easier for beginners and will take less time to complete. You Probably Need a Haircut provides general information only. Finally, French braid that section of hair like you did with the other section and then you're finished. Youre not the only one whos wanted to give up at this point and throw your hair in a ponytail. - https://amzn.to/3mgTcxd *S U B S C R I B E // https://www.youtube.com/shinylipstv?sub_confirmation=1I N S T A G R A M // http://instagram.com/everydayhairinspirationB L O G // http://everydayhairinspiration.comF A C E B O O K // https://www.facebook.com/everydayhairinspirationP I N T E R E S T // https://www.pinterest.dk/everydayhairinspirationB L O G P O S T // http://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/2018/06/29/how-to-french-braid-step-by-step/M U S I C // Music provided by Majestic Casual - https://www.youtube.com/majesticcasualAlvy Alchimie, Pt 2 | Majestic Color - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Qgo7NWf87AB U S I N E S S I N Q U I R E S // ShinyLipsTvContact@gmail.comD I S C L A I M E R // This video is not sponsored. Luckily, you can do a few things to make your practice runs a little easier. Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. Freshly-washed hair will be harder to 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! Finish your braid a couple of inches from the ends of your hair. Some people find it easier to feel the sections of hair as they start reaching to the back of their heads. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you should encompass all of your hair into the French braid. Bend forward to release tension or rest your arms on a surface behind you (ex. Youll be surprised at how powerful your sense of touch is. It does, however, take more time to French braid than to do a standard braid. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. While were all stuck at home and probably overdue for a haircut, now is the perfect time to learn. When working in new sections, grab horizontal pieces from your hairline by your face and neck. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. When you grab chunks of hair to add to your braid, start by adding more significant pieces. So things are going well until those pesky layers start sticking out from every direction? Be sure to gently comb through any bumps to keep a sleek look. 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. 6. The higher the bun, the less sag you will get. | 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.