You've completed a French braid all on your own! "It takes practice, but I eventually got it (be sure to practice a lot!) For tips from our Beauty reviewer on how to make an alternate French lace braid, keep reading! 1Start with clean, dry hair. This article was co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA. This will create the part in the back. When you're done with the French braid, you can take the extra step of hiding the elastic tie if you want an all . ", time it had details and it really taught me to do a french braid. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. French braids don't have to be confusing. Keep adding little sections as you braid until you reach the ends, then tie it off with an elastic. Add on to your braid on both sides by picking up another little chunk of hair and then performing another 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. You can learn how to French braid your own hair and we're here to help. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Secure your French braid with a hair elastic. 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. Finally, mist a little hairspray over the whole look for a more secure hold, or let it hang loose and free. it curly, so it didn't need to be that neat but it's still the best one I've done. Need some style inspo? 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. Secure it with a bobby pin and hide that under the rest of your hair. YouTuber Rayann starts with stretched hair, then uses a detangling brush to smooth any knots before braiding. If you have thicker hair, you may need to start with more hair in your 3 sections. Thank you, wikiHow. 2023 Cond Nast. It will just make the biggest tangle ever. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. A French braid only has a few extra steps if you already know how to do a standard three-strand braid. Divide it into three equal sections. Steps 1 and 2: Take a Two-Inch Section of Hair and Begin the French Braid. Yes, you can shower with French braids. HOW TO: DUTCH BRAID YOUR OWN HAIR FOR BEGINNERS - YouTube This Chemical Peel Majorly Healed My Hormonal Acne, I Tried the New Long-Lasting Botox Alternative (!). Tie it off with a small, clear hair tie. BRB, going to book an appointment for these braids. Hold two subsections with one hand and the other section in the other. Approved. [1] Break this large chunk of hair into three equal-sized sections. From here, all you need to do is take up more hair from the surrounding area, pulling it into the braid as you go. Allure may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with How to French Braid Your Own Hair - InStyle 29 Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair - Terrific Tresses Start at the crown of your head and grab a small chunk of 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. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. French braiding takes a lot more time than more basic hairstyles. After each crossover, repeat, adding hair in from alternating sides. Though it may look challenging, it will be second nature to you once you get your system down. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/v4-460px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/aid22372-v4-728px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}. Start with a traditional braid. Optional: add a little mousse or gel to keep hair intact and to prevent . You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. How to French Braid Your Own Hair | French Braid Tutorials 2021 - ELLE Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you have bangs, you can either brush them out of this section or include them in the area. , French braiding may be a good alternative for you to try. This way you free up your left hand to repeat the same sectioning technique on the other side. , you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. With each new stitch, add a little more hair into your braid. 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. "Wet hair is more fragile than dry," she explains. Tochterman breaks down the exact way to French braid below. 6. 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. 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. If this happens, you can hold your hair in place with one hand and let the other arm rest for a few seconds. So if youre looking for another heatless way to style your hair, and a French braid has been on your unofficial bucket list forever, try following one of these YouTube tutorials, below. 2. If doing double braids, youll want to start by deciding on your part and sectioning your hair accordingly. 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. Read more here - https://www.everydayhairinspiration.com/disclosure/ Do your best to brush your fingers through each section of new hair to keep your French braid looking sleek and bump-free. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Congrats! You dont want to braid your hair when completely wet because it will keep your hair from fully drying. Try to create an even part as you go down your hairline. Tochterman advises to grab a brush and bungee. Research source How To French Braid Hair - Real Simple 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. Bend forward to release tension or rest your arms on a surface behind you (ex. Voila! When you're somewhere past half way braided, grab the middle strand and scrunch up the braided hair towards your scalp. All About Wavy Perm for Long Hair and 10 Styles to Try this Season, 33 Flattering Haircuts and Hairstyles for Round Faces, 10 Auburn Hair with Blonde Highlights to Elevate Your Look, 13 Boho Box Braids and Twist Styles to Give You Wanderlust Vibes, 20 Shades of Brown Hair and How to Pick the Best for Your Skin Tone, Is Rice Water Good for Hair Growth? 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. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle. ATH Investigates, Natural Hair Care Guide and Products to Fight Humidity, ATH Opinion: Why the Nostalgia Trend is Creating an Ongoing Conversation Across Decades, 10 Tapered Haircuts and Short Hairstyles for Men Seen on the Runway, 15 Sweet and Striking Shades of Honey Brown Hair, Understanding Why the Appropriation of Hair Ingredients is Culturally Wrong, 8 Shampoos for Straight Hair that Add Body and Shine. Take the left strand and cross over to the middle. (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. Thanks! And if you ever wanted to know the key to a sharp part, "the secret weapon is tracing the part with the African Pride Edge Styling Wax for shine and a detailed finish. Start at the top of your head and section off a portion of hair, about three to four inches wide. The nape of your neck is the base of your head, just before your neck starts. Keep a firm grip on hair as you work through the beginning of this process to prevent a loose-looking French braid. Approved. Style your hair in two French braids, stopping at the nape of your neck. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the braid. Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. If you washed your hair within the past couple of days, use a texturizing product to add some grip. Take the section of hair from the left and cross it over in between the right and center sections of hair, as you would with a standard braid. "Let the product secure the strands in place.". They're also a great protective style for natural hair, and suit all face shapes, to boot. If you French braid your hair wet, you will have wavy hair once you take it out. The French Braid | 2023 Inspiration & Style Guide - You Probably Need a Make sure that you are pulling your hair tightly throughout the entire braiding process. Check out how to master these two French braids. Nineties pick-and-drop braids walked so today's boho braids could run. "So starting with dry hair will help avoid breakage." You can use that same styling wax or the edge control of your choice. Part slightly damp hair on the right side. The model also addressed men profiting off her body. Ultimately, one of the best tips for French braiding your own hair is to give yourself plenty of time to practice. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. A French braid is formal enough for any wedding theme. I couldn't do any French braids before, and I can do them now. I'm Athena, your personal Hair Assistant. Start by creating a standard three-strand braid, braiding left over middle, right over the middle. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. 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. Since it's difficult to see what your hands are doing behind your head, things can easily get, quite literally, tangled up back there. Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair | Step-by-Step Guide How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners, Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids. 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 time you cross one section over the other, grab a chunk of hair from the same side as the section. This content is imported from youTube. How do you French braid with thick short hair without getting too much hair? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). We suggest practicing while youre watching your favorite movie or TV show to get plenty of practice. This is what will give your French braid that woven look. This will help you achieve cleaner lines and contribute to the overall look of the braid. Once you reach the nape of your neck, you should encompass all of your hair into the French braid. 8 Hairstyles for Growing Out a Pixie in 2023, How to Style Curtain Bangs With a Flat Iron | Step-by-Step. "Large braids give a fuller look; small to medium braids are tighter and have less frizz," explains Groover. Repeat step 4 all the way down your head. How to Braid Your Own Hair: A Beginner's Guide - wikiHow The Best Hair, Makeup, and Nails at the 2023 Grammy Awards. - https://amzn.to/2ZtR8Ip *Hairspray - https://amzn.to/2FtuoBr *Bobby Pins - https://amzn.to/33kzKXR *Wet Brush (Use it every day) - https://amzn.to/35wwXgS *Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer (So much fun to use!) Then, "grab and grab" as I like to say. But taking matters into your own hands (quite literally) and learning to French-braid your own hair definitely takes practice and patience. One hair is added to the right strand, cross the right strand over the middle, and bring all the hair to the right hand. French-.css-tjvzc4{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;border-bottom:thin solid #6F6F6F;}.css-tjvzc4:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}braiding is one of those things in life that seems more confusing and intimidating than it actually is (kinda like doing your taxes). Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. Ad Choices. You can braid your hair dry or damp. Clipping up one section helps stop you from accidentally pulling in any hair from the other side. It doesnt matter how big the chunks are you grab at each time. I watched many videos but none of them helped until I watched this one. You can create two separate braids, or you can combine the braids at the bottom to make one big braid. Great if you want to go to a party, wedding, or even just in public or around the house. Next, she parts her hair down the middle with the tail of a fine-tooth comb, rakes a dollop of moisturizing hair butter through the lengths of her hair, and smooths a bit of styling gel along her roots and part to keep the braid smooth. I've Been Single for 8 Yearsand I Blame My Makeup. It will take a little practice getting used to doing it on your own hair, but since you already know how to do it on a friend's, you have a nice head start! "This creates a really full-looking braid that's more relaxed, but makes a statement.". All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. 35 Cool Braids That Are Actually Easy (We Swear) - Byrdie wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. You'll need to secure the braids in place with a few bobby pins. However, don't let this discourage you no need to wait 'til your next hair appointment to ask your hairstylist to hook you up. If we link to any product, you should assume that well receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Mattingly (who has tamed the tresses of Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, and Adele, to name a few) broke down the plaiting process in five easy steps. Yes, you can learn. After youve got your start with your regular braid, continue to hold all three pieces, but grab a small section from the front of your hair to add to the right piece, then cross it over the middle. Beautiful, with long, red-haired hairy girl, hairdresser weaves a French braid, close-up in a beauty salon. 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. With a few twists of the wrists you're suddenly twinning with the likes of Disney princesses like Rapunzel and Belle. unlocking this expert answer. Step One: Prep Your Hair Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. They distribute hair weight evenly along your scalp and reduce friction on your hair. If you left out bangs, style them as you usually would. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. This is similar to a french braid except the outer strands go under the middle strands instead of over. It can result in an easy-to-achieve professional hairstyle that can also moonlight as an effortless summer style to keep your hair out of your face. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). If you opt for a wet look braid, Tochterman recommends a quarter size of RandCo Motorcycle Flexible Hold Gel. No, you dont have to ask your one friend whos really good at hair to do yours every single time, because all you need is the right products, some patience, and a little (okay, more than a little) practice. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. 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. 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. But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. How to Do Double French Braids (with Pictures) - wikiHow 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. a spray bottle. It also takes less time to braid dry hair and your braids will last longer without visible flakes and frizz, she says. Wet hair tends to be easier to maneuver as you twist and weave your hair. When working in new sections, grab horizontal pieces from your hairline by your face and neck. 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. a headboard or backrest).You could also temporarily tie it with elastic and give your arms a rest. Love the look of a French braid but not sure how create the hairstyle yourself? Take . The . 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. With your free hand, pull out any weaves below the part where you are joining the 2 braids. Show more. In the morning, unravel the braids for really natural waves, no heat required. Cue minor freak-out. Keep tension on the strands of hair as you work to prevent loose weaves. In that case. to learn, but it wasn't. 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. Repeat on the other sections of hair. OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray protects hair up to 450 degrees, minimizes drying time, and smells divine. 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. Once you're done, finish the braid with the hairspray of your choice "to calm flyaways and keep the shape," says Tochterman. Leave about two inches of hair unbraided and secure with an elastic. I use my left pointer finger to add a small section of hair to the existing left section . References 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. Use a comb to create a smooth middle part. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Plus, two French braids are an easy style to master and theyre not nearly as intricate as they look. Don't be scared; it looks good in any hair, "This is really good. This frees up your right hand to work with. 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. She is also the founder of Model Citizen, a sustainable fashion company that encourages peer-to-peer clothing sharing and supports emerging designers. Method 1 Classic 3-Strand Braid 1 Brush your hair so it's free of knots. Once you've gotten the basics of a traditional braid down, you could try a French lace braid for a fancy twist. To learn more from our Cosmetologist co-author, like how to combine 2 French braids into a single braid, keep reading! We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How to Fake a French Braid Along the Hairline. The singer reveals how grueling life was on the road. Then, tie one side up with a hair tie so it's not in your way while you're braiding the other side. Start by taking a section about 2 inches wide from the front hairline. Last Updated: September 2, 2022 And thats it, youve created your double French braids! French braiding is a hairstyle that not only looks good for any occasion but is also a protective hairstyle that offers multiple benefits. This content is imported from poll. ", Another quick tip: Use a strong hold finishing spray. Finish with a quick spritz of medium-hold hair spray like Ouai's Texturizing Hair Spray ($28). Create a Long Hair Messy Bun in 5 Easy Steps! - TELETIES 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. How to French Braid Your Own Hair - yahoo.com .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. If its easier to think of this without sides, think of having two outer pieces and one inner. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. You may need to rest your arms sometimes while you braid. Continue doing this all the way down your head. The woven look of a French braid differs from that of a Dutch braid because when creating a Dutch braid, the strands are woven over each other rather than underneath the middle piece. Enjoy! Transfer both strands to your right hand. You can use the teeth of the comb or the tail of the comb if it has one. Is a French braid formal enough for a wedding? What sets a French braid apart from, say, a Dutch braid is that youre crossing the pieces over the middle section instead of taking them under, which makes the braid appear flatter and not raised. How To French Braid Your Own Hair - HelloGiggles Support wikiHow by ", 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. For the best-looking French braid, pick up the hair near your face and neck. You simply divide hair into two sidesone on each side of your hair, then follow the steps above, one side at a time. Then, use your brush to grab the middle section of hair on the top of your head. A hair bungee is better than tying your hair with. 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. 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. Our virtual concierge will create a hair care regimen just for you. I couldn't get my cousin to do my hair so I, "This article was great. How to French Braid: An Easy Step-by-Step Tutorial for A Relaxed French Follow These Steps. At this point, the hard work is over. :)", "It was helpful to have a video as well as written words to secure the process in your head.". 6. 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. 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. (We promise it's easier than it seems). 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. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. Vote for your favorite beauty products now.