How to braid hair is very easy and fun. Once you know the basic braid, you can try other, more complicated braid styles. This article shows you how to make a basic braid. Apart from that, you can also learn how to make other, more complicated braids that involve basic braiding techniques.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Making Standard Braids
Step 1. Start with combed and frizz-free hair
Comb your hair from the tips to the roots. If your hair is sticking out a bit, consider smoothing it with a hair oil or a smoothing cream.
Step 2. Divide the hair into three even sections at the base of the neck
The three are the right, middle, and left. Hold the left in the left hand and the right in the right hand.
If you want two braids on the left and right, divide the hair down the middle. Choose one side that is braided first. Divide the hair on that side into three sections. Try positioning the braid just behind the ear for a neat and pretty look
Step 3. Cross the right over the middle
The right is now centered. The hair that was on the left is now on the right.
Step 4. Cross the left over the middle
The left is now in the middle. What was in the middle is now on the left.
Step 5. Continue braiding by crossing the left and right sections
Bring the section of hair on the outside to the center. Keep braiding like that until only a few inches of hair remain.
- Pull each section of hair up so that the braid is tight. Braids that are too loose will come off. You can loosen the braid after it's tied by rubbing it between your palms.
- Try smoothing your hair with your fingers while braiding for a neat braid.
Step 6. Tie the braid with a hair tie
You can make long or short braids as desired. Most people leave 2 to 5 cm of unbraided hair. You can leave more if you want. Hold the end of the braid with one hand, and tie it with the other. Make sure the braid is tight because if it's too loose, you'll need to tie it a few more times.
- Try to use a hair tie that matches your hair color, such as black, brown, or beige/blonde.
- If your hair is dark red, choose a brown hair tie. If your hair is bright red, use a beige hair tie.
- If you're making two braids, repeat this process on the other side of the head.
Step 7. Consider adding a ribbon or hair clip at the end of the braid
You can tie a thick ribbon around the end of the braid. You can also tuck in silk flowers or pretty pins. Hair accessories will make ordinary braids beautiful. Here's an idea based on the four seasons:
- For summer, try tucking hibiscus or orchids in braids for a tropical look.
- For fall, consider bronze, leather, or wood hairpins.
- For winter, consider a small silver clasp with rhinestones. You can also display the Christmas spirit with red and green ribbons.
- For spring, choose ribbons, flowers, pastel colors, or bright colors.
Method 2 of 3: Making French Braids
Step 1. Start with combed, frizz-free hair
Comb the hair until it's smooth and doesn't stick out everywhere. Start combing from the tips to the roots. If your hair is sticking out, try using a little hair oil or a smoothing cream.
Step 2. Gather some hair on top of your head to form a half ponytail
Start with hair that is parallel to the eyebrows. You will braid this section of hair first.
Step 3. Divide the hair into three
Smooth each section so that later the braid becomes neat. Hold the right side with your right hand and the left side with your left hand.
You can also use small tongs to separate each piece
Step 4. Start with a standard braid
Cross the right section over the center so that it is in the middle. Next, cross the left section over the new center. You can simply make a standard braid only up here.
If you want to make a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross the right/left section under the center, not above. This will create the "raised" look of the braid
Step 5. Add some hair on the right side
Gather strands 1 to 2 cm wide from the hairline. Add to the right. Now, the new strand is one with the right.
Step 6. Cross the now thicker right section over the middle
The right is now in the middle. The strands of hair that used to be in the middle are now on the outside.
If you're doing a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross the right section under the center, not above
Step 7. Add some hair on the left side
Gather strands 1 to 2 cm wide from the hairline. Add to the left. Now, the new strand is one with the left.
Step 8. Cross the now thicker left section over the middle
The left is now in the middle. The strands of hair that used to be in the middle are now on the outside.
If you're doing a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross the left section under the center, not above
Step 9. Continue until this French braid reaches the base of the neck
Continue adding thin layers of hair to the left and right before crossing them up/down the middle.
- Try to smooth each section after crossing or weaving. This will create a neater braid.
- Try to make the braid as tight as possible at this point.
Step 10. Decide how you will finish the braid
When you reach the base of your neck, you can tie a French/Dutch braid with a hair band, or continue with a standard braid.
If you decide to continue braiding, make the braid as tight as possible. You can ruffle it later after you tie it to make it look looser
Step 11. Tie the braid with a hair tie
You'll want to tie the end of the braid, either at the base of the neck or a few inches from the end of the hair. Choose a hair tie that is close to your hair color, and wrap it around the ends of the braid a few times to keep the braid from getting loose.
Step 12. Consider tying a ribbon at the end of the braid after it's tied with rubber
This will hide the hair band. You can also add clasps or silk flowers. Here are some ideas for you:
- Take inspiration from the seasons. Tuck an artificial hibiscus flower in a braid in summer. Wear leather hairpins in the fall.
- Take inspiration from the special day. For example, ahead of Halloween, use orange and red ribbons at the ends of the braids. If you want, you can also stick a plastic spider in the center of the tape.
- Match hair accessories with clothes. If you're wearing an elegant dark blue evening gown with silver trim, a small silver hairpin with clear/white crystals will look great.
- Match the hair ornament to the event. If you're watching a sports game, consider wearing a ribbon that matches the colors of your favorite team.
Method 3 of 3: Making Small Side Braids
Step 1. Part the hair to the side
Part of the hair should be above one eyebrow. You will start braiding from this section to the other temple.
This side braid is great for shorter hair
Step 2. Gather some hair near the parting and hairline
For a headband braid, collect strands 1 cm wide. For a thicker bohemian braid, gather 5 cm of hair.
Step 3. Divide the hair bundle into three
Hold the outer two with one hand and the middle with the other.
Step 4. Start with a standard braid
Take the section closest to the hairline and cross it over the middle. Then, take the section closest to the parting and cross it over the new middle. After two braids, continue with the French braid. You no longer need to make standard braids.
This method will create a neat, even French braid. If you want a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross the outside under the middle, not above
Step 5. Add a few strands to the section closest to the hairline
Pick up hair from the hairline. The thickness or thinness must be the same as the part itself. Add it near the hairline. Now, the hairline is thicker.
Step 6. Cross the hairline section over the middle section
Now, the section is in the middle. If you're doing a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross the hairline section below the middle.
Step 7. Add a few strands to the section closest to the parting
Take the strands from the sides. The thickness or thinness must be the same as the part itself. Add it to the part near the part of the hair. Now, this part has become thicker
Step 8. Cross the part of the hair over the middle
Now, the section is in the middle. If you're doing a reverse Dutch or French braid, cross this side under the center.
Step 9. Continue adding strands and braiding the hair
Try positioning the braid between the ear and the side. Make sure the braid is tight. Also, try smoothing your hair while braiding it. This will create a smoother, neater braid. You can always shuffle it a bit later.
If you're doing a reverse Dutch or French braid, remember to cross the outside under the middle, not above
Step 10. Consider how you want to end the braid
If you're making a thin braid, you can end it just above the ear, finish it in a standard braid, and tie it with a clear hair band. If you're making a thick, bohemian braid, you can continue with a French braid so that it sticks to your head. Keep reading to find out how.
Step 11. Stop braiding when it is close to 2 cm from the base of the neck
Start making French braids across the back of your head, until you reach the other side of the neck. At this point, you can tie the braid with rubber. You can also continue to braid in the standard style, and tie it after 2 to 5 cm near the end.
Step 12. Consider adding a embellishment to the end of the braid after it's tied
The embellishments not only hide the rubber, but also make the braid look more attractive. Here are some ideas for you:
- Add silk flowers for a bohemian look. The bigger the flower, the better.
- Consider wrapping the rest of the braid into a bun and securing it with bobby pins. Then, you can decorate with a comb.
- If you're doing a mini side braid, consider ending it with a leather cord and letting the rest of the hair flow for a bohemian or fairy look.
Tips
- For short hair, you can make the braid look longer by tying a long ribbon and fringing at the ends.
- For long, thick and curly hair, you'll get beautiful, textured braids. If you have loose hair around your face, consider straightening it for added variety.
- Braids last longer on dirty, unwashed hair. For best results, do not wash your hair before braiding. The hair's natural oils will make the braid tighter.
- If your hair is very fine and silky, the braid may not last long. Consider using mousse on your hair before you start braiding.
- Braiding hair takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first braid doesn't work out well.
- Consider using two mirrors, one in front and one behind. So you can see the back of your head when you braid.
- Once you've mastered simple braids, you can challenge yourself with French braids or Dutch braids, which are basically the opposite of French braids. You can also try a four-braid braid.
