Learn how to braid your hair like a pro with these easy steps – Preparing, sectioning, crossing, and finishing for a beautiful braid. Expert tips included!
Preparing Your Hair
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When you are preparing to start a french braid, the first step is to make sure your hair is completely tangle-free. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle your hair, working from the bottom and moving upwards to avoid causing any unnecessary breakage or damage.
Next, it’s important to decide where you want your braid to begin. Whether you want it to start at the top of your head, or slightly to the side, make sure to part your hair accordingly before you begin braiding.
After you have detangled your hair and decided on the location for your braid, it’s important to ensure that your hair is not too slippery. If your hair is freshly washed and very slippery, you may want to add some textured or dry shampoo to help give it some grip, making the braiding process a bit easier.
Lastly, make sure you have all the necessary tools you need to create a french braid, such as bobby pins or hair ties to secure the braid once you are done. Having these items on-hand will help ensure that the braid stays in place and looks polished once completed.
Creating Three Sections
Creating three sections is the first step in french braiding your own hair. Start by brushing your hair to remove any tangles and ensure a smooth braid. Then, use your fingers to separate a small section of hair at the crown of your head, near your forehead. This will be the top section, and it should be about 2-3 inches wide.
Next, use your thumbs to separate two additional sections of hair on either side of your head. These sections should be the same width as the top section and should start at the temples. You should now have three separate sections of hair ready to begin the french braid process.
Once you have created the three sections, use your fingers to gather the hair at the crown of your head and hold it in place with a hair tie or clip. This will keep the top section separate from the two side sections and make it easier to braid your hair.
Crossing the Strands
Once you have created three sections and started the braiding process, the next step is crossing the strands. Take the right section and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the left section and cross it over the middle section. This is the basic technique of a French braid and it creates the distinct woven look. As you continue to braid, you will repeat this process, crossing the right and left sections over the middle section alternately.
It’s important to make sure that the crossing of the strands is done tightly and evenly, so that the braid looks neat and consistent. This may take some practice, but it’s worth the effort to achieve a polished and professional-looking braid.
Remember to hold the sections securely as you cross them to prevent any loose strands or uneven tension in the braid. This will ensure that the braid holds its shape and looks sleek from top to bottom.
As you get the hang of crossing the strands, you can start to experiment with different variations and styles of French braids. You can try incorporating more hair from the sides as you braid, or create a looser, more casual look by gently pulling on the edges of the braid to give it a softer, more voluminous appearance.
By mastering the technique of crossing the strands in a French braid, you can create a wide range of hairstyles that are elegant, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
Incorporating More Hair
Now that you have successfully crossed the strands and created the foundation for your French braid, it’s time to start incorporating more hair into the braid. Using your free hand, gather a small section of hair from the side of your head and add it to the outer strand of hair. Use your fingers to smoothly blend the new section of hair with the existing strand before crossing it over the middle strand.
Once you have crossed the newly added section of hair over the middle strand, you can repeat the same process on the other side. Gather a small section of hair from the opposite side of your head and add it to the outer strand of the braid. Blend the new section of hair with the existing strand and then cross it over the middle strand.
Continue to incorporate more hair into the braid by gathering small sections of hair from each side of your head and adding them to the outer strands before crossing them over the middle strand. Keep in mind to maintain an even tension on the braid and smooth out any bumps or tangles as you work your way down the back of your head.
As you reach the nape of your neck, you will have incorporated all the remaining hair into the braid. At this point, you can continue to braid the hair in a traditional three-strand braid by crossing the outer strands over the middle strand until you reach the end of your hair. Secure the braid with a hair tie and gently tug on the sections of the braid to give it a fuller and more voluminous appearance.
Finishing the Braid
After incorporating all the strands into your French braid, you will need to finish off the braid to ensure it stays in place. First, secure the end of the braid with a small elastic band. This will prevent the braid from unraveling once you are done. Make sure to secure the band tightly to keep the braid in place.
Next, gently tug on the strands of the braid to give it a fuller and more voluminous look. This will also help to smooth out any uneven areas and give your braid a neater appearance. Be careful not to pull too hard and undo all your hard work!
Finally, if you prefer a more polished look, you can use a small piece of hair from the bottom of the braid to wrap around the elastic band. This will create a seamless finish and give your braid a more polished appearance. Simply tuck the end of the wrapped piece under the elastic band to secure it in place.
And there you have it! With these finishing touches, your French braid is complete and ready to show off. Whether you are heading to a special event or simply looking for a stylish way to keep your hair out of your face, the French braid is a versatile and timeless hairstyle that works for any occasion.
