How To French Braid Your Own Hair For Beginners HAND PLACEMENT & Full Talk Through - Learn in 1 Day!, by EverydayHairInspiration on YouTube. 13 min 54 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 54 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Detangle your hair completely with a comb. Part it where you want the braid to sit, then clip the lower hair out of the way so you can work on the top section.
Take a small section at the crown and divide it into three equal strands. Hold the left strand in your left hand and the right strand in your right hand, with the middle strand between them.
Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. This is the same start as a regular three-strand braid.
Before crossing the right strand again, use your left hand to gather a thin section of loose hair from the right side. Add it to the right strand, then cross that strand over the middle.
Before crossing the left strand, gather a thin section from the left side and add it to the left strand. Cross it over the middle, keeping both added sections smooth.
Repeat this pattern down your head, adding hair to the right then the left. Keep your hands close to your scalp and pull each strand gently so the braid stays even.
When you reach the nape of your neck and no more loose hair can be added, braid the remaining hair in a regular three-strand braid. Stop when you have enough length to tie.
Secure the end with a hair tie. Gently pull the outer edges of the braid apart with your fingers to make it look fuller, then mist with hairspray if you want extra hold.
Tips and common mistakes
Start with slightly damp or second-day hair, or add a little styling powder, because very clean hair can slip out of the braid.
Keep the sections small and even near the top; large sections make the braid lumpy and loose.
Set up a hand mirror in front of a bathroom mirror so you can check the back of your head.
Do not pull the first cross tight; a tight start can make the braid pull at your scalp.
Questions
Can I French braid my own hair with short hair?
Yes, if your hair is long enough to make a small braid at the nape. Very short layers may fall out, so use clips or pins to hold loose pieces.
How do I stop my arms aching while braiding?
Braid close to your head and take short breaks when you practice. Keeping your elbows lower and working in small sections helps.
Do I need a mirror to French braid my own hair?
A mirror helps you check the parting and the back, but you can braid by feel. Use a hand mirror with a bathroom mirror for the clearest view.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
