How To French Braid Your Own Hair 💗 Easy Braided Ponytail, by Alex Gaboury on YouTube. 1 min 12 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 12 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Brush your hair free of tangles and part it where you normally wear it. Section off the hair at the crown of your head and clip the rest out of the way.
Divide the crown section into three equal pieces and hold one in each hand, with the middle piece resting between them.
Cross the right piece over the middle piece and pass it from your right hand to your left hand.
Cross the left piece over the middle piece and take it into your right hand. Give the braid a gentle tug so it sits snug.
Trace a small section of hair from your part toward the right piece and add it to that piece. Cross the combined section over the middle, untangling the ends as you go.
Repeat on the left side: pick up a small section from the part, add it to the left piece and cross it over the middle.
Keep adding small sections to the outside pieces as you braid down the back of your head. Three additions in total gives a softer look.
Once you reach your neck and all your hair is gathered, stop adding sections and finish with a regular three-strand braid down to the ends.
Secure the end with a hair elastic, then gently pull on the sides and crown to soften the shape. Smooth frizz with a little oil and hairspray.
Tips and common mistakes
Braid hair that is slightly damp or a day unwashed, since it grips better and slips less.
Keep the tension even as you go, because a tight start makes the ponytail pull and a loose one falls out.
Use two mirrors, one in front and one behind, if you cannot see the back of your head clearly.
Add the new sections from close to the braid, not from far down the head, so the braid stays neat.
Questions
Can I do this on short hair?
It works best on medium to long hair. On shorter hair you may only fit one or two additions before you reach the neck.
How do I stop the braid from looking flat?
Gently pull outward on the sides and crown of the braid once it is tied, which loosens the strands and adds volume.
What is the difference between a French braid and a Dutch braid?
In a French braid you cross the pieces over the middle, so the braid sits on top of the hair. In a Dutch braid you cross them under, so it stands out.
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.
