French braid tutorial: how to braid your own hair! #thickhair #braidhairstyles #frenchbraid, by Chasity Miller on YouTube. 2 min 6 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 6 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Brush out all knots so the hair runs smooth. If your hair is slippery or freshly washed, mist it lightly with water or add a small amount of styling cream.
Tip your head back slightly and gather a section of hair at the top centre of your head. Split it into three even strands.
Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. Give the base a gentle pull so it sits tight.
Pick up a thin section of loose hair from the right side and add it to the right strand before crossing it over the middle. Keep the sections small.
Pick up the same amount of hair from the left side, add it to the left strand and cross it over the middle.
Repeat this add-and-cross pattern, alternating sides, until you reach the back of your head and all the hair is gathered in.
Finish with a plain three-strand braid down the length of your hair, crossing right over middle, then left over middle.
Secure the end with a hair tie. Hold the tail and gently tug each side of the braid outward, working upward, to make it look fuller.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep your hands close to your head at the start so the braid stays tight instead of sagging.
Adding too much hair at once makes the braid lumpy, so take thin, even sections.
If your arms ache, braid in front of a mirror or sit down and rest your elbows.
Braid slightly damp hair for grip, but let it dry fully before you undo it to avoid kinks.
Questions
Why does my French braid fall out?
Slippery or clean hair loosens quickly. Add a little styling cream or dry shampoo, and pull each crossing snug as you go.
Can I do this on short hair?
It works best on shoulder-length hair or longer. On short hair you can still braid the top section only and pin the ends.
How do I stop the braid looking messy at the back?
Keep the sections thin and even, and keep your hands close to your scalp. Practise the add-and-cross motion slowly before speeding up.
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.
