How To French Braid Your Own Natural Hair Beginners, by Aida Kiraya on YouTube. 10 min 44 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 44 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Detangle your hair fully with a wide tooth comb and add a little water or leave-in conditioner so it feels smooth and separates easily.
Part off a section at the front of your head, about 2 to 3 inches wide, and clip the rest of your hair out of the way.
Practise the basic movement first: hold three strands, cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the middle.
Take a small section of hair at your front hairline and split it into three even strands.
Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then bring the left strand over the new middle strand.
Before the next cross, pick up a thin slice of loose hair from the right side and add it to the right strand, then repeat on the left.
Keep the braid close to your scalp and pull each strand gently so the tension stays even on both sides.
When you reach the crown and no loose hair is left to add, keep crossing the three strands as a plain braid down to the ends.
Tie the end with a small elastic and gently pull the edges of the braid outward to make it look fuller.
For a small, tight French braid take thin sections; for a large, loose one take thicker sections and add more hair at each cross.
Tips and common mistakes
Braid on damp, detangled hair, since it grips better and the strands slip less.
Do not pull hard at the hairline, because tight braids can cause tension and soreness.
Set up two mirrors, one in front and one behind, so you can check the shape as you work.
Add the same amount of hair on each side, as uneven slices are what make a braid look lumpy.
Questions
Why does my French braid look lumpy and uneven?
Uneven sections are the usual cause. Add the same amount of hair to each side and keep the tension matched on both strands.
Can I French braid short or relaxed hair?
Yes, as long as the hair is long enough to fold into a braid. Short layers may slip out, so use a little gel or edge control to hold them.
How many tries does it take to learn?
Expect a few practice rounds. Most people get a neat braid after working on damp hair several times.
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.
