Keep them separate. The singer reveals how grueling life was on the road. a headboard or backrest).You could also temporarily tie it with elastic and give your arms a rest. Whether you choose big or small chunks to weave in, do your best to grab the same size each time for a consistent look. Taking a piece of hair around 3-4 inches from just above your temples, divide it into three equal sections. In the morning, unravel the braids for really natural waves, no heat required. We asked Nathaniel Hawkins, celebrity hairstylist at Tracey Mattingly, how to French braid our hair on our own. Plus, once you get to the back of your head, you wont be able to see anyway. This way you free up your left hand to repeat the same sectioning technique on the other side. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. You've completed a French braid all on your own! Gather a small section of hair from towards the top of your head (a little from the right side, a little from the left side, and a little from the middle.) What sets a French braid apart from, say, a Dutch braid is that youre crossing the pieces over the middle section instead of taking them under, which makes the braid appear flatter and not raised. The good news: You don't have to enlist the help of a talented friend or roommate to achieve the style. At the same, "Yes, it was fun braiding the hair but because of my thick hair, it became a little bit more difficult. Start with your section of hair. Before you attempt to start, heed this advice from style and hair expert Hannah Metz of Hannah Elisabeth Beauty: Start with dry hair. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. - https://amzn.to/2ZtR8Ip *Hairspray - https://amzn.to/2FtuoBr *Bobby Pins - https://amzn.to/33kzKXR *Wet Brush (Use it every day) - https://amzn.to/35wwXgS *Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer (So much fun to use!) [1] This article received 22 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. BRB, going to book an appointment for these braids. Need some style inspo? It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. 2. Then, grab a 3-inch section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal pieces. Youre not the only one whos wanted to give up at this point and throw your hair in a ponytail. Promise. Create 3 equal sections from the portion of hair you just grabbed. Steps 1 and 2: Take a Two-Inch Section of Hair and Begin the French Braid. Pro-tip: if you have stray hairs, use a spiral bobby pin to hold them in place. Once youve reached the nape of your neck, you should find that youve run out of extra hair to bring into your braid. (We promise it's easier than it seems). Repeat these steps on the other side (making sure to pull tightly each time you cross a section) and youll have two beautiful French braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation. For consistent waves, keep filled with water nearby and continue to lightly dampen the hair as you braid. STEP 4: ADD HAIR AS YOU GO. Method 1 Classic 3-Strand Braid 1 Brush your hair so it's free of knots. Once you remove it, you risk damaging or pulling out chunks of hair. Marsai Martins Lengthy Goddess Box Braids Have the Perfect Curly Texture. Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, youre gathering slightly more hair. All you need is a few helpful tips for French braiding your own hair to get started. This allows you, in the next step, to rock your hand forward and release the first strand. I taught myself how to do them as a teenager on the night before my SATs, partly as a distraction, and partly because I realized that they were the perfect hairstyle for successfully getting my hair out of my faceand keeping it there for many, many hours. From here, all you need to do is take up more hair from the surrounding area, pulling it into the braid as you go. Start by taking a section about 2 inches wide from the front hairline. Repeat Step Four Until All New Hair is Included in Braid. "This creates a really full-looking braid that's more relaxed, but makes a statement.". "To make sure that your hair has some texture and hold to it, avoid thick conditionersespecially those with silicone in themthat make strands slippery," Hawkins says. 2023 Cond Nast. In your left hand, hold each strand between your fingers, with the pinky holding the left strand, the middle finger holding the middle strand, and your index finger holding the right strand. Our virtual concierge will create a hair care regimen just for you. When you hold back your hair with a loose French braid, you will spread the weight of your hair across more of your scalp. If its easier to think of this without sides, think of having two outer pieces and one inner. Repeat step 4 all the way down your head. Our content is for informational purposes only. Weave the sections of hair under and over each other, just as you would with a standard braid. Follow These Steps to Create a Sleek Long Ponytail, 8 Easy Summer Hairstyles to Recreate If You Have Long Hair, 8 of the Most Beautiful Protective Styles to Try Year Round, The 10 Best Curly Hair Products To Create a Full, Frizz-Free Routine, The Best Hot Air Brushes for a Smooth, Shiny At-Home Blowout, These Dyson Airwrap Attachments Make All the Difference, Easy Hairstyles You Can Create on Every Natural Hair Texture, How To Create a Halo Braid on Natural Hair, How to Re-Twist Your Own Locs, According to Expert Locticians, How to Master the Big, Bouncy '90s Blowout, How to Air-Dry Your Hair No Matter Your Texture, The Best Braided Hairstyles for Thin Natural Hair, The Best Hot Oil Treatments You Didn't Know Your Natural Hair Needed, OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray. When your hair is in braids, it can protect it from the sun and outdoor pollution. "Wet hair is more fragile than dry," she explains. Choose a tight clip or tie to hold the braid. Separate hair at the crown of the head into three equal sections. retailers. Secure with an elastic if needed, or simply curl the ends to prevent them from unraveling. The woven look of a French braid differs from that of a Dutch braid because when creating a Dutch braid, the strands are woven over each other rather than underneath the middle piece. We suggest practicing while youre watching your favorite movie or TV show to get plenty of practice. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", looked it up, I had to do something with my hair before my performance. Continue this until you have taken it out. DiRTY RADiO) [Majestic Color] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MO-co9n6hoBUSINESS INQUIRIES// ShinyLipsTvContact@gmail.comDISCLAIMER // This video is not sponsored. Now all thats left to do is to give your braided style a spritz of some hairspray, like TRESemm TRES Two Extra Hold Non-Aerosol Hair Spray. Shake the braid a bit from the tail to loosen the look and make your hair look thicker. If you have thick hair, you'll want to pull in bigger chunks of hair so that you incorporate all of the hair into the braid before you reach the nape of your neck. Continue grabbing chunks of hair as you braid the left section over the center section, then the right over the center section, and so on. Next, French braid the loose section of your hair starting at the top of your head and working your way down to the ends of your hair. So if youre looking for another heatless way to style your hair, and a French braid has been on your unofficial bucket list forever, try following one of these YouTube tutorials, below. Take the band out and gently pull on the outer edges to loosen it. A French braid only has a few extra steps if you already know how to do a standard three-strand braid. If you have short layers, Metz suggests curling the end of your layers before you start the braiding process. Begin the braid where you'd do a deep side part. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. "This is key when braiding with layers," says Metz, who recommends applying it liberally after the braid is complete.". This article has been viewed 1,157,117 times. 3. Step 3: Transfer to Right Hand. French braiding is a hairstyle that not only looks good for any occasion but is also a protective hairstyle that offers multiple benefits. Continue doing this all the way down your head. It may take a few tries to get your French braid down. Damp hair can help you get your technique down and leave you with bouncy waves when you take your French braid apart. Thanks! Additional Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. (Tip: If the right and left are confusing, just think about outer and inner pieces. That means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase. Practice making single French braids before you do double French braids. One hair is added to the right strand, cross the right strand over the middle, and bring all the hair to the right hand. Your hair will retain more moisture in a French braid. You can use the teeth of the comb or the tail of the comb if it has one. Pick up a small section of hair on the right and add it to the right strand by sliding it between your thumb and index finger to add to the braid. unlocking this expert answer. Behold: the best tutorials youll ever watch. Then, tie one side up with a hair tie so it's not in your way while you're braiding the other side. "Clean, dry hair is best when you are putting it into French braids," Taylor says. Grabbing larger sections may be easier for beginners and will take less time to complete. The section you start with has nothing to do with how big your braid will be. It may take some practice to learn the best way to braid your own hair. After each crossover, repeat, adding hair in from alternating sides. Secure your messy bun by tying the hair tie around the bun. So, What Are the Best Tips For French Braiding Your Own Hair. Then, "grab and grab" as I like to say. This will create the part in the back. ", http://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/tools-techniques/french-braid-hair, http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair-ideas/french-braids-0608, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/22/hair-mistakes_n_3790579.html, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh8MTdgIDaA&t=1m38s, http://www.hairromance.com/2013/02/lace-braid-hairstyle-tutorial.html, http://www.twistmepretty.com/2014/05/learn-your-4-basic-braids.html. You can even opt to secure your hair with an elastic close to the nape of your neck. For natural hair, Groover recommends "smoothing and designing your edges." Step Three: Braiding. Cross the left piece over the center, then the right over the center. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Because these are GIFs and are step-by-step, you can re-watch the same step for as long as you need it. Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Alternatively, you could create your new sections by joining the left and middle sections of your left braid, the right section of your left braid and the left section of your right braid, and the middle and right sections of your right braid. If youd like to keep your braids dry. Is a French braid formal enough for a wedding? BriAnne Wills. So I have made a video on how to french. References Cue minor freak-out. Then switch hands and rest the other arm. I couldn't get my cousin to do my hair so I, "This article was great. unlocking this staff-researched answer. Keep a firm grip on hair as you work through the beginning of this process to prevent a loose-looking French braid. To do double French braids, start by dividing your hair down the center of your head. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our But do not grip tightly to prevent breakage," warns Groover. You can also condition your French braids by gently massaging the conditioner into your braids rather than rubbing them. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Mattingly (who has tamed the tresses of Uma Thurman, Jennifer Lopez, and Adele, to name a few) broke down the plaiting process in five easy steps. Let's chat! Support wikiHow by Sign up to our newsletter and get exclusive hair care tips and tricks from the experts at All Things Hair. All rights reserved. As you French braid your hair, focus on the feelings in your fingers rather than relying on what youre looking at. But the style isn't as effortless as it looks, especially if you're trying to French braid your own hair. 2. Step 3: Holding the center and right sections in my right hand and the left section in my left hand, I cross the right section over the center. You can learn how to French braid your own hair and we're here to help. Vanessa Garcia is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Cross the middle section over the front outside section. If you suffer from ponytail headaches, French braiding may be a good alternative for you to try. How To French Braid Your Own Hair Step By Step - Hair For Beginners | EverydayHairInspiration EverydayHairInspiration 294K subscribers Subscribe 12K Share 1.1M views 6 years ago. Yes, if you do it correctly. Next, she parts her hair down the middle with the tail of a fine-tooth comb, rakes a dollop of moisturizing hair butter through the lengths of her hair, and smooths a bit of styling gel along her roots and part to keep the braid smooth. The French braid is an excellent option for beginner braiders. If you French braid your hair wet, you will have wavy hair once you take it out. Wrap the pigtail braid from the other side under your head, near the nape of your neck, and secure with bobby pins. Part slightly damp hair on the right side. When you get to the very bottom of your scalp and there's no more hair to add in from each side, complete a normal (non-French) braid until you have just about an inch of hair left. Twist the two strands of hair together, feeding in more strands of hair from your parted section as you go along. Tips: Avoid securing your braid with a rubber band. The French braid is a beautiful and classic hairstyle and a favorite to many. Each time that you pull in hair, make sure that it's equal amounts for each of the 3 sections, so that the braid will be neat. There are plenty of fun ways to add a little flair to a standard French braid: Adding a ribbon: Up the strands you're working with to four, and you can add in a cute ribbon or scarf. After you secure your French braid with an elastic, gently pull apart each braid to fluff it out. Use your index fingers to pick up pieces of hair below the crown from just outside the plaited area along the way (try to pick up half-inch sections of hair to keep the braid balanced) and pull them into the braid. Can I learn to French braid my own hair if I can French braid my friend's hair? 6. Avoid using rubber bands, as these rip and break hair when you remove them. How do you French braid with thick short hair without getting too much hair? If you must shampoo, apply a sea salt spray (Hawkins loves the KMS California Hairplay Sea Salt Spray) after towel-drying to give the hair extra weight and texture. Editors tip: For a more textured look, we love using a light-hold hairspray like TRESemm Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. There's something undeniably alluring about the .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}classic French braid. One challenge many French braiders come across is bumps appearing in their sections. Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. When working in new sections, grab horizontal pieces from your hairline by your face and neck. If you have thin hair, you'll need to pull in less. Expert Interview. Bend forward to release tension or rest your arms on a surface behind you (ex. Some of the links above are affiliate links (all affiliate links will be marked with a star*). Regardless of your skill level, each of these how-tos will answer all your burning braiding questions so youll never again have to wonder, Wait, what the #^%* am I supposed to do with my fingers?! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/v4-460px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg\/aid22372-v4-728px-French-Braid-Step-1-Version-23.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"