French braids are timeless, elegant, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re looking to keep your hair tidy during a workout or add a touch of sophistication to your everyday style, mastering the French braid is a skill every hair enthusiast should have. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of creating a simple French braid on yourself, using easy-to-follow steps, tips, and tricks to ensure a flawless result.
What is a French Braid?
Understanding the French Braid
A French braid is a type of plait that involves weaving three sections of hair together, gradually incorporating more hair into the braid as you work down the length of your hair. This creates a beautiful, intricate pattern that sits close to your head and keeps your hair neatly in place. The braid starts at the crown of your head and can be as tight or loose as you like, depending on the style you’re aiming for.
Why Choose a French Braid?
French braids are popular because they’re both functional and fashionable. They keep your hair out of your face while offering a polished look that can be worn for various occasions, from casual outings to formal events. Plus, once you’ve mastered the technique, you’ll find that French braids can be created quickly, making them a go-to style when you’re in a hurry.
Preparing Your Hair
Step 1: Start with Clean, Dry Hair
Before you begin braiding, it’s essential to start with clean, dry hair. Freshly washed hair can be a bit slippery, so if you’ve just washed your hair, you might want to apply a small amount of texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add some grip. This will make it easier to handle and help your braid stay in place.
Step 2: Brush Your Hair Thoroughly
Tangles are the enemy of a smooth French braid. Use a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush to remove any knots from your hair. Start at the ends and work your way up to the roots to minimize breakage. Once your hair is tangle-free, decide where you want your braid to start—whether it’s at the very front of your hairline for a full braid or a bit further back for a more subtle look.
Step 3: Choose Your Part
You can part your hair in the middle, on the side, or not at all, depending on your preference. A middle part will create a symmetrical look, while a side part can add a bit of asymmetry and interest. If you want the braid to look more casual, you might skip parting altogether and simply gather hair as you go.
Creating the French Braid
Step 1: Divide Your Hair into Three Sections
Start by gathering a small section of hair from the top of your head where you want the braid to begin. This section should be about the width of your forehead. Divide this section into three equal parts. These will be your left, middle, and right sections.
Step 2: Begin the Braid
To start the braid, cross the right section of hair over the middle section. Then, cross the left section over the new middle section. This is the basic pattern of a braid: right over middle, left over middle.
Step 3: Add Hair to the Braid
Now comes the French part of the braid. Before crossing each section over the middle, you’ll add a small piece of hair from the side of your head to that section.
Adding Hair to the Right Side: Take a small piece of hair from the right side of your head, near your hairline, and add it to the right section of the braid. Then, cross the entire right section over the middle section.
Adding Hair to the Left Side: Next, take a small piece of hair from the left side of your head, near your hairline, and add it to the left section of the braid. Then, cross the entire left section over the middle section.
Step 4: Continue Braiding
Continue this process—adding a bit of hair to each section before crossing it over the middle—as you work your way down your head. Keep the sections as even as possible to create a neat, uniform braid. As you move down, you’ll gradually incorporate all of your hair into the braid.
Step 5: Braid to the Ends
Once you’ve incorporated all your hair into the braid and reached the nape of your neck, you’ll continue braiding the remaining length of your hair in the traditional three-strand method. No more hair needs to be added at this point—just continue crossing the right section over the middle, then the left section over the middle, until you reach the ends of your hair.
Step 6: Secure the Braid
Secure the end of your braid with a hair tie. Make sure it’s tight enough to hold the braid in place but not so tight that it causes damage or discomfort.
Finishing Touches
Step 1: Loosen the Braid (Optional)
For a more relaxed, boho look, gently tug on the sides of the braid to loosen it slightly. This will give your braid more volume and a softer appearance. Start at the top and work your way down, pulling lightly on each loop of the braid.
Step 2: Tame Flyaways
If you have any flyaways or baby hairs that won’t stay in place, use a bit of hairspray or a small amount of pomade to smooth them down. You can also use a toothbrush sprayed with hairspray to carefully brush down these small hairs.
Step 3: Add Accessories (Optional)
To personalize your braid, consider adding some accessories like small hair clips, decorative pins, or a headband. This can elevate your look and make it more unique, perfect for special occasions.
See Also: What Type Of Braiding Hair To Use For Senegalese Twist
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting Your French Braid
Tip 1: Practice Makes Perfect
French braiding your hair can be tricky at first, especially when doing it on yourself. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t turn out perfectly the first few times. Keep practicing, and you’ll find that your braiding skills will improve with time.
Tip 2: Use a Mirror
When learning to French braid on yourself, it can be helpful to use a mirror to see what you’re doing. A handheld mirror or a double mirror setup can give you a better view of the back of your head, making it easier to ensure that your braid is straight and even.
Tip 3: Work with Day-Old Hair
If your hair is too clean and slippery, it can be hard to keep the sections of your braid from sliding out of place. Braiding works best on hair that’s a day or two old, as it has a bit more texture and hold. If you need to braid freshly washed hair, using a bit of texturizing spray can help.
Tip 4: Keep Your Hands Close to Your Head
While braiding, try to keep your hands as close to your head as possible. This will help the braid lay flat against your scalp and prevent it from becoming too loose or messy.
Tip 5: Experiment with Tightness
The tension of your braid can change the look dramatically. A tighter braid looks more polished and formal, while a looser braid has a more casual, laid-back vibe. Experiment with different levels of tightness to find the look you prefer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Uneven Sections
One of the most common mistakes in French braiding is starting with uneven sections of hair. If one section is thicker than the others, the braid will look uneven and may not hold as well. Take your time dividing the hair at the start to ensure that all three sections are equal in size.
Mistake 2: Adding Too Much Hair at Once
When adding hair to each section, less is more. If you add too much hair at once, the braid can become bulky and hard to manage. Instead, add small sections of hair to keep the braid neat and controlled.
Mistake 3: Letting Go of Sections
It’s crucial to keep a firm grip on each section of the braid as you work. Letting go of a section, even briefly, can cause the braid to unravel or become uneven. If you need to take a break, secure the braid with a clip before letting go.
French Braid Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic French braid, there are plenty of variations you can try to keep your hairstyle fresh and exciting.
1. Double French Braids
Double French braids are perfect for a sporty look or when you want to add more detail to your hairstyle. Simply divide your hair down the middle and create two French braids, one on each side of your head.
2. French Braid Ponytail
Start with a French braid at the crown of your head, and once you reach the nape of your neck, tie the remaining hair into a ponytail. This style combines the elegance of a braid with the practicality of a ponytail.
3. Side French Braid
For a romantic, asymmetrical look, try a side French braid. Begin the braid on one side of your head and work diagonally across your scalp, ending the braid on the opposite side.
4. Half-Up French Braid
Create a small French braid with just the top section of your hair, leaving the rest of your hair loose. This style adds interest to your hair while still allowing you to show off your hair’s length and texture.
Conclusion
Learning how to do a simple French braid on yourself is a valuable skill that opens up a world of hairstyling possibilities. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create this classic style quickly and easily, whether you’re getting ready for a day at work, a night out, or just a casual day around the house. Remember to start with clean, well-brushed hair, take your time with each step, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to make the French braid your own. Happy braiding!