French braiding is a timeless hairstyle that offers a blend of elegance and practicality. Whether you’re preparing for a casual day out or a formal event, mastering the art of French braiding your own long hair can add versatility to your styling routine. This professional guide will walk you through each step of the process, ensuring that you achieve a neat, polished French braid every time.
What You Need to Get Started
Before diving into the technique, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand. Here’s a quick checklist:
A wide-tooth comb or detangling brush: To remove any tangles or knots in your hair.
Hair elastics: To secure the braid at the end.
Hair clips or sectioning clips: To help you manage different sections of your hair.
Optional styling products: Hairspray or mousse can help smooth the hair, but it’s not necessary.
Step 1: Prepare Your Hair
Before starting the braid, it’s crucial to prepare your hair properly. French braids work best on clean, dry hair, but slightly dirty hair can provide more grip, making it easier to braid.
Brush Your Hair
Begin by thoroughly brushing your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Use a wide-tooth comb or detangling brush, starting from the ends and working your way up to the roots. This step ensures that your braid will be smooth and free of bumps.
Section Your Hair
After detangling, decide whether you want a centered French braid or a side French braid. For a centered braid, use a tail comb to part your hair down the middle, or simply comb it straight back without creating a part.
Step 2: Start the Braid at the Crown of Your Head
Now that your hair is prepped, you can begin the actual braiding process. This part may take some practice to perfect, but with time, it will become easier.
Grab the First Section of Hair
Start by gathering a section of hair at the crown of your head. The size of this section will determine the thickness of your braid. For a tighter, more defined braid, take a smaller section. For a looser braid, grab a larger section. Aim for a section that’s about 3-4 inches wide.
Divide the Hair into Three Equal Parts
Once you’ve gathered your section, divide it into three equal parts. Hold two sections in your left hand and the third section in your right hand.
Begin Braiding
Start by crossing the right section over the middle section, followed by crossing the left section over the new middle section. This is the basic foundation of your braid, similar to a standard three-strand braid.
Step 3: Incorporate More Hair into the Braid
Now that you’ve started the basic braid, it’s time to incorporate more hair into the braid as you move down the length of your head. This is what sets a French braid apart from a traditional braid.
Add Hair to the Right Section
Before crossing the right section over the middle section again, pick up a small amount of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right section. Once you’ve added hair, cross it over the middle section.
Add Hair to the Left Section
Repeat the same process on the left side. Pick up a small section of hair from the left side of your head and add it to the left section before crossing it over the middle.
Continue Down the Length of Your Hair
Continue adding hair to each section before crossing it over the middle as you work your way down your head. The key is to make sure that the sections remain even and tight throughout the process. Use your fingers to smooth the hair and maintain tension as you braid.
Focus on Symmetry
While braiding, keep an eye on the symmetry of your braid. Ensure that each section has an equal amount of hair, and that the braid lies centered on your scalp. If you feel the braid pulling to one side, gently readjust the sections to keep it straight.
Step 4: Finish the Braid
Once you reach the nape of your neck, you’ll no longer be able to add more hair into the braid. At this point, you’ll transition into a regular three-strand braid.
Switch to a Traditional Braid
After reaching the base of your head, simply continue with a traditional three-strand braid by crossing the sections over one another without adding new hair. Continue braiding until you reach the ends of your hair.
Secure with an Elastic
Once you’ve braided down to the ends, secure the braid with a small hair elastic. Choose an elastic that’s similar in color to your hair for a seamless, polished look.
Step 5: Style and Set the Braid
Now that your French braid is complete, it’s time to perfect the final look.
Loosen the Braid for a Softer Look
If you prefer a more relaxed and voluminous braid, gently tug at the sections of the braid to loosen them slightly. This will create a softer, fuller appearance. Be careful not to pull too hard, as this can cause the braid to unravel.
Set with Hairspray
To ensure that your braid stays in place all day, lightly spritz it with hairspray. This will help prevent flyaways and keep the braid looking smooth and neat. If you have any frizz or loose strands, you can also apply a small amount of hair serum or pomade.
Add Accessories (Optional)
For a more stylish look, consider adding hair accessories like decorative pins, small flowers, or ribbons to your braid. These additions can enhance the overall appearance of the braid and make it suitable for special occasions.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learning how to French braid your own hair can be challenging at first. However, avoiding these common mistakes can help you achieve a more professional result:
Uneven Sections
Make sure that each section of hair you add is of equal size. Uneven sections can lead to a lopsided braid.
Too Loose at the Start
If your braid is too loose at the crown, it will look messy. Always keep the tension tight, especially at the beginning.
Adding Too Much Hair at Once
If you add large chunks of hair to the sections, the braid will lose its definition. Add small sections of hair gradually for a cleaner, more intricate braid.
SEE ALSO: How to Do Flapper Hair with Long Hair?
Tips for Perfecting Your French Braid
Practice Makes Perfect
French braiding your own hair takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if your first few attempts don’t turn out as expected. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon become more comfortable with the process.
Use a Mirror
When you’re first learning, it can be helpful to use a handheld mirror or two mirrors so you can see the back of your head while braiding. This will allow you to check your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Try Braiding with Damp Hair
If your hair tends to be slippery or hard to manage, try braiding it while it’s slightly damp. This can give you more control over the sections and help prevent flyaways.
French Braid Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic French braid, you can experiment with different variations to change up your style.
Double French Braid
Divide your hair into two sections and create two French braids for a sporty, casual look.
French Braid with a Bun
Braid your hair into a French braid and then twist the remaining hair into a bun at the nape of your neck for a chic, sophisticated style.
Side French Braid
Instead of braiding down the center of your head, create a side part and French braid along one side of your head for a more unique look.
Conclusion
Learning how to French braid your own long hair is a skill that opens up a world of versatile and elegant hairstyling options. While it may take some time to perfect, with practice, you’ll be able to create a flawless French braid that suits any occasion. Whether you’re going for a casual, relaxed look or a polished, formal style, the French braid offers endless possibilities. Keep practicing, experiment with variations, and soon you’ll be able to French braid like a pro!