How do you do a beautiful French braid?

A beautiful French braid is a classic hairstyle achieved by weaving three sections of hair together while continuously adding new sections from the sides. It creates a seamless, intricate pattern that lies flat against the head.

## Materials You'll Need

*   A brush or comb
*   Hair ties or elastics

## Step-by-Step Guide to a Beautiful French Braid

Follow these steps to create a gorgeous French braid:

### 1. Preparation

Start with clean, brushed hair. Ensure it's free of knots and tangles, as this makes sectioning and weaving much easier. You can apply a light styling product if desired for grip or smoothness.

### 2. Section the Top

Gather a section of hair at the crown of your head. The size of this initial section will determine the width of the top of your braid. Aim for a section that is easy to manage, typically 2-3 inches wide.

### 3. Divide into Three Strands

Split the gathered section of hair into three equal strands. Hold these three strands securely, usually with two in one hand and one in the other.

### 4. Begin Initial Braiding

Perform a few passes of a standard three-strand braid to start the base of your French braid. Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. This establishes the core pattern.

### 5. Add Hair and Cross Over

Now you will begin incorporating new sections of hair into your braid from the sides of your head. This is where the French braid gets its distinctive look.

*   Hold the two strands (the middle and the outer strand) securely in one hand.
*   This allows you to have a **free hand to work with**, which makes it **easier to add new hair to the braid**.
*   Using your free hand, **pick up a horizontal section of hair on the same side** of your head as the outer strand you are about to cross over. Aim for a clean section that is relatively even in thickness.
*   **Incorporate this new section of hair.** You will add this horizontal section to the outer strand you are holding. The provided reference specifically states to "add it to the **middle strand**." While typically new hair is added to the *outer* strand before it's crossed over to become the new middle strand, the process involves merging the new hair into the existing section you are about to weave into the center of the braid.
*   Cross the combined strand (the original outer strand plus the new section of hair) over the current middle strand. This newly combined strand now becomes the new middle strand.

### 6. Repeat on the Other Side

Switch hands so you can comfortably work on the other side of the head. Repeat the adding process:

*   Using your now-free hand, **pick up a horizontal section of hair on the same side** of your head as the outer strand you are about to cross over.
*   Add this new section to the outer strand you are holding. (Again, referencing the provided text that mentions adding it to the "middle strand" in the context of picking up the new horizontal section).
*   Cross the combined strand (the original outer strand plus the new section of hair) over the current middle strand. This becomes the new middle strand.

### 7. Continue Down the Head

Keep repeating Step 5 and Step 6, alternating sides. Each time you cross an outer strand over the middle, add a new section of hair from the corresponding side of the head to that outer strand *before* crossing it over. Continue working your way down the head, incorporating all the loose hair from the sides into the braid. Try to keep the sections of added hair consistent in size for an even look.

### 8. Finish the Braid

Once all the hair from the sides has been incorporated into the French braid, transition to a standard three-strand braid down the remaining length of the hair. Simply continue crossing the outer strands over the middle one without adding any new hair.

### 9. Secure the End

Tie off the end of the braid with a hair elastic.

## Tips for a Polished Look

*   **Keep Tension Consistent:** Maintain even tension on your strands throughout the braiding process to avoid bumps and ensure a smooth, uniform braid.
*   **Smooth Hair:** Before adding new sections, use your fingers or a comb to smooth the section and remove any flyaways.
*   **Practice Makes Perfect:** French braiding can be tricky at first, especially on yourself. Don't get discouraged; practice will improve your speed and technique.

By following these steps, paying attention to tension, and smoothly incorporating new sections of hair, you can create a beautiful French braid.