Making a French braid involves weaving three sections of hair together while continuously adding new sections from the sides as you move down the head. It's a classic braiding technique that results in a braid lying flat against the scalp.
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a French braid:
Essential Supplies
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:
- Comb or Brush: To detangle hair.
- Hair Ties or Elastics: To secure the end of the braid.
- Optional: Bobby pins, hairspray for hold, sectioning clips.
Step-by-Step Guide to French Braiding
Follow these steps for a classic French braid:
1. Prepare the Hair
- Brush the hair thoroughly to remove any knots or tangles. Smooth hair is essential for a neat braid.
- Decide where you want the braid to start (usually at the crown of the head).
2. Starting the Braid
- Take a section of hair from the top of the head where you want the braid to begin. This section should be wide enough for the braid but not too thick, making it manageable.
- Divide this section into three equal strands. Hold them separately with your fingers.
- Begin with a regular three-strand braid for the first cross or two:
- Cross the right strand over the middle strand. The original middle strand is now the right one.
- Cross the left strand over the new middle strand.
3. Continuing the French Braid
This is where the French braiding technique differs from a regular braid:
- Hold the three strands securely. Let's call them Left, Middle, and Right.
- Take a small, even section of loose hair from the side of the head on the right.
- Add this new section of hair to the Right strand that is currently on the outside.
- Cross this combined Right strand (original Right strand + added hair) over the Middle strand.
- Now, take a small, even section of loose hair from the side of the head on the left.
- Add this new section of hair to the Left strand that is currently on the outside.
- Cross this combined Left strand (original Left strand + added hair) over the Middle strand.
- Repeat this process, adding hair to the outside strand before crossing it over the middle, working your way down the head. Ensure you take equal amounts of hair from each side for an even braid.
4. Finishing the Braid
- Once you have incorporated all the loose hair from the sides of the head, you will be left with three main strands.
- Continue braiding these three strands down to the end of the hair using a regular three-strand braiding technique (right over middle, left over middle) until you reach the desired length.
- Secure the end of the braid with a hair tie or elastic.
5. Adjust and Loosen (Optional)
- Once the braid is complete, you can adjust it.
- According to the reference video snippet: Now you can adjust the hair and pull in the sides of the hair to loosen the braid up a little bit and when you've done that then you're done so that is how you do a French braid for beginners.
- To achieve this, gently pull on the outer loops of the braid, working from the top down, to make it appear fuller or looser if desired.
Tips for Success
- Practice: French braiding takes practice. Don't be discouraged if your first attempts aren't perfect.
- Even Sections: Try to add consistent amounts of hair to each section to keep the braid uniform.
- Tension: Maintain consistent tension on the strands as you braid to keep it neat.
By following these steps, incorporating the technique of adding hair before crossing, and practicing the motion, you can master the art of French braiding.
