Mastering the art of French braiding your own hair is easier than you think! It takes practice, but with these steps, you'll be creating beautiful braids in no time.
Getting Started: Preparation and Tools
Before you begin, you'll need:
- A mirror (preferably two, one for the front and one for the back)
- A hairbrush or comb to detangle your hair
- Hair elastics to secure the braid
Optional:
- Hair clips to section off hair
- Hairspray for a polished look
Step-by-Step French Braiding Tutorial
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Part your hair: Start by parting your hair down the middle or to your preferred side. (Fit Foodie Finds suggests parting down the middle).
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Section off the top: Take a section of hair from the crown of your head, about 1-2 inches wide. (How to French Braid Your Own Hair❤️ - YouTube suggests this step).
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Divide into three sections: Divide this section into three equal strands, just like you would a regular braid.
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Begin braiding: Cross the right strand over the middle strand, then cross the left strand over the new middle strand. This is the start of your regular three-strand braid.
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Incorporate more hair: This is where the "French" part comes in. Before crossing the right strand again, pick up a small section of hair from the right side of your head and add it to the right strand before crossing it over the middle. Do the same thing on the left side – add a small section of hair to the left strand before crossing it over. (LPT: Learn how to French braid your hair. They keep your hair out of ... mentions the importance of tightening the braid as you go).
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Continue braiding: Keep adding small sections of hair from both sides and incorporating them into the braid. Continue this process until you've reached the nape of your neck.
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Finish the braid: Once you've incorporated all your hair into the braid, continue braiding normally (without adding more hair) until you reach the end. Secure the braid with a hair elastic. (How to French Braid Your Own Hair❤️ - YouTube mentions securing the braid with an elastic).
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if your first few attempts aren't perfect. The key is practice!
- Use smaller sections: Using smaller sections of hair will help create a tighter, neater braid.
- Tighten as you go: Make sure to tighten the braid as you go to prevent it from becoming loose.
- Watch tutorials: There are many helpful video tutorials available online that can guide you through the process. (Numerous YouTube videos offer step-by-step guides).
