To French braid into a ponytail, you'll braid the hair down the head, incorporating hair from the sides with each pass, then secure the braid at the desired ponytail location with a hair tie. Here's a more detailed explanation:
-
Start the French Braid: Begin at the crown of your head or slightly off-center, depending on your desired style. Divide a section of hair into three equal strands.
-
Initial Braid: Start a basic braid by crossing the right strand over the middle strand, then the left strand over the new middle strand.
-
Incorporate Hair (Adding): This is the key step in a French braid. Before crossing a side strand (right or left) over the middle, pick up a small section of hair from that same side of your head and add it to the strand. Then, cross this combined strand over the middle.
-
Repeat: Continue braiding down the head, adding hair from each side to the corresponding strand before crossing it over the middle. Make sure to keep the braid tight and close to the scalp for a neat appearance.
-
Ponytail Transition: Once you reach the desired location for your ponytail (nape of the neck or higher), stop adding hair to the braid.
-
Continue with a Regular Braid (Optional): You can continue braiding the remaining hair in a regular three-strand braid for a few inches if you like the look of a braided ponytail base. This step is optional; you can proceed directly to securing the ponytail.
-
Secure with a Hair Tie: Gather all the hair, including the braided portion and any loose strands, into a ponytail at the desired height. Secure it tightly with a hair tie.
-
Finishing Touches: Adjust the braid and ponytail as needed for your desired look. You can gently pull on sections of the braid to make it appear fuller and looser.
