Doing a French braid on kids can be simple by focusing on the core technique of adding small sections of hair as you braid.
Getting Started: Preparation is Key
Before you begin braiding, ensure the hair is brushed and free of tangles. This makes the process smoother and more comfortable for the child. Having a comb, hair elastics, and maybe a spray bottle with water or a detangling spray handy can help.
Easy Steps to French Braid Kids' Hair
Follow these basic steps to create a simple French braid:
- Begin at the Crown: Start by separating three small sections of hair at the crown of the head. Think of these as your starting strands for a regular braid.
- Hold these three sections firmly but gently.
- Start the Braid: Just like a basic three-strand braid, take the section on one side (for example, the left) and cross it over the middle section so it becomes the new middle.
- Next, take the section on the other side (the right) and cross it over the current middle section. Now the right section is the new middle.
- Add Hair and Continue: This is where the French braid differs. Before crossing the next section over the middle, gather a small, new piece of loose hair from the side of the head adjacent to that section.
- Reference Step: Now cross the left side over center and then the right side over center. But as you do this after the initial crosses, you will incorporate new hair. So, gather hair from the left side and add it to your left strand before crossing the combined strand over the center.
- Then, gather hair from the right side and add it to your right strand before crossing the combined strand over the center.
- Repeat the Process: Continue repeating these simple steps until all of the hair has been scooped up and incorporated into the braid. Each time you cross a side section over the middle, you are adding a new small piece of hair from that side of the head into the strand before crossing.
- Keep your grip consistent to maintain an even braid.
- Work your way down the head, incorporating all loose hair.
- Finish the Braid: Once all the hair from the scalp has been added into the three strands, finish with a regular three-strand braid down the remaining length of the hair.
- Secure the End: Tie off the end of the braid with a hair elastic.
You can find this process further explained in resources like this guide on kids' hairstyles (source).
Tips for Braiding Kids' Hair
- Distraction: Keep kids entertained with a show or book to help them sit still.
- Comfort: Be gentle and avoid pulling the hair. Use a wide-tooth comb for detangling beforehand.
- Practice: French braiding takes practice! Don't get discouraged if it's not perfect the first time.
- Angle: Angle the braid slightly downwards as you move along the head.
By breaking it down into adding small pieces of hair to your standard braid pattern, you can make French braiding easier for both you and the child.
