How to braid a French braid?

A classic hairstyle that never goes out of style is the French braid. It’s sophisticated, adaptable, and ideal for any situation, whether you’re going to a formal event or simply want a stylish appearance for daily wear.

Though it may appear difficult at first, learning to braid a French braid is actually quite simple. You’ll be able to create this lovely style quickly with some practice.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the French braiding technique in this guide. Everything you need to know is right here, regardless of whether you’re a beginner or just need a refresher.

How to braid a French braid yourself: instructions

1. Do not braid a braid on freshly washed hair, otherwise it will easily crumble. The ideal option is curls washed yesterday.
2. If your hair is clean or just very thin, you can apply a little styling product to it before you start braiding: for example, a serum for hair density Serioxyl Thicker Hair by L’Oréal Professionnel.
3. If you are a beginner, practice braiding on a friend or on ribbons.
4. Place two large mirrors opposite each other. This will help you control the braiding process and minimize mistakes.
5. Try to braid tightly, this will help the hairstyle hold throughout the day. And if you want a slightly relaxed look, just release a few strands from the braids.

Step-by-step diagram of braiding a classic French braid, or “spikelet”

The most basic and adaptable form of French braiding is called a "spikelet." This hairstyle is suitable for both carefree students and rigid office workers; it will also look great at a club party!

You can braid this braid at home with the help of our detailed instructions:

1. Prepare a wide brush, styling product and an elastic band to fix the hairstyle at the end.
2. Apply a little styling product to the curls and comb them thoroughly, combing them back.
3. If your hair is thin, it is better to comb them slightly before starting to braid.
4. Grab a wide strand in the crown area, divide it into three small strands and intertwine them together, as if you were braiding a classic braid. That is, first throw the right strand over the central one so that the right strand becomes the central one, and then repeat the same for the left side.
5. Grab the side strands with both hands, and leave the middle one hanging freely.
6. Pick up a small amount of hair from the left side and connect it with the left side strand, repeat the same for the right side.
7. Cross the right and left side parts of the hair with the middle strand, as when braiding a classic braid.
8. Braid this way to the base of the neck, then move on to braiding a classic braid.
9. Secure your hair with an elastic band. You can adjust the length of the ponytail, leaving it short or long. If your hair is short, you can tie the elastic band right at the base of your neck.
10. Comb the resulting ponytail or wrap it inward, hiding it under the elastic band.

How to braid a reverse French braid: step-by-step instructions

The only way that a reverse French braid is different from a standard one is that the strands are braided inside of the hairstyle rather than outward.

We show you how to create such lovely braids at home:

1. Comb your curls, combing them back.
2. You can apply a little styling product to freshly washed or simply naturally thin hair: for example, a thickening spray Full Density from Matrix Biolage, which will prevent the strands from falling apart and look more voluminous.
3. Separate a section of hair in the crown area and divide it into three parts.
4. Capture the strand on the left and pull it from the bottom between the central (it will now become extreme) and the extreme right strand.
5. Repeat the movement for the right strand: move it under the resulting central one, between the central and left strands.
6. Continue braiding, before starting each new cycle, grabbing a small amount of hair on the sides.
7. Braiding the braid to the back of the head and continue with a classic braid in reverse: divide the tail into three parts, place the leftmost strand between the central and rightmost strands, pulling it from below.
8. Secure the braid with an elastic band.
9. To add volume to your hairstyle, stretch the braid a little by pulling the “spikelets” in opposite directions.

French braid in reverse, braided to the side: how to repeat this hairstyle at home?

Side braids are best made with reverse braiding! With the help of this technique, big curls can conceal smaller curls woven beneath them, creating a polished hairstyle that will add a unique touch to your appearance.

Here’s how to replicate this look at home, step-by-step:

1. To create a side braid, the first small strand is taken not from the crown, but from any side of the parting.
2. Then the braid is woven according to the classic reverse braid weaving pattern (see. above).
3. Weaving is completed when all the hair from the “working” side of the parting is collected into a braid.
4. At the end, the remaining strands from the other side of the parting are connected to the resulting braid and secured with an elastic band.

A classic hairstyle that’s simpler to accomplish than it appears is the French braid. The process entails braiding hair in sections and adding more hair as you go to create a tidy, refined braid that stays close to the head. Anyone can learn how to braid a French braid with a few easy steps and practice, making it a great go-to look for special occasions or daily wear.

Other techniques for weaving a French braid

The French braid comes in a plethora of variations, including the traditional version, reverse weaving, romantic braid around the head, side braid, air braid, and fishtail. The possibilities are endless!

Waterfall braid

A quick, feminine, unique, and most importantly doable version of French braiding that can be woven at home!

We provide thorough, step-by-step instructions below:

1. Comb your hair and divide it into a side parting from the right temple to the left or vice versa.
2. Separate the outermost side strand and divide it into three parts, as if you were braiding a regular braid.
3. Take the left strand, place it between the central and right strands and release it, creating a stream.
4. Instead of the released strand, grab a new one and repeat the braiding, again releasing the left strand and gradually moving towards the opposite temple.
5. At the end, secure the hairstyle with an invisible hairpin.

Advice: You can slightly curl the curls before braiding them to achieve a more romantic look.

Fishtail

The most contemporary variation of the French braid, known as a fishtail, has been seen on the catwalks of major fashion weeks for a number of seasons.

We walk you through the process of replicating this look at home:

1. Comb your hair and divide it into two equal parts.
2. You can pre-apply a drop of styling product to unruly curls, for example, Serioxyl Thicker Hair from L’Oréal Professionnel, or simply spray them with plain water.
3. Take a thin strand from the right half of the right edge and transfer it to the left half from its right side.
4. Repeat for the left side: take a thin strand from its left edge and move it to the left side of the right part.
5. Continue repeating these steps until the very end of the braiding and secure the resulting braid with an elastic band.
6. To add volume to your hair, slightly stretch the braid to the sides.

Air braid

Air braiding is a voluminous braid ideal for special occasions that visually voluminousizes the curls. This braiding option is easiest to make from a reverse French braid or fishtail braid.

To make things easier for you, here are detailed instructions:

1. Braid a French braid in reverse – straight, side, or gather the curls into a fishtail.
2. After the braiding is complete, secure the hairstyle with an elastic band.
3. Make the hairstyle more voluminous by pulling the strands in different directions and moving from the base of the braid in the parietal (in the case of a reverse braid) or occipital (in the case of a fishtail) zone to its tip.
4. Fix the result with hairspray.

A braid around the head

The most charming take on the French braid! The amazing volume this hairstyle creates at the back of the head and at the temples is one of its main advantages. Additionally, it is easy to execute: just like other French braids, this one is simple to do yourself.

We’ll walk you through how to accomplish this in a few simple steps:

1. Comb the curls, combing them to the right.
2. Divide the entire volume of hair with an arched parting. The arc should pass through three points: the crown, the right ear and the left ear.
3. Separate three small strands behind the left temple and begin to braid a side French braid, moving from the left temple to the right (a diagram of weaving a side French braid in reverse see. above) and grabbing additional strands from the parting.
4. Braid to the right ear and continue creating a hairstyle, grabbing the remaining strands from below.
5. Collect the loose strands remaining at the end of the braiding in the occipital part into a regular braid, wrap the resulting ponytail around your head and secure the hairstyle with hairpins.

Photo ideas for hairstyles using a French braid

A French braid can be worn by itself or as the foundation for amazing hairstyles. These are just a handful of intriguing choices.

A bun from a French braid

A glamorous bun made of five French braids fastened with hairpins completes the look of a Parisian hairstyle!

Fishtail – in a ponytail

Using an elastic band to gather the hair at the back of the head, braid the hair from the elastic band to the ends. Extend the braid on the sides and secure it with hairspray to add volume.

Loose hair plus two half-fishtails

Separate the side strands at the left and right temples, then braid them into fishtail braids to achieve this look. At the nape of the neck, complete the braiding, join the two, and fasten them with an elastic band. Keep the rest of the curls loose.

A side fishtail, collected halfway from short hair

A great way to change up the typical bob or bob haircut style is to wear strands hanging loosely on one side of the head and a fishtail braided on the other.

2 in 1: reverse French braid and fishtail braid

Hybrid braid: a fishtail from the base of the neck to the tip of the braid, and a reverse French braid from the crown to the base of the neck.

Braided comb

The hair combed at the crown creates this voluminous version. A straightforward French braid forms the foundation of the hairstyle and transitions into a loosely hanging ponytail.

Step	Description
1	Brush your hair to remove tangles.
2	Take a small section of hair from the top and divide it into three strands.
3	Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the middle.
4	Add a small section of hair to the right strand and cross it over the middle.
5	Repeat the process on the left side, adding hair to the left strand and crossing it over the middle.
6	Continue braiding until you reach the ends, then secure with a hair tie.

Gaining the ability to French braid is a great way to increase the variety of hairstyles you can wear. It’s a classic, sophisticated style that suits both formal and informal settings. You can confidently and swiftly braid your hair with a little practice.

Recall that the secret is to part your hair into three sections after cleaning and brushing it. You can achieve the iconic French braid look by progressively adding strands from each side as you braid. Although it could seem difficult at first, with practice, the procedure becomes automatic.

The French braid is an excellent go-to style, whether you’re braiding your own hair or someone else’s. To mix things up, try different variations like double or side braids. Once you’ve perfected the method, you’ll always have a fashionable and useful hairdo!

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