How to Do a Basic or French Braid Hair Style: Easy Tutorials

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A step-by-step guide to creating easy braided hairstyles at home

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang and Aimee Payne, MFA

Last Updated: September 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Standard Braid
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• French Braid
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• Sideways French Braid
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• Video
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• Q&A
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• Tips

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Braiding hair is simple and fun. Once you know how to do a basic braid, you can go wild with other, more intricate styles. This article has step-by-step instructions to show you how to do a basic braid. Plus, we’ve added directions for a few more intricate styles to help you take your skills to the next level.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Standard Braid

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1. 1
   Brush or comb out any tangles in your hair. When plaiting a standard braid, it’s best to start with tangle-free hair. Start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots to avoid causing any breakage. Use a detangler spray for hair that has lots of tangles. If your hair is very frizzy, apply a few drops of hair oil or a dime-sized amount of smoothing cream.

   • For a more defined, frizz-free braid, smooth a quarter-sized amount of hair gel through towel-dried hair before starting the braid.
2. 2
   Divide your hair into three even sections at the nape of your neck. You will have a right section, a middle section, and a left section. Hold the left section in your left hand and the right section in your right hand.

   • For 2 braids (one on each side of your head), part your hair down the middle from the center of your forehead over the top of your head and down to the center of your nape.
   • Choose one side to start braiding first and clip the other side out of the way. Divide the hair on that side into three sections. Smooth your hair behind your ear to start the braid for a sleek, chic look.
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3. 
   3
   Cross the left outside section over the middle section. This makes the left section the new middle section. What used to be the middle section is now on the left. Hold the sections tight as you start the braid for a sleeker look with the beginning of the braid closer to your scalp.

   • If you have trouble holding the sections tight as you start the braid, put your hair in a low ponytail at the center of your nape. Then, divide the ponytail into 3 equal sections before starting to braid. This gives you a chance to practice the braiding motion and still have a tightly woven plait.
4. 
   4
   Cross the right outside section over the new middle section. As you cross the right section over, it becomes the new middle section. What used to be the middle section is now on the left.
5. 
   5
   Alternate crossing the right and left sections over the middle. Always bring the outer section over the middle section to create the new middle. Alternate crossing the right and left sides over the middle section until you only have a few inches of hair left.

   • Pull the sections tight to keep the braid secure. If the braid is too loose, it will fall out. If the braid is too tight when you’re done, massage it between your palms or use your fingers to pull gently on the sides after you tie it off.
   • Try to smooth your hair down with your fingers as you plait to keep the braid neat.
6. 
   6
   Tie your braid off with a hair tie. Make your braid as long or as short as you want. Most people leave the last 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) of their hair unbraided. Leave more if you want a longer tail of hair at the bottom. Hold the end of your braid secure with one hand, and use the other hand to wrap a hair tie around the end of your braid. Make sure that the hair tie is snug; if it’s too loose, wrap it a few more times to keep it secure.

   • Try to use a clear hair tie or one that matches your hair color: black, brown, or beige/blond.
   • If you have dark red hair, go for a brown hair tie. If you have lighter red hair, use a beige hair tie.
   • If you’re doing two braids, repeat the whole process on the other side of your head.
7. 7
   Consider adding a ribbon or pretty hairclip to the end of your braid. Tie a bow with a thick hair ribbon around the end of your braid. Another option is to add hair accessories, like pretty hair clips, along the sides of your hair. This is a great way to dress up a basic braid. Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

   • In the summer, consider tucking a silk hibiscus or orchid into your braid for a tropical look.
   • Use a clip made from bronze, leather, or wood to match a fall vibe.
   • If it’s snowy out, try a delicate silver clip with clear rhinestones, or go festive with a red and green ribbon for Christmas or a blue and white ribbon for Hanukkah.
   • In the spring, ribbons, delicate flowers, pastel colors, or bright colors are all beautiful choices.
   EXPERT TIP

   

   Ndeye Anta Niang

   Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider

   Ndeye Anta Niang is a Hair Stylist, Master Braider, and Founder of AntaBraids, a traveling braiding service based in New York City. Ndeye has over 20 years of experience in African hair including braiding box braids, Senegalese twists, crochet braids, faux dread locs, goddess locs, kinky twists, and lakhass braids. Ndeye was the first female of her tribe in Africa to move to America and is now sharing her knowledge of African braids passed on from generation to generation.

   

   Ndeye Anta Niang
   Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider

   Our Expert Agrees: Try braiding strips of colorful African or floral prints, then add them to your braids. You can also add embellishments like feathers, leather, metallic accessories, or even small objects that you love.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

French Braid

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1. 1
   Start with brushed, tangle-free hair. Comb out your hair so it’s smooth and frizz-free. When using a comb, start with wet or damp hair and work up from the ends to the roots. If your hair is frizzy, apply a dime-sized amount of hair oil or smoothing cream to keep it sleek.
2. 2
   Gather a small section of hair near the back of your crown. Starting just above your eyebrow level, section off hair at the back of your head near the top. Braid this hair section first.
3. 
   3
   Divide the sectioned hair into three equal pieces. Smooth each of the 3 sections to keep them neat in your braid. Hold the right section with your right hand and the left strand section in your left hand.

   • If you have trouble keeping the sections separate, use mini claw clips to hold each one.
4. 
   4
   Start the braid by crossing the outer sections over the middle. Cross the right section over the middle section so that it becomes the new middle section. Next, cross the left section over the new middle section.

   • If you want to do a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the outer sections under the middle section instead of over. This will create a "lifted" look for your braid.
5. 
   5
   Add a small strand of hair to the right section. Hold all three sections in your left hand. Separate the sections by placing each one between different fingers. Gather a ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) wide strand of hair from your hairline. Add it to the right section and smooth it so it becomes part of the section. Hold the new larger section in your right hand.

   • Make sure you pick up hair all the way from the front hairline to the place where the braid starts, not just the front piece of hair.
6. 
   6
   Cross the now-thicker right section over the middle section. After you cross the right section, it becomes the new middle, just like a standard braid. What used to be the middle section is now on the outside.

   • If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the right section under the middle section instead of over.
7. 
   7
   Add a small strand of hair to the left section. Transfer all three sections to your right hand, with each section between different fingers. With your left hand, gather a ½ to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 centimeters) wide strand of hair from your hairline. Picking up all the hair from that point to the braid, add it to the left section and hold it with your left hand.
8. 
   8
   Cross the now-thicker left section over the new middle section. The left section is now in the middle. What used to be the middle section is now on the outside.

   • For a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the left section under the middle section instead of over as you did with the first side.
9. 
   9
   Alternate adding small sections and braiding until you reach your nape. Keep adding thin strands of hair, alternating between the right and left sections. Then cross each section over to the middle (or under if you’re making a Dutch braid). Work the braid all the way down to the nape of your neck

   • For a neater braid, smooth down each section just after you cross it over.
   • Try to hold the braid as tightly as possible.
10. 
    10
    Secure your braid at the nape or continue braiding the loose hair. When you reach the nape of your hair, tie your braid off with a hair elastic or continue braiding standard fashion by alternating between crossing the outside sections under (or over for a Dutch braid) the middle section until you’re 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) from the ends of your hair.

    • If you decide to continue braiding, keep the braid as tight as you can. Loosen it after you tie it off if necessary.
11. 11
    Tie your braid off tightly with a hair tie. Whether you decide to end your braid at the nape of your neck or at the last few inches/centimeters of your hair, secure it with a hair elastic. Choose a hair tie that closely matches your hair color, and wrap it around the end of your braid enough times so it doesn’t slide off.
12. 12
    Consider adding accessories to your hair after you tie off your braid. This helps hide the hair tie and gives you a more unique look. Tie a ribbon around the end, add a decorative hairclip, or wind a silk flower around the braid. Here are a few more ideas to get you started:

    • Let the season inspire you. Tuck a silk hibiscus flower into your braid during the summer or wear a hairclip made from leather in the fall.
    • Celebrate with a holiday-inspired look. If it’s Halloween, clip an orange and black bow to the end of your braid. Glue a plastic spider to the center of the bow (before you put it in your hair) for an extra-spooky vibe.
    • Match the hair accessories to your outfit. If you’re wearing an elegant dark blue evening gown with silver embellishments, a delicate silver hairclip with clear/white crystals is the perfect finishing touch.
    • Match your hair decoration to the event. If you’re attending a school rally or sports event, consider wearing a ribbon in your braid that matches your school or favorite team's colors.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Sideways French Braid

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1. 
   1
   Part your hair off to one side of your head. Make the side part above your left eyebrow (or above your right brow if that side is more comfortable). Flip the hair over the opposite side of your head. This braid is worked from the side part toward the opposite temple.

   • A sideways braid works great for shorter hairstyles because the hair doesn’t have to be pulled all the way to the back of your head.
2. 2
   Gather a small chunk of hair along the side part. For a thin headband-style braid, gather a 1-inch (2.54 centimeters) wide chunk. For a thicker, boho-style braid, gather a 2-inch (5.08 centimeters) wide chunk.
3. 
   3
   Divide the chunk into three sections and begin the braid. Hold the two outside sections with one hand and the middle section with your other hand. Take the section closest to your hairline and cross it over the middle section. Then, take the section closest to the part, and cross it over the new middle section. After these two crossovers, you’re ready to start French braiding.

   • This method gives you a smooth, flat French braid. If you want a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over.
4. 
   4
   Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your hairline. Holding the strand nearest to your hairline, gather a new strand that’s the same thickness, or thinner, than the original section of hair. Add the new strand to the existing hairline section to make a thicker piece.
5. 
   5
   Cross the hairline section over the middle section. It is now the new middle section. If you are making a Dutch or reverse French braid, then cross the hairline section under the middle section instead.
6. 
   6
   Add a thin strand of hair to the section closest to your side part. Holding the strand closest to the side part, gather a new piece of hair from the hairline side that’s the same thickness, or thinner, than the section itself. Add the strand to the side part section to make a thicker piece.
7. 
   7
   Cross the side part section over the new middle section. It is now the newest middle section. If you are making a Dutch or reverse French braid, then cross the side part section under the middle section instead.
8. 
   8
   Continue adding strands and crossing over sections. Position the braid between your ear and the side part as you plait your hair. Try to pull the sections as tight as possible and smooth your hair down with your hand as you gather new pieces. This gives you a sleeker, neater braid.

   • If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, remember to cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over.
9. 9
   Consider how you want to end the braid. If you’re working with a thin, delicate braid, end the French just above your ear, and finish it off as a standard braid. Tie it off with a clear hair elastic when you reach the bottom of your hair.
10. 
    10
    For a sideways French braid, continue across the back of your head. Change directions when you’re about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) away from the nape of your neck. Then, French braiding horizontally across the back of your head until you reach the other side of your neck. At this point, tie your hair off with a hair tie or continue braiding it into a standard braid and tie it off when you are 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to 5.08 centimeters) away from the ends.
11. 11
    Consider decorating the end of your braid after you tie it off. Not only will this help hide the hair tie, but it also helps give your braid more visual interest. Here are some ideas to get you started:

    • Add a silk flower to your braid for a boho look. The bigger the flower, the better.
    • Consider twisting the rest of the braid into a bun and securing it with bobby pins. Then, tuck an ornate hair comb into the hair alongside the bun.
    • If you did a mini side braid, consider tying the end off with some leather lace and leaving the rest of your hair loose for a boho or elvish look.
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Community Q&A

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• Question

  I find it really hard to plait my hair because it is so thick, what should I do?

  

  Community Answer

  Having curly hair myself, braiding is a huge hassle. I recommend braiding your hair while it's damp.

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  Not Helpful 12 Helpful 45
• Question

  For a french braid, should the middle section be thicker than the other two sections?

  

  Community Answer

  No, all three sections should have the same amount of hair when you start braiding.

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• Question

  Why is braiding so hard?

  

  Community Answer

  Like many things, It is difficult at first, but you'll gain proficiency quickly if you practice.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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Tips

• Consider using two mirrors, one in front of you and one behind you, so you can see the back of your head while you braid.
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• Try practicing on a friend. It’s easier to learn how to braid when you’re able to clearly see your hands.
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• Try watching videos of braiding, too (The YouTube channel MakeupWearables Hairstyles is good. The channel features some more complicated braids to challenge yourself with as you get better.
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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

• Spray your hair with a little bit of water or a texturizing spray before you start to make it easier to work with.
• If you have curly hair like me, try to braid your hair after a shower while it’s still damp.
• If you have curly, thin hair, fishtail braids are better for avoiding tangles.

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