Use a detangling spray to help brush out stubborn knots.
Opt for a side part for a side braid, gathering the most hair on the side where the braid will fall. Stick with a middle or side part for a braid that falls along your back. Do a middle part for pigtail braids, so each braid is even.
Look in the mirror as you do this to ensure that your sections are even.
If starting with your left hand doesn’t work, no worries! Start with whichever hand and hold works for you.
Use your right thumb to move sections in and out of the middle as you work.
Find whatever hold works best for you. There’s no right or wrong way to braid as long as you stick to the pattern.
If your hair is extra fine, try spritzing it with dry shampoo, as this gives your hair more texture and makes it easier to braid. Making French braid pigtails is another way to do this classic hairstyle, but for the sake of this beginner’s tutorial, we’ll be taking you through the process of a single French braid.
Use your temples as a guide when creating your section, dragging your fingers or comb from the end of your eyebrows to the top of your head.
It can be helpful to hold 2 sections of hair in your left hand and 1 in your right. Hold the sections firmly, keeping them separated by an index finger.
If you get stuck, remember that the middle piece always goes over when making a French braid. [13] X Research source Alternatively, you can make a Dutch braid by bringing the middle piece down and under when weaving. [14] X Research source If starting with the left-most section doesn’t work for you, no problem! Start with whatever section feels the most natural.
Adding hair as you braid is what makes a French braid different than a classic 3-strand braid.
Use a detangling product before you brush if you have stubborn knots or your hair tangles easily.
Unlike other braids, the fishtail braid uses 2 sections rather than 3. We’ll be teaching you how to do a fishtail braid that falls down your back in this tutorial, but you can easily pull your hair to one side and section it from there to create a side-swept fishtail.
Keep the added strand towards the middle of your head, so you don’t accidentally add it back into the braid. Practice this braided hairstyle in the mirror, so you can see what you’re doing.
As you braid, your 2 sections of hair will get smaller and smaller, so it’s okay to cross the same strand of hair over more than once.
For a tousled and more voluminous look, gently pull on the outside strands of the braid to make it wider.
If this is your first time trying this hair style, we recommend going for an over-the-shoulder braid, as this will make it easier for you to practice and see what you’re doing in a mirror.
