How to
How to French braid
The French braid looks like wizardry and is really just a normal plait that you keep feeding. Take it slow the first few times, keep the tension even, and it clicks faster than you would think.
- 1
Brush and section
Brush it smooth, then take a section from the crown and split it into three even strands. Even strands are most of the battle.
- 2
Start a normal plait
Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left over the middle, exactly like the start of an ordinary plait.
- 3
Begin adding hair
Before the next cross, pick up a small amount of new hair from the side of the head and join it to that strand, then cross it over the middle.
- 4
Keep feeding down
Carry on down the head, adding a little new hair to each side strand before every cross. Keep the tension even so the braid sits flat against the head.
- 5
Finish to the end
Once you have gathered all the loose hair near the nape, plait the rest as a normal three-strand braid to the bottom and secure with a bobble.
Watch it done
Questions, answered
My braid keeps going loose, why?
Loose braids come from uneven tension and letting strands slip. Keep a firm hold on all three strands between crosses, and add the same small amount of hair on each side.
How young can you French braid?
Any age with enough length, though under-threes rarely sit still long enough. Start with a simple plait, build to the French braid as her patience grows, and keep it short the first few times.
