How To French Braid Your Own Hair Like A Pro In 5 Easy Steps

How To French Braid Your Own Hair

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This is your compact guide on how to French braid your own hair like a pro. We will guide you through the process in 5, easy to follow steps, so you’ll have a French braid in no time!

A French braid is a weaving technique that creates an impressive and intricate effect. It is a timeless hairstyle and a practical way to keep your hair stylishly secured.

French braiding is a great way to keep your hair neat, prevent tangles, and add a touch of elegance to your overall look.

While it may seem daunting at first, with a bit of practice and the proper techniques, you can quickly master the art of French braiding your own hair.

In this comprehensive guide, I will walk you through step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to help you achieve a perfect French braid that will turn heads.

Get ready to unleash your inner hairstylist and learn how to French braid your own hair like a pro!

What You Need To French Braid Your Own Hair

To get the French braiding party started, you need to choose the right tools and products to make your life easier and achieve a flawless look.

You will need a brush to detangle your hair, or the braiding will become a painful (literally) experience. I prefer to use natural hairbrushes that diminish breakage and unwanted frizz.  

You will also need something to keep the rest of your hair away from your working area. A hair tie can do the job, but I prefer hair clips because they easily go on and off.

Also, grab some of those transparent, little elastic bands to secure your braids when you are done.

French braiding can be done to naked hair if you are short in time, but I always prefer to use the right products for optimal results.

If your hair is heavily textured, I recommend using a leave-in conditioner or hair butter to make your stands slicker and more manageable. On the other hand, if your hair is thin and slippery, you may need to apply some dry shampoo to add some grip and avoid loose braids.

Finally, if you have naturally curly or afro hair, you may want to straighten them first using an iron or blow dryer. Of course, you do not need to achieve perfection, just a bit of elongation to have a better grip and neater results.

How To French Braid Your Own Hair

How To French Braid Your Own Hair

Step 1: Prep Your Hair

Before diving into French braiding, preparing your hair correctly is crucial. Honestly, this part is as essential as the technique itself because it will make the braiding process much easier!

First, grab your hairbrush and remove any knots or tangles by gently combing through your hair.

Then, apply your products thoroughly and use your hairbrush or comb to evenly distribute them on your hair. You can use a leave-in conditioner or a dry shampoo, depending on your unique hair needs.

Pro tip: If you want a wet-look French braid, you can use a gel to make the hair appear sticky.

Step 2: Part Your Hair

Making a clean parting will lead to a professional finish. Trust me, a zig-zag line is the last thing that you want!

If you plan to French braid your hair into classic pigtails, create a clean part down the middle. If you want to go all out with multiple braids, you can create a middle part and then equal parts at each side of the head.

If you opt for a French braid ponytail, you won’t need to do a parting; just let your hair hang loose.

Step 3: Braid Your Hair

Here is your comprehensive guide to French braiding your own hair like a pro. Follow these steps and stick to the process.

Do not get disappointed if you don’t get the perfect outcome on the first try. Just stick with it, and you will get the hang of it in no time!

How To French Braid Pigtails

The French braid is a staple look that will never go old. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this all-time classic:

The Crown Of The Head

  1. Start at the very front of your hair: Choose a small section of hair near the front, ensuring it is centered and not too close to the parting or your ear. Divide this section into three equal parts.
  2. Begin braiding: Cross the right section over the middle and the left section over the new middle section. You can repeat this “classic braiding” once more to have a more stable starting point.
  3. Add hair as you braid: Now begins the fun part! Transfer the braided part to your left hand to release your right. Make sure to separate the three strands with your fingers so the hair doesn’t mix up.
  4. Continue braiding: Take a small strand of hair from the right side of your hair (closer to the parting) and add it to the right strand of your already braided hair to create a thicker strand. Then cross the unified strand over to the middle.

Next, repeat the same process to the left. Take a small strand from the left (closer to your ear) and add it to the left strand of your braid. Cross the unified strand over to the middle.

With each cross, incorporate small sections of hair from the sides before crossing them over the middle.

From The Crown To Your Nape

  1. Repeat step 3

Work all the way down toward the nape of your neck. Direct the braid to form an arc that looks toward the lower side of your ear.

There are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Position your hand close to your scalp: This will provide better control throughout the braiding process. Also, you will have tightly secured braids instead of loosely hanging on top of your head.
  • Maintain consistent tension:  You need to firmly grip the hair strands as you braid. This ensures that your braids are even and neat. However, be gentle and avoid excessive pulling or tugging to prevent hair from breaking.
  • Use hair products for better grip: As you go, your hair might go dry. If you want slicker hair, apply leave-in conditioner, hair oil, or butter on your fingers or loose strands and continue braiding.

From The Nape To The Ends

  1. Braid the classic braid

Once you’ve braided all the way down, your scalp is covered, and your strands hang loose at the beginning of your nape, continue braiding the length of your hair in a regular braid. Finally, secure the end with a small hair tie.

Video by Cecelia Giglio (not my video, just adding this for extra help).

How To French Braid Ponytail

Now that you know how to French braid pigtails, French braiding a ponytail will be no biggy.

  1. Start from the top of your hair: Start from the middle where you would normally do your parting. Then, take three equal small sections of hair.
  2. Start braiding: Do the regular braid 1-2 times, as you did for the French braid pigtails.
  3. Add hair as you braid: With each cross, incorporate small sections of hair from the sides before crossing them over the middle. Try to keep the braid in the midline, where you would normally do your parting. Repeat the same moves until you reach the beginning of your nape.
  4. Braid the end of your hair: Once you’ve braided down your scalp, continue braiding your hair in a regular braid. Finally, secure the end with a small hair tie.

    Step 5: Set Your Hair

    You have got your perfect braid! Hurray! When you are done braiding, finish with your favorite hair spray for a long-lasting effect.

    If you notice frizz or flyaways ruining your perfect frame, warm up a bit of hair oil, cream, or wax between your fingers and run your roots and over your braids.

    Finally, you can use bobby pins or small elastic bands to secure hair sections too short to be incorporated into the braid.

    Video by EverydayHairInspiration (not my video, just adding this for extra help).

    Conclusion On How To French Braid Your Own Hair

    Mastering the art of French braiding your own hair is a skill that can elevate your hairstyling game to a whole new level. With just five easy steps, you can achieve a stunning and professional-looking French braid right in the comfort of your own home.

    Remember, practice makes perfect. It might take a few tries to get the technique down, but don’t get discouraged. Take your time, be patient with yourself, and soon enough, you’ll be able to create intricate and intricate French braids effortlessly.

    French braids are versatile and can be worn for any occasion, from casual outings to formal events. Experiment with different variations, such as side braids or double braids, to add your own personal touch. Once you’ve mastered the basic French braid, the possibilities are endless.

    Whether you’re getting ready for a special event or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday look, learning how to French braid your own hair is a valuable skill that will never go out of style.

    So grab a mirror, some hair elastics, and give it a try. Soon enough, you’ll be braiding like a pro and turning heads wherever you go.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Mastering the art of French braiding requires practice. The more you try it on your own, the better you’ll become!

    Braids can potentially be unhealthy ONLY if the braids are too tight. When braids are too tight, they can cause tensile stress by constantly tugging on hair follicles. This stress weakens the follicles and may even lead to hair loss.

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