How to Braid Hair

A braid is a simple yet versatile hairstyle. It can be part of an elegant and complicated updo, or just another method for keeping your hair out of the way. How to braid hair will give you a good foundation in the basics and introduce you to the many variations.

1. Dampen hair with water or apply gel to keep hair from getting frizzy and help it stay in place.
2. Comb all tangles and knots from the hair before beginning.
3. Gently tighten the hair after each fold.
4. As you work, comb the remaining hair below the braid.
5. Patience and practice are the keys to success.

1. Dampen hair with water or apply gel to keep hair from getting frizzy and help it stay in place.
2. Comb all tangles and knots from the hair before beginning.
3. Gently tighten the hair after each fold.
4. As you work, comb the remaining hair below the braid.
5. Patience and practice are the keys to success.

• If you're sick of buns and ponytails, braiding your hair is another stylish way of keeping it out of your face. This guide focuses on a simple three-strand braid. However, once you master the basic technique, it opens up a whole new world of styles.

• Howcast: How to Braid Hair (Time: 3:08)

• Wide-tooth Comb

• Fine-tooth Comb

• Ponytail Holder

• Two Mirrors

• Spray Bottle with Water (optional)

• The key to making a beautiful braid is to prepare the hair properly.

1. You may want to dampen your hair before you begin, especially if it is curly or wavy.LongLocks.com: Hair Braiding Basics
   • -If it starts to dry while you're braiding, use a spray bottle to spritz it with more water.LongLocks.com: Hair Braiding Basics
   • -Don't braid very wet hair since it will take a long time to dry.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics Wait 30-60 minutes.Buzzle.com: How to Braid Hair
2. Another way to manage curly or wavy hair is to blow dry it straight.Buzzle.com: How to Braid Hair
3. Remove anything from your wrists and fingers that might catch on your hair, and make sure your fingernails are smooth.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics
4. Apply gel before braiding so that your hair stays in place.Buzzle.com How to Braid Hair
   • -Gel with aloe vera works especially well.Dreamweaver Braiding: Making Smooth Braids
5. Comb hair with the wide-tooth comb until it moves through hair smoothly.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics

• When it's written out, the process of braiding looks more complicated than it really is. Once you go through the steps once, it will be much easier to do next time.

1. If possible, stand in front of a mirror when braiding your own hair, and place another mirror behind you so that you can see the back of your head.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics
2. Separate hair into three equal sections using your dominant hand.How to Do Things.com: How to Braid Hair
3. Use the fine-tooth comb to remove any remaining knots.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics
4. Holding the hair correctly will help you create a better braid.
   • -Hold each outer strand with your thumb and forefinger.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics
   • -As you work, move the middle section between the thumb and forefinger of each hand.LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics
   • -Hold the hair close to the fold.Dreamweaver Braiding Making Smooth Braids
5. Fold the left strand over the middle strand so that it's now the middle strand.
6. Fold the right strand over the middle strand so that it's now the middle strand.
7. After each fold, pull the hair gently to tighten the braid.Dreamweaver Braiding Making Smooth Braids
   • -Fold the strands as high on the braid as you can, and pull hair evenly to keep the braid from twisting.Dreamweaver Braiding Making Smooth Braids Buzzle.com How to Braid Hair
8. Repeat steps five and six until you've almost reached the end.
9. Comb the remaining hair while you braid and keep the strands separate.Dreamweaver Braiding Making Smooth Braids
10. When you have about a half inch left, wrap a hair band around the end to secure. How to Do Things.com How to Braid Hair If you like, you can also add a ribbon or barrette.Buzzle.com How to Braid Hair

1. Practice braiding on pieces of rope or string before trying to do it on hair.name="LongLocks.com">LongLocks.com Hair Braiding Basics

2. Work slowly and don't be afraid to redo your work in order to get it right.Dreamweaver Braiding Making Smooth Braids

3. Don't give up! You'll get better with practice.name="Buzzle.com">Buzzle.com How to Braid Hair

• Once you master the basic braid, you might want to try these variations and advanced methods for a beautiful look.

1. Try braiding a decorative object like a ribbon, piece of leather, or string of beads into your hair. You can do this by making this object one of your strands.Virtue.to: How to Upbraid Your Friends
2. You can also thread a piece of ribbon through a finished braid.Virtue.to How to Upbraid Your Friends
3. Separate your hair into two sections and then braid each side to create braided pigtails.Activity TV: Flip Pigtail Braids
4. Once you master braiding three strands, you can try four or five.Dreamweaver Braiding: Flat 4-Strand Braid Instructions Dreamweaver Braiding: Five-Strand Braid Instructions
5. For a smooth and sophisticated look, try creating a round braid by dividing your hair into four sections.How To Do Things: How to Make a Round Braid
6. A herringbone braid is a two-strand braid created by crossing small pieces of each strand from one side to the other.HowStuffWorks: Plastic Bow with Herringbone Braid
7. Try a classic French braid.Seventeen Magazine: How to French Braid Hair
8. To create elegant bohemian double braids, start by creating French braid pigtails and then pin up the ends.BellaSugar: How-To: Bohemian Double Braids (For Shorter, Layered Hair!)

• YouTube Video: How To French Braid Hair (Time: 4:09)

• Introduction
• What You'll Need
• Step 1: Prepare to Braid
• Step 2: Braid Hair
• Tips and Tricks
• Advanced Techniques
• References