How to Braid Hair: Step-By-Step Tutorials (2024)

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Ready to take your hair game up a notch? Braiding is an amazing way to add texture and style to your look.

This article will show you step-by-step tutorials on how to braid hair like a pro. From fishtails, Dutch braids, front crowns – even half-up bun styles – this comprehensive guide has everything you need for mastering the art of braiding.

Plus, we’ll give some tips on products that can help make sure every strand stays in place! So let’s get started learning all about those beautiful twists and turns – starting with our basic three-strand braid tutorial.

Step 1: Optional Supplies

Grabbing the right supplies can make braiding your hair easier and more fun. For example, a boar hair brush will help smooth out tangles in just minutes. Exploring accessories like ribbons and pins is also a great way to add texture or color to an otherwise plain braid.

Hair elastics are essential for securing styles without damaging strands, while Bobby pins keep flyaways at bay throughout the day. A comb assists with creating clean sections when styling variations such as Dutch, waterfall, or rope braids.

Dry shampoo absorbs oil quickly and adds volume without having to wash your locks every day.

With these tool recommendations in hand, you’ll be able to style freely with confidence no matter what look you desire!

Step 2: Grab a Section

Begin your styling journey by taking a small section of hair near the forehead and temples to start creating your braid.

Choosing sections is an important step in this process. Decide if you’d like to create a traditional three-strand braid or opt for something more creative like Dutch, French, rope, waterfall, or fishtail braids.

When selecting sections for braiding, consider size and placement based on the desired look. Larger sections are best suited for loose waves, while smaller strands may be used for tighter plaits.

With practice, you’ll become adept at sectioning techniques with accuracy and precision. Also, alternate between left/right sides when needed to maintain even tension throughout each strand of hair.

For those just starting out with basic braiding technique, it’s helpful to keep one consistent rule: always cross left over middle followed by right over middle when weaving together each separate section into one cohesive style!

Once complete, use hairspray or conditioning oil depending on texture preference before enjoying your new hairstyle!

Step 3: Create Three Sections

Divide the section you’ve grabbed into three even strands to start braiding. Use a comb or your hands as dividers of the sections, like fingers playing in an orchestra! Proper division and segment organization are key for successful hair styling.

To create a Dutch braid or French braid, separate your hair with parting lines before starting to weave. Elastic bands can help keep individual sections separated while working on the style. Varying sizes of plaits also add variety to any look. Small pieces give texture and definition, whereas large segments provide more movement in each strand.

Remember that patience is necessary when creating intricate looks. Take time when separating each part and don’t rush through it if you want salon-level results without stepping out from home!

Step 4: Cross Over

Cross the left section over the middle one, then bring the right section across and tuck it underneath. This will create a basic three-strand braid pattern. Adjust the tightness as you go to ensure your braid looks neat and tidy when finished.

For an extra creative twist, try weaving strands in different directions or crossing them under instead of over for unique styles like Dutch braids or cornrows. To achieve a more defined look with tighter tension control, use hair elastics every few inches while braiding to secure each segment separately before moving on to the next step in the hairdo creation process.

Natural hair also benefits from this technique due to its often curlier texture, which requires extra attention while styling.

Step 5: Criss Cross

Now, crisscross the strands to add texture and create a unique style.

Start by dividing your hair into three even sections. Take one section in each hand and gently cross the left side over the middle strand, then follow with crossing the right side over the middle. This creates an interlocking pattern that will help secure your braid while adding volume to it as you go along.

Alternate between techniques for different styling variations like fishtail braids or Dutch braids, depending on the look you are going for! Accessorize with ribbons or pins if desired.

When finished securing your braid, use hairspray or other styling products to keep flyaways at bay and maintain a neat appearance all day long! With practice, comes mastery of various kinds of braided hairstyles.

Step 6: Secure With an Elastic

Secure your braid with an elastic, giving it a finished look that will last the whole day. There are different elastics to choose from, such as polybands and hair ties, for maximum hold. You can also use duck bill clips to keep small sections in place if you’re going for a more creative style.

To ensure your braids stay put, use styling paste or conditioning oil along with the right kind of elastic material.

When placing an elastic at the end of a braid, pull tight but not too tight. The idea is to still have some movement within it so that when you shake out your locks, they don’t feel stiff like two small braids stuck together! If using clips instead of elastics, try experimenting with placement tricks.

For example, you can try upside-down braiding them on top before flipping back into place at the end.

And always remember: practice makes perfect!

Step 7: Let’s Reflect

Once you’ve mastered the technique of braiding, experiment with different variations to find your own signature look! Even if it takes a few tries, keep practicing and don’t get discouraged.

Reflect on all the creative possibilities and explore new hair techniques that suit your personal style. As you progress through each braid difficulty level, take note of any styling insights or improvements that could be made for future attempts.

When trying out tutorials online or from books, make adjustments to fit individual needs as needed in order for them to work best with specific hair types and textures.

Try out different stretching and drying methods, such as using foam rollers at night before bed, for longer-lasting waves during the day ahead.

With practice comes perfection. Mastering these skills will bring many reflective benefits along this journey towards self-expression through artful braids!

Step 8: Sweep to the Side

Use dividing lines to ensure your braid looks neat and polished when you sweep it to the side. Whether it’s a French, Dutch, or Fishtail style, you can add asymmetry and texture to create eye-catching, side-swept trends with some simple styling variations.

Try braiding only one section of hair at a time for added elegance and flair. This will help keep your strands in place while also giving the illusion of multiple layers.

For more inspiration, there are plenty of online tutorials that show how others have incorporated their own unique take on sweeping braids over their shoulder. From creative half-updos accented by intricate headband designs to low ponytails featuring double-sided buns, there’s something out there suited perfectly for everyone, no matter what level your braid game is at right now.

So why not give yourself permission today to step outside your comfort zone? With these tips combined with endless hours spent watching YouTube hair tutorials, before long, you too could be creating stunning styles that are sure to make heads turn everywhere you go!

Step 9: Balancing Act

Carefully position the braids, weaving them together like a delicate tapestry to create an eye-catching style. Balancing and perfecting symmetry is essential when creating this look. Make sure you maintain tension while keeping your hands above the braid, as this will help hold it in place during styling activities such as sports or physical activity.

When achieving harmony between two sides of hair, take extra time with each side so that it looks even and perfectly symmetrical on both sides of the head. Fine-tuning technique can also be used for edge control or applying product sparingly along edges to prevent flyaways from forming later in the day.

With practice comes mastery; consider taking on Sarah Potempa’s 365 Days of Braids challenge, which provides daily hairstyling tips and tricks.

Step 10: Next, Try

Now experiment with different braids and accessories to find a look that shows off your individual style!

For those looking for something more advanced, try creating a headband braid or half-up crown braid.

If you’re going out, opt for the half-up braided bun or low ponytail braid.

The double side braid is perfect when transitioning from basic to intricate styles.

Remember styling tips like accessorizing with ribbons and pins after finishing the main section of your hair – this will give it an extra bit of flair!

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your hairstyle variations; choose colors, textures, and patterns that represent who you are as an individual.

With practice comes perfection; so keep playing around until you have found what works best for you!

How to Do a Fishtail Braid

Tugging at your locks, create two separate strands and start weaving them together to make a Fishtail Braid for an eye-catching look! To master the art of braiding, experiment with variations like small braids or a single strand braid.

• Use styling wax on textured hair before starting the braid so they stay in place better.
• Separate your hair into two sections, then take one thin strand from each section and cross it over.
• Secure the end of the braid with an elastic band similar in color to your hair.

Making this hairstyle is not only easy but also gives you a creative outlet, allowing you to explore different styles without worrying about damaging your hair in the process. While mastering the fishtail braid may seem intimidating at first, keep practicing until perfecting these techniques becomes second nature.

How to Do a Dutch Braid

Create a Dutch braid by weaving the left section under the right, adding hair as you go. To get started with this hairdo, separate your hair into three sections and begin braiding at the crown of your head down to the neck.

Be sure to keep an even tension while braiding so that all strands are incorporated similarly for a uniform look.

Once complete, secure it with an elastic band and adjust any flyaways or loose pieces.

For those looking for varied styling options using Dutch Braids, try different variations like small thin French-braided cornrows. Experiment with accessories such as ribbons or pins. Create traditional braid styles like headbands.

From long locks needing more hold during active days outdoors to short bob cuts wanting creative flair on nights out, there’s no limit when working up stylish looks using Dutch Braid techniques! Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa shares tips on how best to utilize this style depending on one’s personal style needs as well as their desired length of wear time.

How to Do a Front Crown Braid

Gently interweave sections of your locks to create a beautiful front crown braid.

For added volume, use dry shampoo before styling, which will also help combat any frizziness due to humidity, as well as providing more grip when braiding individual strands together tighter than usual – perfect if you’re looking for an edgier aesthetic!

To ensure maximum shine, apply leave-in conditioner after styling paste has been applied evenly through each strand prior to creating each French braid piece of this masterpiece look – great conversation starters guaranteed!

How to Do a Headband Braid

Elevate your look with a headband braid! From accessorizing braids to creative variation, the headband braid is an easy and stylish way to get a polished yet laid-back style.

1. Start with a sharp part on one side of your hairline.
2. Separate two strands of hair from either side and begin Dutch-braiding each towards your face until you reach behind both ears. Then secure them in place using elastics or clips in front of each earlobe respectively.
3. For extra texture and volume, pancake the plaits by gently pulling apart sections as you pull down on it before securing at the back near the nape area.
4. Wrap the second strand around the first one crosswise and pin any loose ends into place for long-lasting hold throughout the day’s activities.
5. Use hairspray if desired after completing the hairstyle for added shine and protection against humidity.

With proper practice comes muscle memory, so don’t be discouraged if you’re not achieving results right away! Mastering basic braided hairstyles like this will quickly become a go-to hairdo that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

How to Do a Braided Ponytail

To get an eye-catching braided ponytail, try the level 4 difficulty Low Ponytail Braid with a 15-minute completion time – it’s been found to hold up for more than 24 hours!

Start by creating a deep side part and beginning a Dutch braid in the middle section.

For extra texture, pancake the braid before securing. With careful positioning of your braid, you can create different variations like side-swept or high ponytails, which make alluring elegant looks perfect for any occasion!

To achieve optimal results, use products such as heat protectant spray while blow-drying.

Finally, finish off your look by adding accessories like scrunchies and barrettes created specifically for braided styles. This way, you can be sure they stay securely in place throughout wear without damaging delicate strands of hair over time.

Beachwaver founder Sarah Potempa suggests doing this step last after completing other steps first for the best results.

How to Do a Half-Up Crown Braid

Try your hand at a Half-Up Crown Braid for an easy yet chic hairstyle that’ll keep you looking good all day.

Start by separating out 1-inch strands of hair from both sides near your temples and forehead.

Tie back the remaining hair.

Divide each strand into three equal sections, braid them together, and cross over each other until you reach the nape of the neck.

Secure the braid with an elastic band and apply hairspray if desired.

Add volume to the crown area by sweeping it sideways, using dividing lines as a guide.

Experiment with creating variations like small braids or a single strand braid. You can also try styling accessories such as ribbons and pins for added flair in your style statement!

With some creativity, find unique ways to express yourself through these half-up styles while maintaining manageable control during any activity throughout the day!

How to Do a Half-Up Braided Bun

Transform your look in minutes with this half-up braided bun – an effortless yet showstopping style! Create creative combinations of buns and braids to express yourself.

Whether it’s date night, special occasions, or just another day in the office, step out looking fabulous with this stylish hairdo that can be dressed up for formal events or downplayed during casual days outside of work.

It provides enough hold throughout all activities, so no matter how hard playtime may get, fear not – your hair will stay put until it’s time to take off those shoes and relax after long days spent managing life tasks worry-free from worrying about tangled locks coming undone mid-tasking session moments ago.

How to Do a Low Ponytail Braid

Create a stunningly intricate look with a low ponytail braid! Start by brushing out any knots and tangles, then part your hair down the middle.

Begin braiding at the nape of your neck by taking three sections of hair to start off in a Dutch braid. Add pieces from each side as you go, ensuring it’s secure with an elastic when finished.

To add extra texture and stability throughout styling, try popular accessories like boar-hair brushes for fine hairs or durable elastics for thick hairs.

Finally, finish off this fantastic style using finishing products like dry shampoo and conditioning oil to combat frizziness without compromising hold all day long – perfect for special occasions or everyday wear!

How to Do a Double Side Braid

Gain the perfect look for a night out with an intricate double side braid, guaranteed to turn heads.

Start by brushing your hair from root to tip with a boar-bristle brush; it’ll add shine and detangle without damaging hair strands.

Secure one section of your hair at the temple area using reusable polybands or ouchless bobby pins. Then, divide it into two even sections in front of the ears on either side of the head. This is where you will begin braiding each piece separately down towards the nape area near the neckline.

For variations, try styling options such as French braids or Dutch braids along the sides.

Finish off this celebrity-inspired look with hairspray from root to tip, giving special attention around the temples.

So go ahead – rock those double side braids anytime you want that effortless chic style!

How to Do an Upside-Down Braid

Take your look to the next level by flipping it upside-down – literally! To create an inverted style, try an upside-down braid. This creative variation adds depth and dimension for a unique look that is sure to turn heads.

Experimenting with different variations, such as small tucked away braids or single strand ones, can also create stylish looks depending on what type suits you best.

Boar Hair Brush Fine Hair

Gently glide the boar hair brush through your locks for a smooth and shiny finish. The Boar Hair Brush Fine Hair is designed to detangle, add shine, and offer a gentle scalp massage while styling. It is made of eco-friendly bamboo with strong boar hair bristles and nylon pins.

This product provides an effective solution for all types of hair, from thick to curly or black natural.

By brushing with the extra long flexible bristles, you can reduce frizz without static or damage caused by other brushes.

The benefits don’t stop there. This brush will help keep your natural hairstyle looking vibrant longer as it absorbs excess oils evenly throughout your tresses! Its unique composition allows it to hold onto products better, so they last longer for maximum benefit when used as part of a regular haircare routine along with other products like dry shampoo or hairspray specifically tailored towards curls & waves – something every woman needs in her arsenal if she wants healthy, happy locks!

Enjoy Boar Bristle Benefits such as improved circulation resulting from vigorous brushing, which helps promote thicker, fuller growth over time – perfect for those who have thinning edges after years of wearing tight styles/weaves, etcetera.

Plus, enhanced color vibrancy due to oil absorption during smoothing techniques, which means fewer frequent washes needed too (saving both precious time and energy).

Try out these Natural Hair Care tips at home using Goody Ouchless Bobby Pins & Minalo Barrettes to secure any style before applying Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Paste finishing touch before heading out the door each day feeling confident, knowing your look is always on point even after hours of wear thanks to John Frieda Frizz Ease KeraFlex, providing lasting definition and shine without sticky residue buildup.

Either way, it’s a win-win situation no matter what type or texture your mane may be rocking.

Premium Polybands Reusable Hair Elastics

Secure your style with Premium Polybands Reusable Hair Elastics for a comfortable all-day hold without compromising hair health. These strong yet flexible bands are made from high-quality materials and won’t cause damage to your hair.

From creating buns and braids to ponytails, the benefits of these elastics go beyond just holding up styles. They can create volume at the crown or around the nape of your neck when used strategically in an updo hairstyle.

Give yourself control over how tight or loose you want your style by simply adjusting the elastics as needed throughout the day.

These elastics also help protect against split ends caused by tugging on delicate strands too tightly while styling. They minimize breakage due to their snug fit on your head shape and size, without pulling out hairs from your scalp when wearing or removing the elastic bands.

For best results, choose elastics specific to different types of hairstyles, such as French twists or half up/down hairdos, which require heavy-duty elastics instead of regular thin ones. There are many sizes available, so make sure to pick the right type before starting any look.

Lastly, use styling tips such as adding some dry shampoo prior to usage to give extra grip if desired and further prevent flyaways, keeping a neat and tidy finish.

Goody Ouchless Hair Bobby Pins

Try Goody Ouchless Hair Bobby Pins for a strong grip to lock your style in place, all day long! This trusted hair brand provides 50 brunette bobby pins with a convenient case that dispenses them when shaken.

Not only does the slideproof grip secure updos and flyaways, but its comfort tip also ensures comfortable wear throughout the day. The case is practical for travel and storage while its magnet prevents spillage of loose pins.

From short to thick hair types, these bobby pins blend perfectly with any color shade so you can stay on trend without worrying about visibility or damage from harsh chemicals or heat styling tools.

With Goody Ouchless Hair Bobby Pins, you’ll be able to use various techniques such as braiding, twisting, and knotting effortlessly while creating looks like French twists or half-up styles that won’t budge no matter what activities come your way during the day!

Minalo Hair Clips Hair Barrettes

Minalo Hair Clips Hair Barrettes are a must-have for any hairstyling enthusiast. These barrettes come in an array of colors and feature strong, durable plastic with metal springs that can hold all hair types securely in place – from fine to thick.

The contoured shape ensures comfort while styling, and the high tension spring is suitable even for sectioning fine hair.

Whether you’re looking to pin curls or apply/remove makeup, these clips will get the job done! Perfect for salon professionals as well as everyday use at home, Minalo Hair Clips are a great way to accessorize your look without damaging your tresses or breaking the bank.

So if you want reliable styling tools that won’t let you down on performance, give Minalo’s barrette styles a try today!

Not Mothers Clean Freak Dry Shampoo

Not Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo is your go-to for a quick and convenient refresh. It allows you to easily style without worrying about greasy roots or white residue. This salon formula dry shampoo absorbs excess oils and allows for styling as desired.

It leaves hair freshened with its pleasant scent. The powder’s vegan and cruelty-free ingredients make it gentle on all hair types.

Refreshing between washes has never been easier. Simply apply 30-60 seconds worth of product near the roots where grease accumulates most quickly. Then, brush through! You’ll also appreciate that this compact size fits neatly in any bag when you’re out on the town or traveling long distances.

Avoid myths about dry shampoo damaging your scalp by using Not Mother’s Clean Freak.

John Frieda Frizz Ease KeraFlex

You’ll have enviable hair all day with John Frieda Frizz Ease KeraFlex, the hairspray so powerful it’s like your hair is glued in place! It contains keratin, a polymer blend, and nourishing ingredients for a strong but flexible hold that can last up to 24 hours.

The micro-fine mist provides a brushable finish suitable for voluminous styling and protects against heat damage when using heated tools.

• Use KeraFlex for frizz control with long-lasting hold
• Achieve various styles using different styling techniques without stickiness or heaviness
• Protect your hair from heat damage while creating fullness and texture
• Enjoy the clean scent of natural ingredients along with its brushable finish

It has been highly rated by users who appreciate its effectiveness on thin dyed hair as well as weave or wigs. However, keep in mind that some cans may malfunction if used beyond their expiration date indicated at the bottom of each one.

So grab yours now to experience salon-quality results every day!

Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Paste

Looking for a natural-looking hold with extra strength and shine? Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Paste is just the product you need! This 99% naturally derived paste contains acacia gum to provide 24-hour definition and shine.

Its ultra-clean styling performance provides strong but flexible hold that won’t leave your hair feeling stiff or greasy, plus it tames frizz while leaving a clean, fresh scent.

Perfect for short spikes cuts as well as fine, thick or coarse hair types. Plus, its creamy texture adds fullness without weighing down your locks – a little goes a long way! User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; users love how this paste holds without crunchiness while adding movement and separation at the same time.

So go ahead, give Garnier Fructis Pure Clean Paste a try today – you won’t be disappointed!