Q&A for How to Do Two French Braids

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  • Question
    How do you braid outside?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    An outside braid, also known as a Dutch braid or boxer braid, is made by inverting the method of the traditional French braid. Start with 3 strands and cross the outsides under the center section, adding hair as you go (rather than crossing them over the center section, like in a French braid).
  • Question
    How do you do a French roll?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    To make a French roll, also known as a French twist, gather your hair together slightly to the left of the center of the back of your head. Then, wrap the hair in on itself, making a loop at the ends of the hair and rolling it up toward the center of your head. Spread the loop out to create the roll and secure it with bobby pins.
  • Question
    How do you do two French braids on yourself?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Begin by dividing your hair in the center of the head from forehead to nape. Then clip one side away and braid the other side starting in the front corner of the head, just above the outside of the eyebrow and moving back to the outside corner of the nape. Repeat on the opposite side using a mirror if needed.
  • Question
    How do you get the braids to go the way you want them to curve on your head?
    Laura Martin
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Keep your hands behind your braid so that you can pull the braid in the direction you want it to go as you braid your hair. Your fingers should be close to your head so that you can apply firm and even tension to the braid.
  • Question
    What if my hair is curly and I want to do this?
    Community Answer
    You can still do it if you have curly hair, I do it on my sister who has super curly hair. Or you can straighten your hair beforehand if you'd like to make it easier.
  • Question
    How many knots should I do with the hair tie?
    Community Answer
    As many as necessary to keep your braid from coming apart. The silkier your hair is, the more knots needed.
  • Question
    How do I do a simple French braid?
    Community Answer
    Start from the top of your head, then work your way down, adding in hair as you go. When you have added in all your hair, continue with a regular plait.
  • Question
    How do I make sure my hair doesn't get all tangled while doing this?
    Community Answer
    Spray a detangling spray, then brush your hair. If you're coming out of the shower, make sure you use tons of conditioner, then spray leave in conditioner and braid it wet.
  • Question
    How do I do a dutch braid?
    Community Answer
    A dutch braid is basically the same as a french braid, except you pull hair over the bottom of the braid instead of the top of the braid. You take hair from the same spot as you would a normal braid, but instead of pulling the hair over and to the middle, you pull it under the braid and to the middle.
  • Question
    Can I do two French braids with shoulder-length hair?
    Community Answer
    The length of the hair doesn’t really matter, as long as you have enough to continue at least 1 row of a 3-strand braid after braiding in all your other hair.
  • Question
    How do I french braid thick hair?
    Community Answer
    You can braid it as you normally would, but it might take a bit longer to do.
  • Question
    How do I do braids on my own hair?
    Community Answer
    You can use a mirror to help you see your braids from an angle that you cant see without a mirror, or you can ask for assistance from friends, parents or siblings.
  • Question
    How do I make two French braids on the sides of my head?
    Community Answer
    The same way as instructed here, but keep your hands closer to your ears.
  • Question
    When I do this my hands get tired what can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try practicing it on one side, or just do more simple braids. If this persists, try doing hand exercises or playing with your hands in sports. Or even try on a doll or on a sibling! If your hand is always getting tired like this, you might want to check in with your doctor. Besides that, you could always let your hair be free and beautiful.
  • Question
    What happens if you have long thick hair?
    Community Answer
    You could always try different hairstyles, or use a stronger conditioner. There are many other hairstyles that'll make your hair look great! Sometimes it doesn't work for others. I have thick curly hair and it is difficult. Try putting oils into your hair, that'll soften your roots.
  • Question
    How do you make the braids in your own hair? I can't see what I am doing on my head!
    Community Answer
    Try doing it on a doll, or someone else first. You could also ask your friends or siblings to do it for you. If none of this works, you could always stick to your natural and flowing hair, you don't always have to make your hair special. There are many other ways to make your hair unique and marvelous!
  • Question
    Can I do it on myself?
    Elizabeth Bolster
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can do it on yourself, though it might be difficult. It depends on how good you are at styling your own hair.
  • Question
    How do I keep my two French braids tight?
    Community Answer
    Hold the hair firmly and tight while braiding (make sure not to let go of the hair). When you finish the braid, pull the bottoms of the hair opposite directions (but don’t pull upward). Then make sure it is firm, and you can tie it and repeat.
  • Question
    How do I do tiny French braids?
    Community Answer
    You need to use very little hair and make the braids thinner while braiding in order to make tiny French braids.
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