How to Do a Pull‐Through Braid

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Braids have made a major comeback in recent years. Not only are they perfect for getting your hair out of your face, they’ve become the ultimate chic, bohemian accessory. If you’re looking for a way to spice up a traditional braid while giving your hair a bit of extra volume, the pull-through braid is the perfect choice. While it looks ornate and sophisticated, it is actually quite simple. In fact, the braided effect is actually an illusion created by several ponytails. To create the pull-through braid, you’ll need long hair, clear, elastic bands, and just a little bit of practice!

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Starting Your Braid

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Pull back the section of hair at the very top of your head. You can pull it straight back or leave a part if you prefer. Tie it into a ponytail. Because you will be working with multiple ponytails and it can get a bit confusing, this will be referred to as Ponytail #1. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Grab the entire ponytail and bring it toward your face. It will be hanging right in front of your eyes, but don’t worry – it’s only temporary! Clip your ponytail here so that you can work with the rest of your hair without it getting in the way. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid8475958-v4-728px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Grab hair on either side of the first section. Bring it towards the back, securing it with a hair elastic into Ponytail #2. It should be directly below the base of Ponytail #1. [3]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/45\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid8475958-v4-728px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Split the ponytail right down the middle so that you have a left and right section. Pull Ponytail #2 straight through the two sections of Ponytail #1 so that it’s going toward your face. Just like you did with Ponytail #1, secure Ponytail #2 toward your face with a hair clip so that it is out of the way. [4]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Section more hair from the sides, bringing it to the back of your head. This time, include all of the hair from Ponytail #1 as well. Use a hair tie to create Ponytail #3, right below the base of Ponytail #2. [5]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Just like you did before, divide this ponytail into two equal sections of hair. Take Ponytail #3 up through those two sections and clip it forwards again. Now, you will probably start seeing the pattern you use to create this “braid.” [6]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Again, gather your hair from the sides of your head and pull it to the back. Include the hair of Ponytail #2. Secure this ponytail with another clear elastic. Once that ponytail is secured, unclip Ponytail #3 from the top of your head. Split Ponytail #3 into two sections, bring Ponytail #4 up through the middle, and clip it to the top of your head. [7]
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid8475958-v4-728px-Do-a-Pull%E2%80%90Through-Braid-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":259,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":410,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once you’ve reached your neck, secure all of the hair (except the clipped up section) into a low ponytail. Let down the clipped section so that you’re left with two ponytails, which will be used to create the tail part of your braid. [8]
    9. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Creating Volume in Your Braid

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    After you’ve “braided” to the nape of your neck and secured your hair into low ponytails, you want to go back and create the volume that makes this braid so big. Gently pull on the loops of hair you created when you split each ponytail into two sections. You want to loosen them carefully so they aren’t pulled tightly against your head. [9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    After you’ve pulled on the loops in order to loosen up the strands of hair, gently pull them outwards to add volume. In other words, the loops should be loosened up so that you can pull them wide. The larger your loops become, the thicker and more voluminous your hair will look in this braid. [10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    This step is optional. After you’ve tugged and fluffed the loops so that you’re satisfied with how they look, it can be helpful to secure them a bit with some hairspray. This will help hold your braid in place all day, and it can also help reduce flyaways. [11]
    4. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Finishing the Tail of Your Braid

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    As you begin the tail of your braid, you should be starting with two low ponytails at the nape of your neck. You will be finishing the tail of your braid using the same method you used for the beginning of your braid. Pull the lower ponytail through the two sections of the upper ponytail, clipping it out of the way. [12]
    • Clip your lower ponytail carefully so you don’t mess up the section of your braid that is already completed. You can even hold it in your mouth if that is easier than using a hair clip.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    After you’ve pulled your lower ponytail up through the two sections of the upper ponytail, bring these two sections back together. Secure them into a ponytail with yet another elastic. Unclip or let go of the clipped up ponytail, which is now on top. [13]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Do a Pull‐Through Braid
    Split the top ponytail into two sections. Bring the bottom ponytail through the two sections and clip it out of the way. Secure the two sections back together into a ponytail. Secure the end with one hair elastic and examine your work. Loosen up any pieces that look tight or flat, and you’re all set! [14]
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How long does this process take?
    Community Answer
    At first it might take 15 minutes to half an hour, but with practice you'll get it down to about 5 minutes.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7
  • Question
    How could I conceal the rubber elastics in my hair?
    GeGeGeLL
    Community Answer
    You could wrap a piece of your hair around the elastic to cover it. You could also buy hair elastics that match the colour of your hair so that it blends in easily.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 17
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Things You’ll Need

      • Elastic hair ties
      • Hair clip

      You Might Also Like

      A Complete Guide to French Braiding Hair
      How to
      Make a Dutch Braid
      10 Easy Ways to Braid Your Hair
      How to
      Make a Fishtail Braid: A Step-By-Step Tutorial
      How to
      Braid Your Own Cornrows
      How to
      Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners
      How to
      Tie a Braid to a Mono
      How to
      Do a Basic or French Braid Hair Style: Easy Tutorials
      Learn How to Create, Style, and Care for Your Own Box Braids
      How to
      Do Double French Braids
      How to
      Braid Short Hair for Men
      3 Crown Braid Hairstyles You Can Make at Home
      How to
      Do Two French Braids
      How to
      Wash Braids
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      5. ↑ https://www.babble.com/beauty/the-hottest-braid-right-now-isnt-a-braid-at-all/
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      9. ↑ https://www.babble.com/beauty/the-hottest-braid-right-now-isnt-a-braid-at-all/
      1. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/12/french-pull-through-braid.html
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVANKVEtSrE
      5. ↑ http://www.abeautifulmess.com/2015/12/french-pull-through-braid.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 79,004 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Jody Michelle H.

        Jun 16, 2023

        "Very nicely explained! I appreciate that you've tried to show, and tell for various styles of learners. The ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement