Q&A for How to Side Braid Hair

One thing you can do is a knotless braid by tying your braid with a strand of hair at the end and then using an elastic band on top of that. Also, wash, condition, and dry your braids without adding extra products or oils. This should help your braids stay in place for longer.

A fishtail braid starts with splitting the hair into two sections. Then, divide off a small piece from one section and cross it over to the other section. Then repeat on the opposite side. Continue crossing small pieces back and forth to create the braid.

You can create a Dutch braid by feel. Start with three strands at the top of the head and braid as if you are creating a French braid, but cross the outer sections under the center section, not over it. You can use a pair of mirrors to help you see the back of your head if needed.

You can create a French braid anywhere on the head, just pull the hair into the area where you want the braid to sit. To make a ponytail, simply stop braiding where you want the ponytail to sit, gather all hair together, and secure with an elastic.

To create a braid, the hair needs to be long enough to gather and fold. On short hair, instead of making one big braid, try creating multiple braids or add small braids as accents.

No at all! Many people actually try to make their side braids look messy on purpose. If it really bothers you, you can always smooth them down with some hairspray, or secure them with bobby pins.

Sweep all your hair to one side. Separate your hair into two sections, and take a small strand of hair from one side to the other. Keep repeating until your hair runs out.

Of course! It will make your hair wavy when it dries.

Yes. Thick hair looks really good in a loose braid, but you can experiment with whatever works for you.

You can leave it as a half up/half down side braid by securing it with a bobbing pin.

Get your hair wet and part it with a comb.

You can use hairspray and comb your hair out before braiding. Be sure to comb vigorously. You can also try using the anti-grease sprays available in many drugstores and salons.

Add a lot of conditioner, then while it's wet, comb it out and do the braid of your choosing.

Instead of plaiting it at the end, you can just braid the desired amount and then secure it with a hair tie.

You can use hairspray, or gel even, but if you braid your hair wet, it looks cleaner when it dries.