How to Create French Braid Variations

Last Updated: May 4, 2023

French braids are a classic and elegant hairstyle that is great for formal and casual occasions alike. If you are getting tired of just a normal French braid, you can make variations such as making a French waterfall braid, a reverse French braid, or adding accessories. Feel free combine variations together to make a whole new hairstyle!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Different Hairstyle Based off Of The French Braid

Create a reverse French braid , also known as a Dutch braid. To create this, you will need to cross the strands under instead of over. This will create a 3-D effect.
2
Try making two braids. Section your hair carefully and create French braids on both sides.
- If you want to make French braid pigtails, you can stop braiding at the nape of your neck, or when all hair (on the side you're braiding) has been added. You can try this and end with a ponytail using a single French or Dutch braid, too!
Advertisement
If you know how to make a fishtail braid, why not take it a step further and make it a French fishtail braid? Start by gathering hair at the top of your head, and split this section into two sides, on in each hand. You can do a normal fishtail plait first. Next, take hair from one side (for now, let's say left) and put it in the piece you are holding in your right hand. Then put hair from the right side and put it in the piece you are holding in your left hand. Repeat until there is no more hair left for you to grab, and end in a normal fishtail braid (or you could just make a ponytail at the end).
Waterfall braids are pretty and the cascading strands look like waterfalls, hence the name. You can also try to Dutch waterfall braid.
5
Create a small French braid that goes on the side of your head and secure with an elastic. You can then tie all of your hair in a ponytail, or leave it down.
- Alternatively, you can braid your bangs to the side.
Instead of braiding to the nape of your neck, French braid to about where your ear level. Then finish with a normal braid and leave the other hair out. If you use two braids, you can combine them.
Braid a lace French braid , where you only add hair to one side. This is good for small braids, or if you are trying to make a crown braid. You can also use a normal French or Dutch braid for a crown braid. Rope braids are another choice for crown braids.
8

Try a feather waterfall braid if you are experienced. You will need to braid a stitch of a normal braid and add a small strand only from the top . Cross the top strand to the middle as usual. Next you will cross the bottom strand to the middle, but before you do that, split the bottom strand into two parts, one larger than the other. Let go of the small piece. Repeat this, adding hair to the top strand and crossing it down and letting go of a small piece of the bottom strand whenever you cross it up. ^{[1]
X
Research source} .
9
Do a faux French braid if you have not gotten the hang of a normal one yet! Just create a normal braid using a section of hair from the top of your head and braid down. Secure with an elastic (make this loose, but not too loose. You should be able to fit a finger or two inside the loops). Then pull hair from the outside into the loops and let it hang. Repeat this. Some hair will be pulled through the loops twice, and that's fine. When you reach the nape of your neck, grab all your hair and finish with a normal braid. ^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Another version of a faux French braid is to do a pull-through braid. You don't have to keep going at the nape of your neck, you can just end it with a ponytail.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Adding Accessories and Other Decorations

If you are in a wedding party or if you are going to a prom, you can add flowers to your hair. Try adding tiny flowers in every stitch of your French braid.
Glitter hairspray can settle your style while adding extra shine.
Choose a color that matches your outfit.
4
Use a hair tattoo. They aren’t permanent, but they can add a bit of variation. Try putting two on top of your head, like a headband (one on each side).
- You can also use a real headband. Be sure it does not interfere with the braid or else it can look weird (this also goes for hair tattoos).
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

What exactly is a hair tattoo and where might I find one?

Community Answer

A hair tattoo is like a temporary tattoo but used on your hair. You might find some at cosmetic/beauty stores.

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 2

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Feel free to use a combination of these styles. For instance, You might make French braid pigtails but combine them at the nape of your neck to create a single fishtail braid!

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

[1]

[2]

How to Create French Braid Variations

Steps

Making a Different Hairstyle Based off Of The French Braid

Adding Accessories and Other Decorations

Community Q&A

Tips

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Did this article help you?

About this article

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories