How to Start a French Braid

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A French braid may seem complicated. Many people wonder how to even begin the process. While French braiding hair takes some practice, once you get the initial pattern going, it is fairly easy. To start a French braid, separate your hair into sections. From there, make your initial braid. Begin incorporating hair outside the braid into the main braid to successfully start the process.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Making Your First Braid

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    To start, comb out your hair gently to remove any tangles. Once your hair is smoothed and combed through, comb all your hair backwards and away from your forehead. [1]
    • If you have very long hair, drape it over your shoulder so you start with your hair all on 1 side.
    • You could also use clips to hold the hair you aren’t braiding out of the way.
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    Reach to the crown of your head. Pull out a large chunk of hair. Separate this chunk into 3 sections of roughly even size. Hold the strands in place between your 2 hands. [2]
    • The larger the chunks are, the larger the braid will be.
    • One strand should fall entirely in the right hand, another should fall entirely in the left hand, and the strand between them should be held by both your right and left hand.
    • To start the look, find a space away from mirrors. Mirrors seem like they would be helpful to the process, as they allow you to see what you're doing. However, mirrors can actually provide more confusion. You will be watching mirror images of your hands, which can cause you to reach for the wrong strands of hair. It's easier to braid your hair without relying on a mirror for guidance.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    You start a French braid by braiding the first 3 sections you separated. Take the strand you're holding in your right hand. Cross this over the middle strand. The right strand is now your new middle strand. The middle strand is now the right strand. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Take the strand you're holding in your left hand. Cross this strand over the middle strand. [4]
    • Be sure to cross your left strand over the middle strand that was once the right strand. Do not cross the left strand over the former middle strand.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Pull on your strands to bring your braid together. This should tighten the knot-like structure you just created. This will help keep your braid in place as you continue to French braid. [5]
    • If you’re new to French braiding, the braid might be loose or a little messy. Don’t worry, though! You’ll be able to create tight, neat braids with a little bit of practice.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Use your fingers to keep your hair separated into 3 different strands. Carefully transfer all 3 strands to your left hand. Make sure to keep them separate using your fingers even while holding them with 1 hand. [6]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Incorporating More Hair

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Use your free right hand to gather a section of loose hair near your right ear. You are going to be incorporating new strands into your braid. This section should be the same size as the sections you're holding in your left hand. [7]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Use your right hand to pass the strand you just made into the current right strand. Push the sections together to make a bigger, thicker right strand. [8]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Use your right hand. Take the new right strand and pass it over the middle strand. Pull the braid slightly to tighten it up. [9]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Start a French Braid
    Take all your hair and transfer it to your right hand. Use your fingers to keep the sections separated into three distinct strands. [10]
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    On the left side, you will repeat this same process again. Make a new strand on the left side of your head. Incorporate it into your existing left strand. Pass this new left strand over the middle strand. Then, transfer your hair to your right hand. [11]
    • This is the start of a French braid. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What if you can't work quickly?
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.
    Ashley Adams
    Professional Hair Stylist
    Expert Answer
    Nothing is wrong with that. In fact, you should take your time in order to produce quality braids. Speed will come in time with practice.
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  • Question
    What if my hair is dry and frizzy? What is the best way to avoid it?
    Community Answer
    Use hair masks and oil treatments. Check out wikiHow article Make a Homemade (Natural) Protein Hair Mask for some DIY ideas.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Why is my hair frizzy with tangles?
    Unicorn Fangirl
    Community Answer
    It may just be your hair type. You may need to use conditioner often, or a hair mask/oil. Hair spray will work to tame your hair before/after styling it.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    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
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      References

      1. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-french-braid-your-own-hair/
      2. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      3. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      4. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/
      6. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/
      7. ↑ https://theeffortlesschic.com/french-braid-tutorial/
      8. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/
      9. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/
      1. ↑ http://www.seventeen.com/beauty/hair/advice/a2029/french-braids-0608/
      2. ↑ Ndeye Anta Niang. Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider. Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To start a French braid, comb any tangles out of your hair and brush it back away from your forehead. Divide the hair into three sections at the crown of your head. Cross the rightmost strand over the middle strand, then cross the leftmost strand over the new middle strand. Gently pull on the ends of the strands to tighten the first part of the braid. Transfer all the three strands of hair to your left hand and use your fingers on that hand to keep the strands separate. Use your right hand to gather some new hair from the right-hand side of your head and incorporate it into the new rightmost strand. Then, cross the rightmost strand over the middle strand. Tighten the braid again and transfer the strands to your right hand, then repeat the same process with hair from the left side of your head. Keep repeating this pattern until you have completed the French braid. For more tips from our Beauty co-author, including how to hold the various strands properly while doing a French braid, read on!

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