How to French braid your own hair, step by step

Short answer: start with three strands at your hairline, cross the right strand over the middle, then the left, and before every cross add a small section of loose hair to that strand. Keep going to the nape, then finish with a regular braid.

Before you start

• Brush out tangles. Day-two hair grips better than freshly washed hair.
• Have one hair tie ready on your wrist.
• Curly hair: lightly mist it with water and use your fingers instead of a comb.

Step 1: Take the first section

Take a section at your hairline about the width of three fingers and split it into three equal strands.

Step 2: Make the first cross

Cross the right strand over the middle, then the left strand over the new middle. This anchors the braid.

Step 3: Add hair before every cross

Before you cross the right strand again, pick up a thin section of loose hair from the right side and add it to that strand. Do the same on the left. Small, even sections give a neater braid.

Step 4: Keep adding to the nape

Continue until all the hair is picked up at the nape of your neck. Keep your elbows up and the strands close to your head so the braid stays tight past the crown.

Step 5: Finish and tie

Braid the rest as a regular three-strand braid and tie the end. Gently pull the outer edges if you want it to look fuller.

Doing this with Plaitly

Plaitly shows the French braid, and Dutch braid pigtails, half crown braid and braided crown, as one picture per step that you follow at your own pace. The screen stays on while your hands are busy, so you never have to touch a video.

What is the difference between a French braid and a Dutch braid?

In a French braid you cross the strands over the middle, so the braid lies flat. In a Dutch braid you cross them under, so the braid stands out from the head.

Why does my French braid get loose at the back?

Your arms get tired and the tension drops. Keep your elbows up, add smaller sections and hold the strands close to the scalp until you pass the crown.

Can I French braid curly hair?

Yes. Braid on slightly damp, day-two hair and separate the strands with your fingers instead of a comb.