How to Braid Hair

Have you ever wanted to braid your own hair or someone else's hair? Here is an easy way to learn how, using these quick and simple directions!

Steps   

  1. Comb out all the hair. Make sure that there are no tangles.
  2. Select the section of hair that you wish to braid. It can be on any part of the scalp and can be any amount of hair.
  3. Three sections to braid
    Three sections to braid
    Divide the hair into three even sections. Separate the sections with your hands. Hold the left and center sections with your left fingers and the right section with your right hand.
  4. Cross the right section (pink) across the center section (blue)
    Cross the right section (pink) across the center section (blue)
    Begin braiding. Take the right section and cross it on top of the center section. Grab the center section with your right hand and the right section with your left fingers. This will make the right section be the new center section and the center section be the new right section.
  5. Move the center section into your right fingers. This will mean that the left section is the only one remaining in the left hand.
  6. Cross the left section (yellow) over the center section (pink)
    Cross the left section (yellow) over the center section (pink)
    Take the left section and cross it on top of the center section. Grab the center section with your left hand and the left section with your right fingers. This will turn the left section into the new center section and the center section be the new left section.
  7. Move the center section into your left fingers. This will mean that the right section is the only one remaining in the right hand.
  8. Cross the right section (blue) over the center section (yellow)
    Cross the right section (blue) over the center section (yellow)
    Repeat steps 3-6. Repeat until you reach the bottom of the hair.
  9. A finished braid
    A finished braid
    Use a hair tie to secure the braid. Choose a hair-friendly elastic.


Tips   

  • You may wish to use a hair tie to hold the section of hair you wish to braid all together. You may also spray hair spray or use gel on the section of hair before you start to enable the three parts to stay together better.
  • If you've never braided before, learn the pattern with thick yarn or ribbon before you start on somebody's hair. It takes some practice to get the feel of it.
  • Gentle tension on the braid, pulling down on the strands, will keep the braid snug.
  • Take the braid out by unbraiding it from the bottom, the opposite of braiding it.


Warnings   

  • Do not pull excessively hard or hair will fall out.


Things You'll Need   

  • Hair to work with (either your own or someone else's) of reasonable length
  • 2 hair ties
  • Hair spray or gel (optional)