How to Make a French Braid Headband

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 Tested

A French braid headband is just what it sounds like. To create one, you French braid a small section of hair on the front of the head and use it as a headband to keep your hair or bangs out of your face. Read on to figure out how to do this cute and simple style.

Steps

1
Learn how to braid and French braid. This article will not cover these methods extensively.
2
Begin with tangle-free clean hair. If you have straight or wavy hair this will work best with dry hair. If you have curly hair that cannot be brushed when it is dry, try braiding your hair wet. However, be very gentle as the hair has a tendency to "snap" more easily when it is wet.

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3
Part your hair to either side. You can part it down the middle and do a French braid on both sides.
4
Create a part for the hair you want to be in the headband, using a comb, pencil, pointy end of a makeup brush, fingernail, or something similar. Begin two to three inches (5-7.5cm) back on the part, and make sure to have a nice rectangular section of hair. You're going to be braiding the larger section of hair at least (versus the other side of your part).
- If you're going to put your hair up into a bun or ponytail, end about two inches (5cm) above your ear and then move forward to create a nice right corner.
- If you're going to wear your hair down, end at your ear.
5
Put the hair that will not be braided (the majority of it) into a ponytail or clip. Just make sure it won't get in the way while you're braiding. Use a loose ponytail if you're going to wear your hair down so that you don't create a lump or crease.
6
Begin French braiding. Starting at the part section off a small rectangular piece and separate it into three pieces. Cross the rightmost over the center. Then add some hair to what used to be the rightmost strand (now center) from the right side. Cross the leftmost over the center. Then add some hair to what used to be the leftmost strand (now center) from the left side.
7
Continue French braiding until you've used all the loose hair in the braid.
- Once you're done with that braid the rest of the hair with a normal braid and secure it at the end with an elastic.
8
Finish it up. At this point you can also choose to braid the hair on the other side of your part. Do the following depending on your hair style that day:
- Ponytail: Gather your hair into a ponytail, including the braid(s). If the braid becomes bumpy when you put it up, try twisting or bobby pinning it. Secured your ponytail with an elastic and you're done! You can also turn it into a bun. Twist the tail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail. Then pin or use another elastic to hold the bun place.
- Down: For a quick fix, just pin the braid(s) back from your face with a bobby pin or clip. To make it quite literally a headband, bring the ends of the braid behind your head and under your hair. Then tie them together with an elastic.
9
Finished.

Community Q&A

Question

What should I do if the French braid is bumpy?

Community Answer

Brush out the hair before braiding, and as you braid, finger comb or brush out the pieces of hair you are adding. Tighten the hair in the braid as you go.
Question

Do you have to do a ponytail?

Community Answer

No, you don't. You could leave your hair down or do a bun. It's up to you.
Question

What do I do if I have bangs?

Community Answer

You can incorporate the bangs into the braid if you want, or you can leave them down and just use the hair behind the bangs.

Warnings

You want to make your braid firm so it doesn't flop around, but don't make it too tight. You don't want to have to stop wearing this style because you're giving yourself headaches!

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Be careful if you are brushing or combing your hair when it's wet. Wet hair is stretchier so it has a tendency to snap. When it snaps it leaves a damaged end. Do not rip through your hair with a brush. Instead try using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb while your hair has conditioner in it to get the worst of the tangles out.

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