How to Start a French Braid

Co-authored by Ndeye Anta Niang

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

1
Comb your hair backwards. 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]
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- 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.
2
Separate a chunk of hair into 3 sections. 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]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
- 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
Cross the right-most strand over the middle strand. 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]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
4
Cross the left-most strand over the middle strand. Take the strand you're holding in your left hand. Cross this strand over the middle strand.^{[4]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
- 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
Pull the braid tight to secure. 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]
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- 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
Transfer the braided hair to your left hand. 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

1
Gather a section from the right side of your head. 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]
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2
Add the new right strand to the current right strand. 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]
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3
Cross the right strand over the middle strand. 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]
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4
Transfer your hair to your right hand. 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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5
Repeat the process on the left. 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]
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Expert Source

Ndeye Anta Niang
Professional Hair Stylist & Master Braider
Expert Interview. 10 January 2020.}
- This is the start of a French braid. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your hair.

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

Support wikiHow by unlocking this 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.
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.
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.