How to Style a Classic French Braid

I adore a pretty french braid! It's such a classic hairstyle that can work on many different hair lengths, including locks with layers. If you've never french braided before, or just need a refresher you're in luck. Sarah demonstrates a french braid on our pretty model Anna.1.Seperate the top 1/3 of your hair into three sections. 2. Begin braiding these sections together. 3. As you braid add more of the loose hair to each section so that you use all of your hair by the time you finish the braid. 4. Tuck any loose strands into the finished french braid, and you're done!You can use this technique to create a classic french braid (like the one shown) or you can create french braids on the side of your hair, going upside down or you can divide your hair into two main sections before you begin creating french braided pigtails! There are so many different variations you can try once you feel comfortable french braiding your own hair. Have fun with it! xo. emma and elsie

This hair tutorial was created in collaboration with Sarah Chapman, a professional hair stylist at Blu Skies Hair Studio in Springfield, Missouri. If you're local, give her a call!

Comments

[Megan Lee Webb]

My aunt taught me the classic french braid when I was four and have been rockin' it ever since. I really love to do them from the side!

http://judeandthewalrus.com

[Zoe]

Thanks for sharing this, I have never been able to do these!

Zoe x
http://gypsiesister.blogspot.co.uk

[Natalie]

Thanx for sharing, someday I hope to be able to do that for myself. I can kind of french braid someone else's hair but my own is a no go. Maybe I'll give it another shot after seeing this. Thanx

Natalie
www.projectdowhatyoulove.wordpress.com

[Tinacious.Me]

this is so cute! wish i have longer hair to try it out now!
xo, Tina
http://www.tinacious.me/

[Natasha Fatah]

I wish I could figure out how to do this for myself.
Love the way this looks.

xoxo
~Natasha Fatah~

[Mandy]

I can French braid my own hair, but I always end up with a reverse braid (the braid sits on top of the hair rather than under it). I would LOVE to figure out how to do it the correct way.

[Miss K]

Thanks for the tip

[Sallytangle]

This is perfect as i have always seemed to end up with just normal plaits, i am def going to give this a go for a change. I just find it quite had plaiting at the back of my head….does anyone else?!?

[Laura G.]

In France we call that an "african braid" ^^

[Audrey - This Little Street]

exactly what I was going to say :) Too funny that in France we say they are African braids ;) Great tutorial!

[olga]

French braid is such a classy hairstyle! But I think I need someone's help to do it :-(

[Smotzy]

Oh,how I wish I could do that!!

[Sari]

Love this hairdo!
Looks really laid back yet pretty :)

[Lady à la Mode]

you make it look so easy :)!

xxx
www.ladyalamode.com

[Lindsay]

Cute! Her hair is so thick. Unfortunately mine is pretty thin.

[Valerie (all mussed up)]

I remember gritting my teeth at age 8 and saying, 'I WILL French braid my hair today! So I practiced and practiced and practiced, and pretty it was easy as pie.

Now I love to experiment...I'm in a phase of french braiding upside-down from the nape of my neck to my crown, then finishing in a messy bun. It's a lovely little detail for an otherwise boring hair standby. I also love braiding all around my head for a cute milkmaid look.

[Rachel]

I love how this looks, but like a lot of people mentioned, I wish I could do it on myself. Does anyone have any tips for French-braiding your own hair? Is it just practice?

[elsie]

Q: Does anyone have any tips for French-braiding your own hair? Is it just practice?
A: It does take practice. It definitely gets easier with time! :D

[Kat]

Very Lovely.

[Lauren]

I like doing the reverse version :D I've been doing both since I was little though - I can do them on my own hair easier than on other people.

If you can't do it on yourself, try the reverse version until you get better (go under instead of over).. I think it's a little easier (I also think it looks better, but that might just be me!)