Whether you want a casual, chic, or classic look, the possibilities are endless with braids. An in-vogue, versatile choice for various lengths of hair, braids can be a miraculous tool for tailoring your look and giving your hair some extra personality. Once you’ve learned the basic braids, mastering more creative styles will be a breeze. Get those fingers working!
A brush, one small clear elastic, one hair elastic, scissors
TIP
If your hair is layered or damaged, blend shorter sections in with longer sections in order to keep the ends from sticking out.
1 Brush out any tangles in your hair, or straighten it if you have curly hair. Make a low ponytail and secure with the small clear elastic, then separate the ponytail into two equal parts. Grab a section with each hand.
2 Pull out a small section from the outside portion of each of the two main sections, and cross these over each other so the sections end up on the opposite side from where they started.
3 Starting once again with two main sections, repeat the process for the remaining length of hair, crisscrossing a small section from the outside of each main section over to the main section opposite, tightening the braid as you go.
4 The braid will take on the fishbone shape as each layer builds upon the last. Secure at the end with the hair elastic.
5 Cut off the small clear elastic at the top and gently massage the braid to relax it.
TIP
Each time you crisscross a section of hair, make sure you tighten up the braid to that point. If any section is too loose, it could stick out from the rest.
1 Pull out a medium-size section of hair from the top of your head, separate it into three sections, and make two standard braids.
2 Now, as you cross one section over to the other side, this time incorporate a section of hair from the remaining hair on the side of your head.
3 Repeat the process on the other side. Then continue alternating between left and right, adding in a section of free hair from each side as you go along.
4 Once all hair from the sides has been woven into the braid, finish braiding as you would normally and secure with a hair elastic.
A brush, one hair elastic
TIP
Dampening or wetting your hair will make the braiding process easier, ensuring that each strand stays separate.
1 Brush your hair, then pull it to one side and separate it out into four sections at neck level, going from left to right.
2 Take the section closest to the front of your neck and weave it over the one next to it.
3 Then weave it underneath the following section.
4 Finally weave it above the last section.
5 Start the process over beginning with the section now closest to the front of your neck: over, under, and over again. Then repeat until the braid is complete and secure with a hair elastic.
A brush, two small clear elastics, fringe pins, scissors
TIP
If you have medium-length hair, make a ponytail higher up, at ear level, in order to have enough hair to complete the crown.
1 Brush your hair toward one ear, pull it into a ponytail and secure using a small elastic.
2 Braid the ponytail the whole way down, securing at the bottom with a small elastic. Cut off the elastic from the top.
3 Wrap the braid around your head, setting it in place with fringe pins as you go.
4 Conceal the end underneath your hair and secure with a fringe pin.
A brush, one small clear elastic, fringe pins
TIP
If you have short hair, use a hair extension matching your hair color, braid it, and set it around your real hair pulled back into a bun.
1 After brushing, separate out a third of your hair at the front and start by making a
French Braid. This braid will extend from one ear, across the front, and then to the back of your head.
2 Continue all the way around, incorporating hair into the braid from the surrounding remaining hair.
3 Once you’ve reached the back, pull sections of hair alternately from below, toward the nape, and from above, toward the crown.
4 Secure with a small elastic and conceal it underneath the braid.
5 Stabilize the crown all around using fringe pins.
A brush, several small clear elastics, fringe pins
TIP
For a more natural look, loosen up the weaves of the braid once it is complete, or even let some strands fall out from underneath the crown.
1 After brushing, part your hair at the top and separate it into two equal parts. Attach a small elastic to each section above the ear, keeping some strands in the front loose if you like.
3 Secure the braid with a small elastic and fix it atop your forehead with fringe pins.
4 Repeat this process for the opposite side, concealing the elastic end underneath the opposite braid.
A brush, three small clear elastics, scissors
TIP
Vary the effect of this style by braiding each strand entirely, or braiding only up to where the various parts come together.
1 Brush your hair back. Pull out a section of hair at the temple on each side and braid each section toward the back, securing with small elastics.
2 Pull out two sections of hair next to these braids, straighten them out, and hold them together at the back of your head.
3 Bring the braids together just above the straightened sections so that each braid is overlapping the section beneath it.
4 Secure all the parts in a half ponytail using the third small elastic and cut off the elastics from the individual braids.
A brush or a comb, two small clear elastics, texturizing powder
TIP
If your hair slips out of place, use some hair gel or fixing mousse as you begin braiding to make sure the braids set well. Finish off with elastics.
1 Part your hair in the center, then apply some texturizing powder to the roots and along the lengths of the hair.
2 With a brush or comb, lightly tease the first third of the hair starting at the roots. (This will help prevent the braids from coming undone.)
3 Braid the remaining lengths of hair, making the braids tighter as you go along.
4 Heavily tease the ends to finish off the braid, or secure each braid with a small clear elastic. Pull out some stray strands for effect and spritz with hair spray.
One hair elastic, one small clear elastic, hair gel or fixing mousse
TIP
For the experts out there, try incorporating a
French Braid where the braid meets up with the part, or make a mini braid for an even more unique effect.
1 Separate out a small section of hair from the left or right side of your forehead.
2 Pull back a good amount of hair from the forehead, coat it with gel or mousse, and smooth it out as you pull it toward the back of your head.
3 Braid or twist this hair.
4 Pull it into a ponytail at the base of your neck, using the hair elastic to secure it to the rest of your hair.
5 Braid the small front section and secure with the small elastic. Then pull this braid across your forehead and align it with the part on the opposite side, blend it in with the rest of your hair, and secure it with a hidden pin.
