How to Braid Your Hair: The Easiest Braids for Beginners

Braiding Basics for Beginners

Learning the basic braid techniques is the perfect way to upgrade your hairstyle from everyday to special. Here, we'll cover some of the most popular braiding styles for those just starting out.

French Braid

A French braid is one of the most classic braiding styles. To begin, section off a portion of your hair located at the crown of your head. Using three smaller sections, begin the braid by crossing the right strand over the middle, and then crossing the left strand over the new middle strand. Continue adding hair from the sides to the center strand, each time alternating which side you’re getting the hair from, before crossing it over the new center strand. When there is no more hair to add, finish the braid as you would by any other braid.

Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids are an easy way to spice up your hairstyle. Divide the section of hair into two smaller, equal sections. Take a small strand from the outside of the right side, and cross it over the center to the left side. Think of it like weaving. Take a strand of hair from the outside of the left side, and cross it over the center to the right side. Continue weaving the two strands in this way until the end, and secure with an elastic band.

Dutch Braid

A Dutch braid is a type of French braid, but the main difference is that the strands are crossed underneath each other instead of over one another. Separate the section of hair at the crown of your head into three even sections. Cross the right strand of hair underneath the center piece. Then cross the left strand underneath the new center strand. As you French braid, add a small portion of hair from each side as you cross them underneath the center.