When it comes to braiding hair, the three strand braid is the ultimate first step to start as a beginner. Once you've mastered this, you'll be ready for and able to tackle other hairstyles as well, like the herringbone braid. Just watch our post video for a simple guide to these variations. Also check out the step-by-step instructions below.
There are simple, beautiful and quick solutions for a longer, thicker braid. For the easy version, position yourself in front of a mirror and bring all of your hair forward over one shoulder. First, brush the hair to create a smooth and tangle-free base.
Three strand braid
Divide your hair into three strands – left, middle and right. Take the left strand of hair and cross it over the middle one. First catch the right strand of hair and pull it over the middle as well. Hold the braid in place as you braid each stitch and hair. Continue crossing over each section of hair until you get to the bottom of your hair. Use a hair band to tie the end with.
French braid
First, grab the same portion of hair from the front of the temples. Divide the hair three times again. Start by crossing the right side over the middle strand. Repeat the process with the left side. Pull the right section of hair over the middle section of hair and hold it in place. Then pull some hair from the right sides and add it to the right strand that you are holding.
Then cross the left strand of hair over the middle one and grab some hair from the left side. Add this to the left side that you are currently holding. Repeat until you have braided and tied all of your hair together. Tie the remaining hair using the basic three-strand braiding technique. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
Braiding hair – Dutch braid
Grab the same sections of hair from the top of your forehead. Divide the hair into 3 equal strands of hair and cross the right strand under the middle one. Take some hair from the right side and add the current right strand of hair underneath. Be careful to keep the hair tight.
Continue with the left pane by dragging it under the middle one. Take some hair from the left side and add it under the current left strand that you are braiding. Repeat this until you get to the last sections of hair.
When adding these to the braid, be sure to hold the hair tightly. Continue braiding downward like a simple French braid, but cross the side strands under the middle one. Tie the end of the braid as usual with a hair tie.
Herringbone braid
Place the hair in a ponytail and divide it evenly in half. Pick up a small section from the outside edge of one page. Cross this over and add it to the other side.
Repeat with a small section of hair from the other side by adding it to the opposite side. Braid to the end of the hair and tie with a hair tie.
