How to Braid Your Own Hair Because Salons Are Expensive

The French braid is a classic style that looks impressive without being difficult to pull off, which means regardless of your braiding skills (or lack thereof), we're sure you can master this look. Whether you've got long locks, a short crop, kinky-curly texture, or stick-straight strands, this protective style is sure to flatter. InStyle spoke with hair experts Bobby Tochterman and Robin Groover to give you a step-by-step tutorial on the best way to French braid your hair, along with pro styling tips to boot.

Meet Our Expert

• Bobby Tochterman is a hairstylist and co-founder of Maverick House NYC.

• Robin Groover is the owner of Too Groovy Salon.

Keep scrolling to find out how to braid your own hair and earn major compliments.

Prep Your Hair

Before you start braiding, you need to prep your hair. Tochterman advised grabbing a brush and bungee. A hair bungee is better than tying your hair with traditional elastic bands — which can cause breakage — and they expand like classic elastic bands; however, each end has a hook to secure hair without pulling on it, making it beneficial to those with coarse or thick hair. Once you're ready, prep your hair with antioxidant-filled R+Co Suncatcher.

"[It's the] perfect leave-in conditioner — lightweight, has vitamin C, helps detangle and nourish, and has UV protection," said Tochterman. "It's the perfect prep for all hair types."

If you opt for a wet-look braid, Tochterman recommended a quarter size of R+Co Motorcycle Flexible Hold Gel.

As for natural hair: "French braids on textured hair begins with elongation of texture with a stretching drying method or blow drying to make the hair manageable for a smooth finish," shared Groover. If you place heat on your hair, don't forget to shield your hair with a heat protectant. OGX Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray protects hair up to 450 degrees, minimizes drying time, and smells divine.

"Once the desired texture is achieved, make sure the ends are detangled to avoid breakage," Groover added.

Related: 10 Black-Owned Hair Care Products I Can't Live Without

Part Your Hair

For fine to medium hair, after you brush, Tochterman advised the following: First, take a section of hair from the forehead to the back of the head. Then, split the hair into three equal sections so you have one on the left, one in the middle, and one on the right.

With natural hair, Groover recommended a different technique.

"Part the hair down the middle or with a low side part and divide the hair into two sections," said Groover.

As for mastering a sharp part, Groover told us, "The secret weapon is tracing the part with African Pride Edge Styling Wax for shine and a detailed finish."

Next, divide the subsection into three small sections, instructed Groover. "Begin the braid at the edges with the tiny short cross movements for a precise finish and style longevity, but do not grip tightly to prevent breakage," Groover warned. "Let the product secure the strands in place."

You should also keep in mind that the size of the braid will alter its look. "Large braids give a fuller look; small to medium braids are tighter and have less frizz," explained Groover.

Tips

The length of the braid also determines where you will focus on applying product. According to Groover, shorter braids require more product to prevent the braids from unraveling, while longer braids require more product on the ends to protect and prevent splitting.

Braid Your Hair

Tochterman broke down the exact way to French braid below. (We promise it's easier than it seems).

1. Take the right strand and cross it over to the middle.

2. Take the left strand and cross over to the middle.

3. Move all strands over to your left hand, separating them with your fingers. This frees up your right hand to work with.

4. In your left hand, hold each strand between your fingers, with the pinky holding the left strand, the middle finger holding the middle strand, and your index finger holding the right strand.

5. Pick up a small section of hair on the right and add it to the right strand by sliding it between your thumb and index finger to add to the braid.

6. Once hair is added to the right strand, cross the right strand over the middle, and bring all the hair to the right hand. Hold the right strand with your pinky, the middle strand with your middle finger, and the left strand between your index and thumb. This way, you free up your left hand to repeat the same sectioning technique on the other side.

7. Once you have added hair to the left strand, cross over to the middle section.

8. Repeat the right side and left side until you run out of hair to add to the braid.

9. Braid the shaft of the hair down to the ends.

Related: 7 New Braided Ponytails to Try Right Now

Secure the Braid

Once you're done, finish the braid with the hairspray of your choice "to calm flyaways and keep the shape," said Tochterman. For natural hair, Groover recommended "smoothing and designing your edges." You can use that same styling wax or the edge control of your choice.

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