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Braid Your Hair

Braid Your Hair
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Learn step by step to braid your hair into a three strand or simple French braid, practicing sectioning, tension, and neat finishing techniques.

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Step-by-step guide to braid your hair

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10 EASY Braids For Beginners - ALL THE BRAIDS YOU NEED! ⭐️ Cute & Easy Summer Hairstyles ⭐️

What you need
Adult supervision required, brush or comb, hair clips (optional), hair tie(s), light water spray or detangler (optional), mirror

Step 1

Gather your materials and sit in front of a mirror so you can see your hair clearly.

Step 2

Brush or comb your hair all the way through to remove tangles.

Step 3

Decide which braid to make today: a three-strand braid or a French braid.

Step 4

For a three-strand braid start by dividing all your hair into three even sections with your fingers.

Step 5

Braid the three-strand by repeatedly crossing the outside section over the middle section as you move down.

Step 6

When you reach about two inches from the ends, secure the braid with a hair tie and smooth any flyaways.

Step 7

For a French braid start by taking a small section of hair at the top of your head and split it into three even strands.

Step 8

Do a French braid right move: cross the right strand over the middle while adding a small nearby piece of loose hair into that right strand.

Step 9

Do a French braid left move: cross the left strand over the middle while adding a small nearby piece of loose hair into that left strand.

Step 10

Repeat the right move and left move, adding hair each time, while working down toward the nape of your neck.

Step 11

When you reach the bottom, finish with a regular three-strand braid for the last few inches and secure the end with a hair tie; smooth any stray hairs.

Step 12

Share a photo or video of your finished braid on DIY.org so everyone can see your great work.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

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Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a hair tie to secure the braid?

If you don't have a hair tie, secure the end as the instructions say by knotting a ribbon, scrunchie, or small elastic band around the braid's ends.

My braid keeps slipping or looks uneven—how can I fix it?

Brush or comb through with the mirror as the instructions begin, redivide your hair into three even sections, and use small clips or a light mist of water or styling product to keep sections from slipping while you braid and smooth flyaways at the end.

How can I adapt the activity for different ages or skill levels?

For younger kids have an adult do a simple three-strand braid and stop a few inches sooner before securing with a hair tie, while older kids can follow the French braid steps adding smaller pieces or braid tighter for more challenge.

How can we personalize or make the braid fancier after finishing?

Weave a ribbon into the hair as you perform the French braid moves, add beads or colorful hair ties to the secured end, and then share a photo or video on DIY.org to show your customized result.

Watch videos on how to braid your hair

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Learn How To Braid Your Hair For Beginners ⭐️ (IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES) Handplacement & Step By Step!

4 Videos

Facts about haircare and hairstyling for kids

⏱️ With practice, a three-strand braid can be done in under a minute.

🕰️ Braids are ancient — braided hair appears in artifacts and art from thousands of years ago!

🪢 Consistent tension (not too tight, not too loose) is the secret to neat, long-lasting braids.

🎀 Finishing with a small elastic, ribbon, or bobby pin keeps the braid tidy and adds style.

🧠 Learning to braid boosts fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and patience.

How do I braid my child's hair into a three-strand or simple French braid step by step?

To braid hair into a three-strand braid, start by brushing hair to remove tangles. Divide hair into three equal sections. Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle, repeating until you reach the end; secure with an elastic. For a simple French braid, begin with a small top section, cross outer sections over the center and add a little hair from the corresponding side each time you cross. Keep even tension for neat braids.

What materials do I need to braid a child's hair?

You'll need a detangling brush or wide-tooth comb, a fine-tooth comb for parting, hair ties or small elastics, sectioning clips, and a spray bottle with water or leave-in conditioner to manage frizz. Optional items: a mirror, styling gel or mousse for hold, and a soft headband for younger children. Choose gentle, snag-free elastics and avoid metal clips to keep hair protected.

What ages is learning to braid hair suitable for?

Braiding can start as early as 3–4 years with full adult assistance for simple three-strand styles. Independent basic braiding is usually learned between 6–8 years, while children 8+ often master French braids with practice. Developmental differences matter: attention span, fine motor skills, and patience determine readiness. Always supervise younger children and offer a comfortable seated setup to make learning safe and fun.

What are the benefits and safety tips for teaching kids to braid hair, and how can I vary styles?

Braiding builds fine motor skills, concentration, and independence while creating a calming parent-child bonding activity. Safety tips: avoid braiding too tightly to prevent scalp pain or hair damage, use soft elastics, and remove styles overnight for younger kids. Check products for allergies and dampen tangled hair before styling. For variety, try adding ribbons, loose pull-through braids, or combining Dutch and three-strand braids for a different look.
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