French Braid Styles
French braids look elegant and can be a practical hairstyle for those
who don’t have time to freshen up throughout the day. It could keep even
very curly hair under control and remain a good way to keep cool on a
hot summer day. The best thing about French braids is that they can be
styled in a way to fit formal events. However, before trying other
variations, it is important to learn how to weave the basic French braid
first. To be able to create all the French braid variations below, your
basic braid should have three parts – the top portion where the braid
starts, the tail and the pocket just behind the top section.
- French ponytail – Start with the French braid close to
the hairline and weave only to the back of the crown. Tie the
remaining hair into a ponytail using a bow or a simple rubber band.
To add more drama and volume, curl the ends of the pony tail and add
setting spray.
- Dutch braid – Also known as the inverted French braid,
this type of braid is created when the hair sections are crossed
under each other, instead of over another. It creates a 3D-looking
braid that stands up from the rest of the hair, instead of being
under the hair.
- Half braid – Start the braid very close to the hairline.
When you’ve reached the back of the crown, create a braid or two and
then stop drawing new strips. This produces loose hair on a large
portion of the braid. You can braid the ends off or tie it with any
hair accessory to keep the hair in place. This style is recommended
for people with soft curls.
- Mixed braids – Begin with the top portion of the head and
continue with half of the loose sections. Use another type of braid
such as fishtail or 3-ply rope when continuing with the remaining
loose hair.
- Single braids – When you do a single French braid,
complete the basic braid and pull loose hairs around the upper
portion using a pick. Curl the loose hair with a curling iron and
use setting spray for styling.
- Double braids – If you want the traditional two-part
braid, divide the hair into two sections and braid each side
separately following the instructions of the basic French braid.
- Diagonal braids – Start the French braid near one ear and end
the braid on the other ear. Simply tuck in the tail into the pocket
and hold it in place using a pin.
- Upside-down braids – As its name suggest, you need to
start the French braid at the nape (just above your neck). Flip your
head over and begin the braid, working slowly to your hairline.
Unlike the other variations, you need to keep the braids tight
throughout and only loosen it up at the end. Tuck it into the pocket
and use pins for styling.
- Y-braid – Divide the hair in the center into two sections
and braid them separately. When both braids have reached the back of
the crown, join the two braids together and use the basic French
braid in the end.
- Fishtail braid – An exception to this list, the fishtail
braid starts off just like an ordinary French braid, but uses only
two strands instead of three.
Just like any other hairstyle, these French braid styles can make or
break your whole look. Make sure you know what you’re doing; else, ask
someone to do your hair for you. You can add ribbons, barrettes, beads
and other accessories to these French braid hairstyles for a more personalized look. |
