French braid
From Haircentric.com
A French braid, unlike a regular, three strand braid, starts with small sections of hair at the crown of a person's head, and intermittently, more hair is added to each section as the braid progresses down the head. The classic French braid is a single braid at the back of one's head, though variations on this hairstyle include side braids and twists.
Clever hair accessories sold in several all-purpose and beauty stores acknowledge the primary difficulty of learning to French braid, and sell products, such as the Eurobraider to help beginners achieve French braiding success.
- Medium to long hair works best for French braiding. A ponytail holder or elastic hair scrunchie is needed; hairspray and bobby pins are helpful, but optional.
- Gather hair that falls in front of the ears when loose up and hold in a ponytail at the top of the head. Divide it into three parts. Complete one section of a traditional "English" braid by crossing the right section into the center, the center to the right, the left to the center, and the newer center to the left (For more help, see braid).
- Keeping two sections of one's braid in one hand, gather more hair from the same side as the section in one's other hand, and incorporate it into that section of hair one is braiding. Repeat this for the center section of hair, and the opposite section. A more gradual addition of hair increases the intricacy of the braid.
- After adding extra hair, another English braiding round, and then the third and fourth steps are repeated until all hair is gathered into the plait. Once that is achieved, continue with an English braid until meeting the ends of the strands of hair. Secure braid with elastic.