Learning to braid can be challenging for anyone; even the easiest braids seen on celebrities or social media tutorials require skill and strength from those practicing them.
Ensure your hair is clean and detangled, then spray your bobby pins with some hairspray or salt spray to increase grip and ensure secure placement.
Waterfall Braid
A romantic waterfall braid is a gorgeous way to add romance and sophistication to any everyday look. Additionally, this braid keeps flyaways tucked away so you can focus on enjoying whatever day or night lies ahead!
Start your waterfall braid by taking a section of hair near your hairline (it’s best to start higher up so there is room for a full French braid later) and splitting it into three parts, crossing one over onto the middle section and leaving one hanging – this creates the waterfall effect!
Repeat this process of adding and dropping strands until your braid would typically reach its endpoint; at this point, either continue with French braiding (secure it with clear elastic) or use bobby pins at its base to secure your work.
This hairstyle is perfect for casual beachgoing and outdoor wedding events, as its simple yet feminine style makes for a stunning combination. Adjusting its length depends on preference; shorter-haired individuals can add impact by braiding two waterfall braids instead. Its unique twist adds visual interest against lighter colors with silvery gray balayage dyeing or pastel tints!
For an exaggerated version of the waterfall braid, try this style with an additional strand for an undulating side-swept appearance. This style is particularly beloved amongst ladies with naturally curly locks and is an excellent addition for bridesmaids, wedding guests, or other special events.
No matter your skill level in braiding, there is always something new and exciting to discover when it comes to these beautiful updos. Practice is vital to perfecting these updos; experiment with various styles without fear of making mistakes! A hairspray or texturizing spray may also help securely hold the strands in place. If this type of braiding is new to you, finding someone familiar with this style who will share their knowledge may also prove invaluable.
Three-Strand Braid
A three-strand braid is a straightforward style perfect for novice braiders just starting. Ideal for sleek ponytails or updos alike, its signature style requires only side parting and three sections – top, middle, and bottom – of hair, which should all be braided using three-strand braids before being tied off with hair ties to finish it off.
Choosing the appropriate thread or yarn makes a big difference in braiding. Stretchy or slippery threads should be avoided whenever possible; pearl cotton thread is an ideal option – available at craft stores often in small packets – that resembles embroidery floss in thickness. Silky smooth mercerized cotton yarns also work, but more will likely be necessary to achieve similar effects.
Once your strands are organized, combine some material from the proper section with the center strand before crossing into the left area.
As you work your way down the braid, use this pattern. Be sure to pick up an equal amount of hair from each section and keep all strands the same length, creating an even and balanced appearance for your braid.
Once your braid concludes, secure it using a non-rubber hair tie (such as an elastic wrap or silk ribbon). Secure it tightly by looping it around several times until tight enough.
To add more flair and depth to your braid, you can pancake or pull apart your twists for an uneven/fuller effect, or add extra hair from either side of your head into the middle section and braid as usual – creating an eye-catching three-strand waterfall braid!
Three-Strand Fishtail Braid
The three-strand fishtail braid, also referred to as a Sinnet, Sennet, or Synet, is one of the most accessible fishtail braid styles to master and is one of the most versatile styles that can be worn casually or dressed up for special events.
To create this style, begin by sectioning off your hair into three even sections and creating clean lines of division with a comb, your fingers, or even rat tail combs. When creating this braid style, ensure the left section is closest to your face while the right team should be further away.
Grip each section with your left hand while using your right hand to gather up small strands from either side of your head and add them to one area at a time – first by crossing over an extra strand from one to another and joining them together into one central piece. Braid until all four sections are added into one main braid section.
As you progress down your braid, try using thinner sections of hair to look even as it gets longer. This will create a delicate appearance for the braid if your locks have fine or silky locks.
Rubenstein notes that using dry shampoo or texturizing spray to simplify styling your hair is another effective strategy, providing lasting style hold throughout the day. She particularly enjoys Oribe’s Dry Texture Spray as an example.
Once your braid has concluded, use a clear or matching hair tie to ensure it blends in without leaving an unsightly mark on your scalp. Rubenstein suggests choosing silk or nylon over rubber as they will minimize breakage.
Once your braid is secure, finish it off by applying some hair wax or pomade for extra shine and gently pulling on its edges to puff it out and smooth down any flyaways.
Two-Strand Fishtail Braid
The two-strand fishtail braid is an elegant style for everyday wear or special events like weddings or proms. Begin with clean and even sections of hair; comb through each section carefully to remove any tangles; divide into three equal sections (left, middle, and right); secure each area using small clear elastics.
Begin your fishtail braid by crossing the left-hand section over the middle section. Add one thin strand from outside the central area onto your right-hand side by moving back and forth between the left and right sides, adding thin strands until your desired length has been reached.
Once you reach the end of your hair, secure it with a clear hair elastic. Loosen it slightly using your fingers for a more relaxed look, just enough so the braid glances are natural. Repeat the same process on both pigtails.
Add texture and interest to your fishtail braid by including pins or beads in its design. Finish it off by spraying some hold hairspray, and you’re set!
Beginning braiders may benefit from having someone assist them as they learn this style. An experienced friend or family member could guide and assist you, helping create an eye-catching braid. Be sure to ask them to monitor tension so as not to pull too tightly and cause breakage of hair strands. Once comfortable with the basic braiding pattern, however, practicing alone becomes straightforward – once mastered, you can experiment with various sizes, shapes, and numbers of strands and combinations, such as fishtail and waterfall braids, for even more unique styles! Enjoy!
