If you want two braids, one on each side of your head, then part your hair down the middle. Choose one side to start braiding first. Part the hair on that side into three sections. Try to position the braid just behind your ear for a sleek, chic look.
Pull the sections tight to keep the braid secure. If the braid is too loose, it will fall out. You can always loosen the braid once you tie it off by massaging it between your palms. Try to smooth your hair down with your fingers as you are braiding. This will keep the braid neat.
Try to use a hair tie that matches your hair color: black, brown, or beige/blond. If you have dark red hair, go for a brown hair tie. If you have lighter red hair, use a beige hair tie. If you are doing two braids, then repeat the whole process on the other side of your head.
If it is summer, consider tucking a silk hibiscus or orchid into your braid for a tropical look. In the fall, consider using a clip made from bronze, leather, or wood. If it is winter, consider using a delicate silver clip with clear rhinestones. You can also go festive with a red and green ribbon for Christmas, or a blue and white ribbon for Hanukkah. If it is spring, stick with ribbons, delicate flowers, pastel colors, or bright colors.
You can also use mini claw-clips to hold each section separate.
If you want to do a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the right/left sections under the middle sections instead of over. This will created a “lifted” look for your braid.
If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the right section under the middle section instead of over.
If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the left section under the middle section instead of over.
Try to smooth down each section just after you cross it over. This will give you a neater braid. Try to keep the braid as tight as possible at this point.
If you decide to continue braiding, keep the braid as tight as you can. You can muss it up later, after you have tied it off, to make it look looser.
Let the season inspire you. Tuck a silk hibiscus flower into your braid during the summer. Wear a hairclip made from leather in the fall. Let the holiday inspire you. If it is around Halloween, clip an orange and black bow to the end of your braid. If you want, you can even glue a plastic spider to the center of the bow. Match the decoration to your outfit. If you are wearing an elegant dark blue evening gown with silver embellishments, a delicate silver hairclip with clear/white crystals might look lovely. Match the decoration to the event. If you are attending a school rally or sports event, consider wearing a ribbon in your braid that matches your school or favorite team’s colors.
This side braid works great for shorter hairstyles. [3] X Research source
This method will give you a smooth, flat French braid. If you want a Dutch or reverse French braid, cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over.
If you are doing a Dutch or reverse French braid, remember to cross the outer sections under the middle sections instead of over.
Add a silk flower to your braid for a boho look. The bigger the flower, the better. Consider twisting the rest of the braid into a bun and securing it with bobby pins. You can then tuck an ornate hair comb into the bun. If you did a mini side braid, consider tying the end off with some leather lace and leaving the rest of your hair loose for a boho or elvish look.
