How to Make a Traditional French Braid

1. Start by brushing your hair with a paddle brush to smooth it and remove any knots, then use your fingers to separate a two-inch section of hair from your hairline back to the crown.

2. Use your fingers to divide the piece into three equal sections and begin braiding by crossing the strand in your right hand over the strand in the middle. The right strand should now be the middle strand. Then, cross the left strand over the middle strand. The middle strand should now be the left strand.

3. Keep the hair tight by pulling the sections away from each other and hold the hair that you’ve already braided in your left hand. Use your right index finger to part your hair horizontally, just above your right ear, from your hairline back to the center of your head to form a new right strand.

4. Incorporate this section into the original right section and cross the entire right section over the middle section. While holding the hair that you’ve just braided in your right hand, use your left index finger to horizontally separate the same section of hair as step 3 on your left side. Hold it tightly and incorporate it into the original left section. Cross the left section over the middle section.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 with the next section of hair starting just below your right ear, and then with the section of hair starting just below your left ear.

6. Begin a traditional braid by alternating the right section over the middle, the left over the middle, and the right back over the middle, etc., until only three inches are loose.

7. Secure your hair with an elastic and spritz with hairspray.