Studying tips on how to braid hair is less complicated stated than completed. Even the braids which might be purported to be "simple" (whether or not noticed on celebrities or social media tutorials) appear to require some type of hair sorcery or superhuman hand energy. Sarah Potempa is right here to assist repair that.
In case you're not already conversant in Potempa, she's a star hairstylist and founding father of the Beachwaver, the well-known self-curling iron. She's additionally a braid professional. Potempa as soon as accomplished a 365 Days of Braids problem through which she wore a distinct braid each single day for a whole yr. If that's not proof of her expertise and dedication, we don't know what’s.
On that be aware, we requested Potempa to show Glamour staffers her favourite methods primarily based on our hair size and textures. The degrees of issue range from a 1—one thing you most likely mastered at summer season camp—to a 5, that means you've obtained your braid sport on lock. Right here she shares her greatest recommendation on tips on how to braid hair—together with braid tutorials for brief hair, high quality hair, curly hair, and extra.
Find out how to Do a Fishtail Braid
Degree of issue: 1
Time to finish: 5 to 10 minutes, relying on how fancy you need to get
Step 1: Brush out your hair and resolve which aspect you need your braid, then break up it into two even sections.
Step 2: A fishtail is far simpler than it seems; primarily you’re simply bringing a bit of hair from one part over into the opposite. Begin by taking a small piece of hair from one aspect and bringing it over and including it to the within of the opposite aspect. Repeat on the opposite aspect, grabbing from the surface a part of the part every time, and proceed all the way in which down your braid. Potempa recommends preserving your arms proper above the place you’re braiding to maintain it clear, and to not let go of your hair, utilizing solely your pointer fingers to maneuver the hair throughout.
Step 3: Proceed all the way in which down your hair and safe with a hair tie. As soon as the braid is secured, “pancake” it by tugging at small items of your braid in order that they loosen up and create extra quantity.
Step 4: Utilizing the Beachwaver, curl any shorter layers or bangs.
Step 5: In case you have any longer layers that didn't make it into the fishtail, braid them right into a three-strand braid, and tuck and pin it into the fishtail.
Editor tip: "The one braid I can confidently do is a regular three-strand, so even this easy braid felt like a problem. I had a tough begin at first, however as soon as I finished pondering so laborious and simply repeated Sarah's mantra, 'little piece right here, over to the aspect,' in my head, it was simple to jet via the braid." —Bella
Find out how to Do a Dutch Braid
Degree of issue: 5
Time to finish: 10 minutes
Step 1: Separate your hair into three even sections.
Step 2: Create a Dutch braid by braiding the sections in a "left underneath, proper underneath" sample, weaving the left piece of hair underneath the middle piece, then proper piece underneath the middle, grabbing and including small sections of hair every time as you go. (Consider it like an inverse French braid.)
Step 3: Add hair out of your roots as you proceed down the again of your head. Safe with an elastic.
Step 4: If any items from the underside don't match into the braid, merely clip them up towards the center to make it look cohesive.
Editor tip: "As a girl with brief hair, I by no means actually thought sporting braids was an choice for me. I do different stuff, like dye my hair purple, as a substitute. Which, enjoyable reality, this braid actually introduced the colour out greater than a conventional three-strand or French-braid model." —Danielle
Find out how to Do a Entrance Crown Braid
Degree of issue: 3
Time to finish: 5 minutes
Step 1: Divide your hair into three sections by making a clear half on the arch of every eyebrow. Clip all of the hair on both aspect of the center part away.
Step 2: Brush out the center part and prep it with Beachwaver Braid Balm to tame flyaways, after which beginning on the again, Dutch-braid (instructions above) the part towards your face. Don't braid all the way in which down—cease if you get to your brow.
Step 3: Divide the unbraided hair into two sections, and clip one off to the aspect behind your ear. Braid the unfastened part through the use of a three-strand braid, and pin it behind your ear.
Step 4: Repeat on the opposite aspect.
Step 5: Prep the remainder of your hair with the Braid Balm, and do a three-strand braid (all of your hair needs to be braided at this level). Twist and pin the braid right into a bun, both on the again or aspect of your head.
Step 6: Be certain all pins are safe and hidden. Loosen the 2 braids within the entrance to create the cool peekaboo impact.
Editor tip: "I'm not a super-strong braider, so I've at all times had another person braid my hair for me. However how have I by no means thought-about braiding my very own hair ahead, after which making a mini crown? The small Dutch braid is hard to get proper, however after attempting this at house just a few instances, I mastered it sufficient so as to add this braid to my weekly protective-style rotation." —Brionna
Find out how to Do a Headband Braid
Degree of issue: 3.5
Time to finish: 5 to 7 minutes
Step 1: Separate your hair down the center into two equal elements.
Step 2: Beginning with the left aspect, take a handful of hair and separate it into three items.
Step 3: Following the Dutch-braid mantra, "left underneath, proper underneath," including small sections of hair as you go.
Step 4: Proceed braiding round your hairline and safe it on the high of your head.
Step 5: On the correct aspect, create a second Dutch braid (following steps 2 via 4 above) and wrap it round your head on the other aspect, ensuring the 2 meet.
Step 6: Wrap the top across the first braid and pin it in place.
Editor tip: "Determining the sectioning and what to place the place was undoubtedly a battle for me. However Sarah advised me to maintain repeating my 'braid mantra,' which is mainly weaving instructions, and that helped me discover my groove. From there, it was simple." —Julianne
Find out how to Do a Braided Ponytail
Degree of issue: 4
Time to finish: 10 minutes
Step 1: Do a deep aspect half.
Step 2: Taking the correct part, separate your hair into three strands and create a Dutch braid (bear in mind "left underneath, proper underneath") alongside your ear.
Step 3: Pancake the braid.
Step 4: Take a two-inch part on the center of your head (this can be your "Mohawk" half) and do a regular three-strand French braid (proper over, left over, grabbing items as you go) down the center, stopping on the curve of your head.
Step 5: Now, on the opposite aspect, create a two-strand twist and safe with a transparent elastic.
Step 6: Pull all of your hair up right into a excessive ponytail and safe with an elastic.
Editor tip: "That is such a badass take in your typical ponytail braid. Simply make certain to not 'pancake' an excessive amount of, until you don't care about your shorter items protruding far and wide." —Margo
Find out how to Do a Half-Up Crown Braid
Degree of issue: 1
Time to finish: 2 minutes
Step 1: Half your hair within the middle. Taking a one-inch strand from the correct aspect, create a basic three-strand braid. Safe with an elastic.
Step 2: Do the identical factor on the left aspect.
Step 3: Pull the 2 braids behind your head and crisscross them.
Step 4: Pin the braids into place beneath each other.
Editor tip: "Whereas this braid was simple, it was pinning the 2 braids that took some work. Simply be affected person, and possibly recruit a buddy to assist in case you're having hassle." —Jessica
Find out how to Do a Half-Up Braided Bun
Degree of issue: 4
Time to finish: 10 minutes
Step 1: Half your hair into three small sections on the high of your head.
Step 2: Clip the correct two sections down, and deal with the remaining left piece first.
Step 3: Create a small braid, angling it towards the again, however stopping on the curve of your head.
Step 4: Do the identical factor with the remaining two sections.
Step 5: Pull the braids right into a half-up ponytail and elegance it right into a bun. Safe with an elastic.
Step 6: Take any items protruding and wrap them across the bun, securing with pins.
Editor tip: "It's robust to braid my hair as a result of my curls are so spirally. However going gradual and pulling the braids taught helped. I really like this as a strategy to spruce up a bun or ponytail." —Concepcion
Find out how to Do a Low Ponytail Braid
Degree of issue: 5
Time to finish: quarter-hour
Step 1: Half your hair into three sections.
Step 2: Taking the center part (the "Mohawk" part) first, begin a Dutch braid (check with "The Dutch Braid," above).
Step 3: Proceed braiding down the again of your head, ensuring every part is tight.
Step 4: As you proceed down the braid, add in further items from the center part to create a thicker plait.
Step 5: Safe with an elastic.
Step 6: Take the remaining hair from the left and the correct, and begin a second French braid on high of the primary one.
Step 7: Proceed grabbing extra items and end the braid.
Step 8: Safe with an elastic.
Editor tip: "French-braiding the again of your head is tough! Attempt establishing a mirror that means that you can see the braid in any respect angles. I feel this look is very nice for an evening out if you're not sporting a lot make-up—the wow issue of the braid makes up for a clear face." —Lauren
Find out how to Do a Double Facet Braid
Degree of issue: 2
Time to finish: 2 minutes
Step 1: Take a one-inch part at your hairline and separate into three smaller sections.
Step 2: Create a French braid: proper over, left over, including hair from the foundation as you braid alongside your hair line.
Step 3: Safe with an elastic.
Step 4: Subsequent, add a second French braid about an inch behind the primary.
Step 5: Safe with an elastic.
Step 6: Pin again any flyaways or shorter items which might be sticking up.
Editor tip: "That is no-joke really simple. Attempt hiding the little nubs of hair that poke out after they're too brief by protecting them up with some surrounding hair and pinning them down. It seems much more polished." —Erin
Find out how to Do an Upside-Down Braid
Degree of issue: 4
Time to finish: 7 minutes
Step 1: Flip your head the wrong way up. Take a big part and break up it in two.
Step 2: Begin braiding the left part up. Safe with an elastic. Do the identical factor with the correct part.
Step 3: Now, flip your head up, pulling all of your hair right into a excessive ponytail.
Step 4: Twist the ponytail right into a bun and safe with a bobby pin. Carried out!
Editor tip: "The toughest half about this was undoubtedly the upside-down braiding half and never with the ability to see what you're doing. Simply go gradual, and after that, it's a breeze. It's an awesome concept for figuring out!" —Kate