How to Braid Hair Step by Step

Braided hairstyles are simple to do and can be adapted for any occasion, smart or casual. Follow our simple step-by-step guides on how to plait hair…

The fishtail braid

1. Spritz the lengths of your hair with a texturising spray for a tousled effect. Pull your hair back into a high ponytail on the crown of your head, then scrunch the length of the ponytail to add volume.

2. Begin the fishtail braid by separating your pony into two loose sections. Take a small part of hair from the outside of the left section, cross it over the entire left section and add it to the right section of hair, then pull tight.

3. Now take hair strands from the outside of the right section and cross over to the left. Repeat this process down the length of the pony, pulling tight each time.

4. When you reach the end of your ponytail, secure with a hair band and pin any stray hairs in place with hairgrips. Finish by teasing the braid a little with your fingers so it doesn’t look too ‘done’.

The half-up-half-down French plaits

1. Split your hair in two from ear to ear so you have a top and bottom section. Spray volumising dry shampoo on the underneath section to give extra body.

2. Start the first of two French braids by taking a section of hair from one side of the top section of hair. Start a classic three-strand plait, then turn it into a French braid by adding a small section of hair into the plait every time you cross a strand over. Continue to do this every time until your braid reaches the middle of the back of your head. Secure in place with a hairgrip.

3. Repeat step two on the other side of your head. When the two braids meet in the middle, secure in place with a hair band.

4. Tease the braids a little to give the style a more relaxed vibe. Finish with hairspray to set in place.

The braided up-do

1. Start by curling your hair to give added volume and texture. Use a heat-protection spray and curl sections using heated curling tongs.

2. Starting from just above your ear, take a section of hair and part it into three. Begin with a classic three-strand plait, then turn it into a French braid by adding a small section of hair into the plait every time you cross a strand over.

3. Plait hair from the ear down towards the nape of the neck. When you reach the middle of your head, secure in place with a hairgrip. Don’t pull the braids too tightly, though – you want to keep them loose so the finished look is elegant but undone.

4. Repeat steps two and three on the opposite side of your head.

5. If you have any extra hair when you’ve finished plaited, tuck it underneath at the back.

6. Gently tease to loosen hair slightly before using hairspray to fix in place.

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